Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Play-Based Preschool in Alexandria, VA
Fort Hunt Preschool was founded in 1962 with a mission to provide a nurturing environment where children learn through play, discovery, and connection to nature. Our cooperative model fosters a strong partnership between parents and educators, ensuring each child receives personalized attention in a historic, natural setting. With over six decades of experience, we prioritize small class sizes, low child-to-adult ratios, and a curriculum that emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional development. Our team of licensed educators holds advanced degrees and participates in annual professional training, reflecting our commitment to excellence in early childhood education.As a parent-run cooperative, we empower families to engage directly in their child's learning journey while maintaining rigorous compliance with Virginia Board of Education standards. Our program serves children aged 2-4, balancing structured activities with free play to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and respect for the natural world.
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Nature-Rich Curriculum
Parent Cooperative Program
Small Class Sizes
Financial Aid Available
Virtual School Tours
Admissions Consultation
Cooperative Learning
Early Childhood Education
Licensed Preschool Program
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We offer a play-based curriculum fostering natural curiosity in a historic setting.
- Our small class sizes ensure individual attention with low child-to-adult ratios.
- We maintain a cooperative partnership between parents and teachers for holistic development.
- Our licensed program meets Virginia Board of Education standards for quality assurance.
- Financial aid options make preschool education accessible to diverse families.
Associations and certifications
- Virginia Board of Education
Services
Play-Based Preschool
Our play-based curriculum supports cognitive, social, and emotional development through nature-focused activities. We emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and respect for the natural world, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention for each child. This approach aligns with research on early childhood learning and fosters lifelong curiosity.
Parent Cooperative Program
Parents actively participate in classroom activities and school governance, creating a collaborative learning environment. This model strengthens family engagement, provides hands-on educational experiences, and builds a supportive community. Parent involvement includes classroom assistance and leadership roles on the Board of Directors.
Small Class Sizes
We maintain low child-to-adult ratios (4:1 for 2-year-olds, 5:1 for older classes) to ensure personalized attention. Small groups allow teachers to tailor activities to each child's developmental needs, fostering confidence and social skills. This structure supports both independent exploration and guided group activities.
Nature-Rich Curriculum
Our program integrates nature-based experiences with traditional early education concepts. Children engage with sensory materials, outdoor play spaces, and environmental observation to develop scientific thinking and physical coordination. The curriculum emphasizes sustainability and respect for natural ecosystems through hands-on discovery.
Licensed Preschool Program
Licensed by the Virginia Board of Education, our program meets rigorous safety, curriculum, and staff qualification standards. Regular inspections ensure compliance with health regulations and educational best practices. This licensing guarantees a structured, accountable environment for early childhood development.
People
Jen-Marie Cavaliere
Director
With 15+ years in early childhood education, Jen-Marie holds degrees in Early Childhood Development and Human Development. She specializes in creating inclusive learning spaces and has led curriculum development at Fort Hunt Preschool since 2012.
Mona Younas
Lead Teacher
Mona brings associate-level expertise in early childhood development and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in education. She integrates current research into classroom practices and has taught at Fort Hunt Preschool since 2021.
Adele Coble
Lead Teacher
Adele has worked in early education and nonprofit sectors since 2017. Her focus areas include outdoor learning, social-emotional development, and cooperative teaching models. She has taught at Fort Hunt Preschool since 2021.
Christine Drumgoole
Teaching Assistant
Christine holds a B.S. in History and Italian Language. As both educator and parent at FHP, she contributes to curriculum development and fosters cultural awareness in early childhood education.
Sarah Hughes
Lead Teacher
Sarah earned a B.A. in Psychology from Syracuse University. With seven years of co-op preschool experience, she specializes in understanding child development across physical, social, and cognitive domains.
Questions
What are your school hours?
2-year-olds: 9:15-11:45 AM (Tues/Thurs). 3-4-year-olds: 9:15 AM-12:00 PM (Mon-Fri). Parent helpers arrive at 9:00 AM for setup.
How do class sizes work?
2-year-olds: 8 students (4:1 ratio). 3-year-olds: 10 students (5:1 ratio). 4-year-olds: 10 students (5:1 ratio).
What age requirements exist?
Children must be 2, 3, or 4 by September 30 for respective classes. We do not accept children based solely on advanced development.
Are teachers qualified?
All staff have education degrees or related experience. Teachers complete 16+ hours of annual training and hold state-mandated certifications.
Is potty training required?
No. We support children's individual timelines for potty training without requiring prior completion.
How is the school governed?
Parent members elect a Board of Directors for policy decisions. The paid Director manages daily operations and staff supervision.
