Westminster Weekday Preschool

"I can't say enough good things about Westminster Weekday Preschool. My daughter attended last year and is registered for next year too, and I am an elementary teacher myself. The teachers and administration are so caring and patient, and they helped my daughter when she had a difficult time adjusting. She loves her teachers and her friends. The rates are very reasonable, especially considering the amount of activities and programming WWP offers. The Conscious Discipline approach is a respectful way of teaching children expectations and boundaries while empathizing with their feelings and teaching them to advocate for themselves. We are lucky to be part of the WWP community!"

"WWP is a fantastic school and a phenomenal program for the most formative years of a child's life, preschool. Read on for a lengthy review as to why we chose to send our child to Westminster this year and skip to the last paragraph if you'd prefer a reader's digest version of this decision! 1. The teachers/classroom aids: Not only do all the teachers hold degrees in early childhood they also hold many years of experience with most having longevity at WWP. This does not mean that the school is full of "old dinosaurs" who should retire but rather a staff full of teachers who care about each child enough to continue their own education and enhance their skills within the classroom. This also means that everyone works really well together and creates an environment in which people want to come to work. Here at WWP you will find teachers listening to podcasts to put them in the right mindset each morning. You will find teachers who lead their classroom by the interest of their students and support one another. If you are looking for classes filled with professionals who not only understand the development of the preschoolers but cater to that ever-changing stage while also continuing to find various ways to connect with each and every one of their students on a personal level, then this is the school for you. 2. Front Office Staff: The director, Carolyn, also carries longevity with WWP as both a former teacher for the school and now the leader who evokes a sense of community from the very first meeting. She is so personable and approachable that with each weekly email she sends I often forget that I am hearing from the school director rather than a friend catching me up to speed. The communication from Carolyn, Katie (admin extraordinaire) and Kristi (the OT, yes, another perk having an OT who works with all the classes) is both timely and informative, without overflowing your inbox. The front office staff also works to connect new families by welcoming them to the school grounds prior to the new school year beginning and opening the playground during the summer on Wednesdays to all families. This helps bridge the gap between applying/starting school while helping to familiarize your child with their new environment. 3. Conscious Discipline: If you have never heard of conscious discipline before then look it up because just reading about Dr. Becky Bailey's work and the school family conscious discipline creates will leave you wanting to know more. And you can learn more because WWP also offers a free conscious discipline course that is valuable for both educators and parents alike as it teaches you about the brain while building emotional intelligence in your child and teaching them how to solve problems without shame. This right here was one of the main reasons I chose WWP, because I believe the first five years are pivotal in a child's brain development and I wanted the firmest foundation for my son. I believe this is found in conscious discipline and others have caught on to this life changing philosophy as many schools in/around Alexandria have taken this course through WWP in order to bring Conscious Discipline into their own schools! 4. Parent Community: Another place where longevity comes to play (are you sensing a theme yet) is in the parental community. Meaning some of the parents of current students attended WWP while others have had multiple children attend/graduate from WWP. Again, this may sound intimidating for a new family, but as a family that lives a transient life, not in the immediate neighborhood, I am here to tell you that WWP is not a large clique you never fully feel a part of. From friendly faces at drop off/pick-up to birthday party/play date invitations, we have felt welcomed from the very beginning. 5. Reder's Digest Version: Let me give you my husband's reason for picking WWP "go with the school that provides the snack". That's right all you have to do is drop your child off (maybe with a water bottle depending on the teacher) and know they are both fed and loved while attending WWP!"

"Both of my girls attended Westminster Weekday Preschool. I am so very thankful for this place. The teachers and staff relate so intentionally to the students, guiding them as they learn through the joy and novelty that life as a preschooler invites. The school environment (both in the classroom and on the playground) is built to foster curiosity and enable exploration, with engaging materials and toys frequently rotated. Students learn and implement the tools to process their feelings effectively and relate to others with confidence. And the front office is organized, with clear and detailed communication. What a special place. Infinity stars. Love WWP."

"Westminster is more than a school, it's family. The support, mindfulness, and nurture shown by staff expends school walls. Perfect blend of early education activity with playtime, where my 4-year-old can run, imagine, and create, with friends or independently. My daughter loves every day with her teachers and classmates. She is thriving in her second year at WPP and she has never reported one "bad" day... and she has plenty of opinions! Cannot recommend enough."

"Our daughter attended WWP for her 2s through 4s. Our family is so thrilled that she had the opportunity to attend this preschool. The highlight of this preschool is the people- the teachers, assistants, staff, and director. The teachers’ longevity of service (which is a testament to the health of the school and its strong leadership). The parents are also engaged with the school by participating in school events and serving on the Board of Directors. Things I love about the school: age-appropriate play-based environments (50% of the day is spent outside on the awesome playground), the occupational therapist on staff, Conscious Discipline classes for parents, developing relationships with other parents, fostering community service, and much more! We had no problems entrusting the care and development of our daughter to WWP."