Mission and Philosophy

St. John Neumann Preschool serves as a ministry to the Parish Community by working closely with families to build strong connections to their faith and church community. We provide a loving and nurturing environment in which Catholic values are taught and integrated into the daily life of our young students. St. John Neumann Preschool operates under the direction of the Arlington Diocese Office of Catholic Schools. We follow the Virginia Catholic Education Association’s guidelines for Early Education Programs, and are licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia. We strive to help form and develop each individual’s God given gifts by providing a developmentally appropriate, Christ centered environment, where children learn through play and interaction with peers and teachers.

A Catholic early childhood program develops a love of Jesus and knowledge of the presence of God in the lives of the children it serves.  Within a Christian community they learn to appreciate and act on the values of kindness, love, joy and concern.  A growing and learning experience is provided in a Christian community – beginning with the home and extending to the school – which helps the children relate positively to the world around them. Virginia Catholic Education Association Childhood Philosophy

Curriculum

Our half-day preschool program is designed to prepared young children for their educational future. Early literacy and mathematics materials are used in all classrooms. Additionally, our unique location, backed by acres of woods, provides students with hands-on exploration of God’s creation and novel ways to explore the wonders of STEM learning. Age-appropriate elements of religious education are incorporated into monthly themes, and all classes attend monthly chapel time. Play is also encouraged, as all forms of play promote cognitive, social, and emotional opportunities to learn. The Preschool follows curriculum guidelines provided by the Arlington Diocese Office of Catholic Schools.

Optional Before Care is offered from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. The cost is $12 per session.

Optional Lunch Bunch is offered from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per session.  

Parent-Teacher conferences are held twice per year, and our teachers and director are available to speak with parents throughout the school year as needed.

Health and Safety

The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Fairfax County Health Department require that health forms with current immunizations be submitted to the preschool at the beginning of each school year.

Students enrolled in the Tuesday/Thursday 2 ½- and 3-year-old combined class do not need to be fully potty-trained. Students in all other classes must be fully potty-trained.

Classes Offered 2024-2025

2 ½- and 3-year-olds combined

• Eligibility: Children must be 2 ½ by October 31, 2024*
• Days: Tuesday/Thursday
• Time: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Monthly tuition: $240

*New Change to Age Eligibility for the 2 ½-3-year-old (Lamb) Class! Due to recent changes to Virginia Licensing Standards, we are now able to offer the Lamb class to children who turn 2 ½ by October 31, 2024, instead of September 30. Those children will be able to attend class once they turn 2 ½; for example, if your child turns 2 ½ on October 15, he or she will be able to join the Lambs class on October 15. This change is not reflected on any of our enrollment forms, as it is a newly adopted policy. Please note, September and October tuition will still need to be paid in order to hold the spot, and we cannot extend further than October 31.

3-year-olds

• Eligibility: Children must be 3 by September 30, 2024
• Days: Monday/Wednesday/Friday
• Time: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Monthly tuition: $330

4-year-olds/Pre-K

• Eligibility: Children must be 4 by September 30, 2024
• Days: Monday through Friday
• Time: 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Monthly tuition: $510

A $100 registration fee is due at the time of enrollment. The new family registration fee is $125. There are nine monthly tuition payments. The first payment is due on June 1, 2024 (or at registration if registering after June 1st). The remaining eight payments are due the first of each month, September 2024 through April 2025.