Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Play-Based Preschool Programs in Fairfax, VA
St. Aidan's Day School has been nurturing young minds through play-based learning since 1966. As a mission of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, we combine educational excellence with spiritual enrichment, offering programs for children aged 2-5. Our experienced team, including director Lynda Dunne with over a decade of service, prioritizes individualized development across social, emotional, and academic domains.With both structured curriculum and outdoor exploration, we prepare children for kindergarten while fostering lifelong friendships. Our unique programs include music, movement, chapel services, and extended day options, all within a safe, nature-rich environment. Accredited by NAEYC standards, we maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and optimal growth.
Services
Preschool Programs
Junior Kindergarten
Summer Outdoor Camp
Enrichment Classes
Extended Day Programs
Music & Movement
Chapel Services
Library Access
Birthday Book Program
Lunch Bunch
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We implement a play-based curriculum proven to enhance social-emotional development
- Our experienced teachers maintain continuity from classroom to chapel activities
- We offer specialized programs for all developmental stages from toddlers to pre-k
- Our partnership with St. Aidan's Episcopal Church provides unique spiritual enrichment
- We maintain small class sizes to respect individual learning paces
Services
Preschool Programs
Our age-specific preschool programs for 2-5 year olds combine structured learning with free play. Certified teachers implement Virginia Early Learning Standards through hands-on activities that develop fine motor skills, literacy foundations, and social competence while emphasizing outdoor exploration and nature-based learning.
Junior Kindergarten
The extended-day Junior Kindergarten program prepares 5-year-olds for kindergarten success through center-based learning. Daily math, literacy, and science activities complement bi-weekly Spanish instruction and performance opportunities. Students participate in cooking projects, field trips, and specialized music and movement classes while developing handwriting skills through Learning Without Tears curriculum.
Summer Outdoor Camp
Our nature-focused summer camp offers four-day sessions for children aged 4+. Activities include sensory play, outdoor art projects, and nature exploration. Children engage in creative building, watercolor painting, and themed sensory experiences while maintaining daily outdoor routines that reinforce learning through physical interaction with natural environments.
Enrichment Classes
Afternoon enrichment classes extend learning through themed activities for older students. Offerings include creative dance, art club, and Godly Play sessions that reinforce classroom concepts through movement, artistic expression, and spiritual exploration. These teacher-led programs integrate with our core curriculum to provide holistic developmental opportunities.
Extended Day Programs
Flexible extended day options include Lunch Bunch and Stay and Play programs. Children socialize during supervised meals and outdoor play while maintaining structured routines. These programs accommodate working families' schedules while continuing educational engagement through guided activities that reinforce morning classroom learning experiences.
People
Lynda Dunne
Director
Lynda Dunne has served as director since 2022, bringing over 12 years of teaching experience at St. Aidan's. A parent of three alumni, she previously held roles as assistant director and librarian while implementing developmentally appropriate practices aligned with NAEYC standards.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 2-5 with developmentally appropriate programs for two-year-olds through Junior Kindergarten.
Is potty training required?
Children must be fully potty trained by the first day of school for 5-day programs and Junior Kindergarten.
What curriculum do you use?
Our play-based curriculum follows Virginia Early Learning Standards and NAEYC guidelines, incorporating Learning Without Tears handwriting programs for pre-k and JK classes.
Are there extended care options?
Yes, we offer Lunch Bunch (12-1PM) and Stay and Play (1-2PM) programs for eligible students at $14/hour.
Do you have summer programs?
Our summer outdoor camp runs two 4-day sessions for children aged 4+ with nature-based activities and creative play.
What enrichment opportunities exist?
We provide music, movement, chapel services, library access, and specialized enrichment classes like art and dance for older students.
