FAQs

Whom do I contact with questions regarding applying, to schedule a tour or to enroll in the school?

• Email the VP Enrollment or call 703-250-6101, select Option 2 on the menu, and leave your name and number for the VP Enrollment to return your call.

Where are you located?

• Our address is 9019 Little River Turnpike Fairfax, VA 22031. We rent our space from the Providence Presbyterian Church on Route 236, between Pickett and Guinea Roads. Here is a Google Map of our location.

Is toilet training required?

• No. Toilet training is not required for any of our classes.

Is parent participation required?

• Yes. Parents co-op in the classroom, have a family job, complete 8 volunteer hours, and participate in clean-up and fundraising activities. View our summary of member responsibilities.

PNS seems like the right fit for our family and my child, except for ... (for example, "we are about to have a new baby and I'm concerned about co-oping," "we can't afford the big payment of tuition and fees at the beginning of the year," or "I'm a single parent and concerned about all the responsibilities" etc.). Should I even apply? 

• As a cooperative preschool, PNS is run by parents, for families. We are all in the same boat of trying to navigate the preschool years with little ones, different family structures, and different financial situations. So we understand that everyone's situation may be a little different- because we are living it too! Please reach out to our parent board members VP Enrollment or President to discuss your particular situation to see how we can make it work for you and your family! 

Are you a licensed pre-school?

• Yes. We are fully licensed by the State of Virginia. Our facilities are regularly inspected by the Fairfax Regional Licensing Office to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding safety, record-keeping and health matters. For more information, please contact the Fairfax Licensing Office at 703-347-6345.

Are you accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)?

• No. To be NAEYC accredited, you must have a director of the preschool. We are a small, parent-run school. We are fully licensed by the State of Virginia (see above) and an active member of the Virginia Cooperative Preschool Council (VCPC).

What is your registration fee?

• Our nonrefundable registration (or application) fee is $100. If you are enrolling multiple children, it is capped at $150 per family.

Do you have field trips?

• Yes. Our 3s, 3/4s, and 4s classes take field trips off school grounds. CDO and 2s do not have field trips.

Do you offer after school day care?

• No. We do not provide any childcare beyond the preschool classes listed on this web site.

Are snacks and/or lunch provided for students?

• No, students bring a nut-free snack from home each day as we are a nut-aware facility. Parents are encouraged to send a healthy snack. For Lunch Bunch, students bring a packed lunch from home.

Do you offer summer school?

• Yes. We offer a two-week summer camp program for ages 3-5 after the end of our regular preschool year. Learn more about our summer camp.

Can you accommodate students with allergies?

• Yes. We are a nut-aware school and work within Virginia State guidelines for storing epi-pens.

Do you administer medication?

• We can only administer epi-pens in life-threatening situations. All requests to store epi-pens at school should be submitted at the time of enrollment. 

What is the difference between the 2s class and the Child’s Day Out (CDO) program?

• The two classes are very similar. Parents co-op or help in the classroom on a rotating schedule in the 2s class. Co-oping is not required in CDO. CDO also generally has a slightly younger group of children as it covers a broader age range from 20-35 months. By the end of the year both groups have accomplished teacher-directed activities and are ready to move on to the next level class.

What is the difference between the 3s class and 3/4s class? What about the 4s class and the 3/4s class? 

• The 3/4s class is for older 3s that are turning 4 by January 31st of that school year.  Because they are older at the beginning of the year, they are expected to be a little more independent and able to follow more structured routines. 

• The 4s in each class follow the same curriculum, and have access to the same materials and opportunities. Both classes spend one day on kindergarten readiness activities. 

• Because our curriculums are play based and child directed, your child will always be learning at their level; just presented in a different way!

• In both classes, the 3s attend 3 days a week, and the 4s attend 4 days. 

• The biggest difference is probably the class schedule: 3s meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 3/4s meet on Mondays (4s only), Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 4s meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.