Merit School of Stafford

I love the Merit School of Stafford my children have attended the school for several years. We have done preschool, jr. kindergarten, and kindergarten. My son loved the all the teachers. He had the best experience in the Kindergarten program with Mrs. Karr. He was able to learn so much, he is more than prepared for public school. The Before and After staff was great to both of my kids. The office staff was always able to help me and support my family.
—Submitted by a parent

Idid not like the kindergarden teacher nor after care staff. I would have never sent my child here anymore.Im not the only one who feels this way. Im glad to see another reveiw thats on the same points as me and my child are. I would also say dont go
—Submitted by a parent

The Merit School has wonderful teachers and a good curricula -- and the before and after program is great as well. As with any other school, your child's education here really hinges on the bond that your child forms with his/her teacher and how involved you are as a parent in his/her school life. But, all of the teachers really seem to care, and reach out whenever possible (not jus when necessary). The Assistant Director is great, organized, and really makes families and their kids feel like a part of the "family". You always know where you stand with her. The Director on the other hand, is sort of a train wreck. Disorganized, unprofessional, and even slightly off-color at times. If you can live your "Merit" school life without having to really deal with her, you'll love it.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school from teachers that really care. If I was not moving from the area, I would enroll my younger daughter into the program. Do not miss the opportunity for a great foundation at Merit.
—Submitted by a parent

I went for a tour and was taken aback at the fact that the school is along a busy large road (Garrisonville) and yet the fence is only about 3 feet tall and not locked. The classrooms are actually trailers and the trailers have been there for 20 years. A real turnoff.

An amazing school. I was skeptical sine my son had behavior issues n 2 other schools. The school worked ith him and us and he has been doing GREAT in his higher grades. My daughter just went through 3 years and I don't think we oculd have had a better expereince. I am sad that she has graduated kindergarten. I will deeply miss all of the families and staff who are like an extended family in the close knit school. The education was better than I hoped for and the kids really like the low turnover rate. Each summer they know everyone and can't wait to see all of their friends. I thought my son had outgrown the school but he loves going back fro summer camp.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been going to The Merit School in Stafford for 2 years (Preschool & Jr. Kindergarten). Before going, she was shy & quiet-not quite 'out of her shell'. We noticed a difference within the first month of Preschool, she was talkative outgoing, and learning in their structured environment. Ms. Pickle (Preschool) and Ms. McVickers (Jr. Kindergarten) are dedicated and focused in their mission to teach, setting 'their kids' on the right path of not only learning, but also seeking knowledge. I know that when my daughter got to a public school next year for Kindergarten, she will be ahead of 'the pack' because of the dedication of Principal Dolan and her staff. I would walk up to parents (of toddlers) that I do not know, and tell them of the benefits of sending their kids to The Merit School.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that he Merit School is a wonderful place for your children to start their education...the teachers are great and the principal has an abundance of patience. It's a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the Merit School is awesome. My daughter went to Jr. Kindergarten there last year and she had an awesome experience. She was on her way to reading when she graduated. She is now in Kindergarten, and she is at the top of her class. My son is currently in the Preschool program and he loves it. I have seen a dramatic change in his social and academic abilities since starting there. There are a couple of children in his class who are writing their names and showing interest in reading. This school not only focuses on academics, but extracurricular activities as well. This year, they are able to participate in Spanish, Music, and Rizmu (which is a movement class) once a week. This school is definitely worth the money. The teachers and staff are very knowledgeable and truly love the children. Your kids will have a wonderful experience here.
—Submitted by Lakesha Davis, a parent

My oldest child just graduated from fifth grade. My youngest will begin soon. We began in Kindergarten. Mrs. Wagner was absolutely wonderful. She gave our child a great start and a love of learning. This continued throughout all of the grades. What was so unique was the caring environment and the individualized curriculum. The academic programs are outstanding. Spanish, music, computer, and Physical Eduation classes are part of the curriculum for every grade. There are no extracurricular acctivities - such as sports- but there is a very good before and after program. The school's hours are 5:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. - which helps if you work in the D.C. metropolitan area. There is also an organization called P.A.T.S.(Parents, Administration, Teachers,Students) which helps the whole family get involved in the school. Harvest Night, Field trips, Science Fair, and the Writer's celebration are also a part of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Recently went to the school to assess it; very impressed with the staff and the commitment to children. Class size is small, giving children personal attention to their needs. Enrolled our child for the coming school year, in Sept 2005. Class sizes range from max 11 in the PreK class, to 16 in the 1st-5th grades. After PreK the children also wear uniform.
—Submitted by a parent

The name is now Merit School. My son is in the fifth grade and my daughter is in the second grade. Awesome academic program and outstanding teachers. They do this because they love their career. My son is in the top of his class. Small classes. For instance, my son's class has a total of seven students. They have a music program. Unfortunately the facility does not have an indoor area for physical activity, so they are outside doing the PE. But they periodically take field trips to some Gym. Also their is not any sports (organized team) or extracurricular activities. We have ours enrolled through the county for this. If you are looking for an academically sound and challenging school. This is it.
—Submitted by a parent