The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick

Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick

Address:25375 Supreme DrAldie, VA 20105

Ages: 3 weeks - 12 years

Hours: 6:30am - 6pm

Phone: (571) 569-7370

Email: kirkpatrick@meritschools.com

Accredited by COGNIA

Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick Farms Google Map placeholder

The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick provides caring, quality daycare and private school in Aldie VA. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Loudoun County community trusts The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Aldie area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!

ON THIS PAGE:

↓ Quick Reference↓ Facility Features↓ Programs↓ Team↓ Reviews

Highly recommend Merit School! We have been so happy with all of the teachers for many years and the effort, care they show and kindness to our kids everyday does not go unnoticed. The staff goes above and beyond to plan extra events and activities for our kids (during the school year and for summer camps). Our kids enjoy going to school every day. The facility is clean, safe, well maintained and we have been extremely pleased with our experience.

- E Williams, parent at Merit School Learning Center Kirkpatrick

Merit School is amazing! My daughter (3 years old) and son (1 year old) attend and love their teachers and the classrooms. It is a very welcoming environment with kind and caring teachers. My kids love the daily activities and we get updates in the app throughout the day. The teachers and center staff help my kids feel comfortable and thrive at daycare. This is especially important after we had a bad experience at a different local daycare.

- Hillary C., parent at Merit School Learning Center Kirkpatrick

My son is 3 years old now and has been in Merit School Learning Center since he was 9 months old. The care at the infant stage is amazing. The teachers and caregivers work with you constantly to transition them smoothly into a set routine for naps, food. He is loved and enjoys his "school" time. He learns so much. The teachers are well trained and communicate well with the parents. I would recommend Merit School Learning Center to all.

- Manasa P., parent at Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick

→ See All Testimonials

→ See Google Reviews

The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick: Quick Reference

Features at This Facility

A developmentally appropriate curriculum

A literacy-enriched learning environment

Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds

Field trips

Garden

Hot, nutritious meals and snacks

Secure keypad entry systems

Swimming Pool

Transportation to and from area public schools

Winter, Spring, and Summer Camps

* Meals / snacks are not included for children with food allergies. This is the safest approach. Meal / snack exclusions do not affect tuition costs.

Programs Offered

Childcare

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare

Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare

Preschool Explorers

PREP – Preschool Readiness Enrichment

Junior Kindergarten

Youth Zone – Before and After School Program

Summer Camp

Schools Serviced

Arcola Elementary

Buffalo Trail Elementary

Goshen Post Elementary

Hovatter Elementary

Liberty Elementary

Lunsford Middle School

Mercer Middle School

Middleburg Charter School

Pinebrook Elementary

NOTE: The Schools Serviced are subject to change based on number of students enrolled from each public school.

Northern Virginia Magazine Best Preschools 2025 Award - Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick

Features of Our Clean, Secure, and Conveniently Located Facility

We are located in the Kirkpatrick Farms development off Braddock Road in Loudoun County. We are proud to be one of two schools in Virginia that is STEM certified (science, technology, engineering, and math), and fully accredited by Cognia, the gold standard for early childhood education program accreditation. Nutritious USDA-approved meals are included* at no extra cost. Transportation to and from area public schools (listed above) is also available.

Our colorful, well-lit classrooms are designed to inspire your child’s creativity. Our furniture and classroom storage solutions were chosen or custom-built with your child’s safety in mind. In addition, children have access to award-winning books, enticing toys, arts and crafts, and engaging educational activities.

Breastfeeding Friendly Early Care Award

We are proud to announce that The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick has been awarded the Breastfeeding Friendly Early Care Award! This means that we fully support breastfeeding and have a designated room for all our nursing mothers. We want to ensure that you and your little ones feel comfortable and welcome at our center.

Childcare Assistance for Military Families

ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA

Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick is proud to support our military families and partner with the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). NACCRRA’s program, Child Care Aware of America works with U.S. Military members to find and afford child care that suits their unique needs.

More Than Daycare: We Offer Safe and Caring Childcare, Preschool, Before and After School Care, and More!

From infancy through preschool and into the crucial school-age years, The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick is committed to fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Our programs, curriculum, classrooms, play areas, toys, and learning materials cater to a variety of ages and developmental stages. We actualize our “Knowledge, Character, Achievement” motto by placing a strong emphasis on building character and instilling values such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Students learn the importance of cooperation, empathy, and good citizenship through interactive activities and positive reinforcement. If you’re looking for daycare and private school in Aldie VA, check out our programs below!

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Aldie, VA

Infant Care Baby Steps childcare and newborn daycare - baby crawling on colorful, soft mat

The Baby Steps program focuses on the growth and development of infants through nurturing and individualized care. It fosters language development and trust between infants and caregivers with activities like singing, reading, and playing. The program emphasizes real-time communication with parents and uses a literacy-rich curriculum to support infants' social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

Learn More:
Infant Daycare

Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare in Aldie, VA

Our Toddler Explorers program caters to children aged 16-24 months, providing a nurturing and safe environment. Individualized lesson plans, designed by early care professionals, support social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The program emphasizes daily communication with families, ensuring parents are informed about their child's activities and progress. Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to create a home-like atmosphere, with age-appropriate materials and outdoor play spaces to encourage exploration and learning.

Learn More:
Toddler Daycare

Preschool Explorers: Preschool in Aldie, VA

Preschool daycare childcare - smiling child sitting at table eating a peeled orange

The Preschool Explorers program provides a nurturing and creative environment for two and three-year-olds. Children engage in age-appropriate activities such as filling containers at the water table, stacking blocks, and working on puzzles in large, bright classrooms designed to stimulate exploration and learning. The program emphasizes individualized lesson plans, daily teacher-family communication, and the development of social, creative, and self-help skills. Teachers create structured yet flexible schedules that support each child's developmental needs.

Learn More:
Preschool Explorers

PREP - Preschool Readiness Enrichment in Aldie, VA

PREP Preschool Readiness Enrichment daycare childcare - children practicing writing letters on individual chalkboards

The Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP) is designed for three- and four-year-olds to develop essential language, math, and social skills. Using curricula like More Story Stretchers and Count On Math, children engage in group activities that build confidence and foundational knowledge. The program includes STEM learning and social-emotional development to prepare children for future educational experiences. Classrooms are structured to encourage exploration and creativity, with regular parent-teacher communication to track progress.

Learn More:
Preschool Readiness Enrichment

Junior Kindergarten in Aldie, VA

Junior Kindergarten at The Merit School - child placing wooden letters into alphabet board

The Junior Kindergarten program is for four- and five-year-olds who miss the September cutoff for public or private school Kindergarten and who have completed a preschool program. It prepares them for kindergarten by focusing on literacy, math, science, and social studies. Children engage with stories, letters, sounds, and words to enhance literacy, while math concepts are taught through hands-on activities. The program also develops handwriting skills with creative materials and includes technology instruction. Social skills are fostered through interactive play and activities.

Learn More:
Junior Kindergarten

Youth Zone - Before and After School Program in Aldie, VA

The Youth Zone is The Merit School's Before and After School Program - image shows school-age children on the playground at The Merit School of Braemar in Bristow

The Youth Zone provides before and after school care, offering a safe and supportive environment for children during the hours before and after their school day. The program ensures children can spend time with friends in a fun, friendly, and relaxing setting. Activities are designed to keep children engaged and entertained, promoting social interaction and relaxation. This service is ideal for working parents who need reliable care for their children outside of school hours.

Learn More:
Before and After School Care

Summer Camp in Aldie, VA

Summer Camp at The Merit School - kids having fun in swimming pool

Summer Camp at The Merit School makes it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school is out. Our summer camp program begins at the conclusion of the school year and continues through June, July, and August. Outdoor activities are a mainstay of the program, including swimming! We also have camps for winter and spring breaks!

Learn More:
Summer Camp

Private School Kindergarten

The Merit School’s Private School program offers an exceptional educational experience designed to cultivate intellectual growth and personal development in students. Availability of grade levels varies at our locations based on need in the area. At The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick, we offer full-day private kindergarten. Our program is structured to provide a nurturing environment where young learners can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By integrating advanced concepts and a rigorous curriculum, we ensure that each child reaches their full potential and is well-prepared for future academic challenges.

Our Directors, Teachers, and Staff Are Dedicated and Well-Trained

Our team embraces the philosophy of learning in a loving environment by creating a nurturing environment where learning is fun and exciting! At The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick, we are proud to employ a culturally diverse, highly trained, and caring staff. Our teachers and management engage our children in activities and experiences that propel them to grow and learn. These childcare professionals provide a “home away from home” for your child with stimulating social, emotional, and physical learning opportunities.

Director

Farida Mohamed, MA/Education, MA/Business Administration
About Me

My name is Farida Mohamed, and I am honored to introduce myself as your Director. I bring with me more than ten years of experience in early childhood education. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from Helwan University in Cairo, as well as a Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Virginia Tech. Prior to this role, I served as a Graduate Program Coordinator at Virginia Tech and also worked as a high school teacher. I am originally from Egypt and have been happily married for ten years. My husband and I are proud parents of three wonderful children. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, shopping, and, most of all, spending time with my family. My decision to work in early childhood education comes from my lifelong passion for helping children learn and grow. My favorite part of each day is witnessing a child’s smile or the excitement of mastering a new skill. I believe children are our future, and every child deserves the best possible start in life. For me, working in childcare is not just a career but a meaningful way to make a difference—providing children with the foundational skills they need to thrive and succeed. Respectfully, Farida Mohamed, Director

District Director

Erin Kruppenbacker, BA/Early Childhood Education
About Me

Erin Kruppenbacker is a District Director for LLE Education Group.

The Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick Reviews

What Parents Are Saying About Us

Merit School Learning Center at Kirkpatrick4.7

Based on 67 reviews

Saed Davis

We are so grateful for Merit School! The transition to day care was smooth and enjoyable for our daughter, and for us. The staff is caring, transparent, and attentive, and the facility is spotless and welcoming. Our daughter is thriving, and we couldn’t recommend this place more!

Michael & Nadia Williams

We are beyond thrilled with our experience at The Merit School! From the moment we enrolled our daughter, we felt welcomed and valued as part of the school community. The school's director, Farida, has been outstanding. She is incredibly attentive to the needs of both the staff and the families, and it’s clear that she genuinely cares about the well being and development of the children.

Our daughter absolutely loves attending school and eagerly participates in all of the fun and educational activities. It’s so refreshing to see how engaged she is and how much she looks forward to each day.

A special mention goes to her amazing teachers Miss Kerstine, Miss Maryana, Miss Diana, and all the other wonderful teachers she interacts with daily. They are kind, nurturing, and truly make a positive impact on her development. We can see how much care and attention they put into their teaching, and it shows in the way our daughter has flourished.

One of the things we were searching for in a daycare was a place where we wouldn't feel like just another number and The Merit School has truly exceeded all of our expectations. The personal attention, nurturing environment, and commitment to excellence make this school stand out.

I would wholeheartedly recommend The Merit School to any parent looking for a school that offers both quality education and a caring, supportive community. We are so grateful for all the positive experiences and look forward to watching our daughter continue to grow here!

Jordan Jones

We’ve had such a wonderful experience at The Merit School at Kirkpatrick! The staff is warm, caring, and attentive, and they truly treat the kids like family. Communication is excellent and they keep us updated throughout the day, and I always feel at ease knowing my child is in good hands.

Brittany Cohen Badji

We’ve had such a wonderful experience at Merit School. All of the staff and teachers are kind, warm and genuinely care about each child—but they also know how to gently but firmly hold boundaries, which creates a safe and respectful environment for everyone. It’s clear they’ve worked hard to cultivate a warm, open space for learning and growing.

One of the things that stands out most is how every teacher, not just the ones in my daughter’s classroom, takes the time to greet us and learn our names. It really makes you feel like part of a community—like family.

Since starting here, my daughter has learned so much. We’re constantly impressed with her growth, both socially and academically. I couldn’t recommend this place more highly.

Hifza Stanley

We’ve had such a wonderful experience with my son’s daycare! From day one, Farida and her team have been incredibly kind, attentive, and accommodating to our family’s needs. You can tell they really care—not just about the kids, but about creating a supportive environment for parents too.

The facility is always clean and well-maintained, and the pool is such a fun bonus that my son looks forward to every week. I also really appreciate that they have separate playgrounds for different age groups—it gives me peace of mind knowing safety is a clear priority.

Most importantly, my son is genuinely happy there. The activities they plan are thoughtful and creative, and it’s clear they’re designed to keep the kids engaged and learning in fun ways. It’s such a good feeling to drop him off knowing he’s in great hands and having a great time.

Marina Abdelnaeim

My daughter has been attending Merit School for a year now, and I am incredibly grateful for the positive experience she has had. I have witnessed remarkable growth in her since she began attending. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire team for creating such a nurturing and supportive learning environment. You are truly exceptional, and I am so proud to be a parent of a student at Merit School. ❤️❤️👏👏 with the experience.The teachers are absolutely amazing—caring, dedicated, and truly passionate about what they do. My daughter loves going every day, and I’ve seen so much growth in her since she started. Thank you to the entire team for creating such a nurturing and supportive environment. You’re truly the best!❤️❤️👏👏

Parwiz Osmani

I am delighted to share my experience with Merit School Learning Center, where my two children have been attending. From the moment we enrolled, we’ve been impressed with the warm and welcoming environment that fosters both learning and creativity.

The staff at Merit School Learning Center are truly dedicated and nurturing, consistently demonstrating patience and genuine care for each child's individual needs. The teachers are highly professional, engaging, and enthusiastic, creating a positive atmosphere that encourages curiosity and development. Their passion for early childhood education is evident and greatly appreciated.

Special thanks to the director, Ms. Farida, who leads with integrity and a clear vision for providing an outstanding fun based educational experience. Her proactive approach and open communication make parents feel valued and assured that their children are in excellent hands. The leadership at Merit School Learning Center ensures a safe, stimulating, and well-organized environment where children thrive.

Overall, I highly recommend Merit School Learning Center to any parent seeking a nurturing, educational, and trustworthy daycare for their children. It has been a wonderful place for my kids to grow, learn, and make lifelong memories.

Mairam Fakyos

It was the first place for my child and it still is. In fact, it is the most effective place for my child and I see this every day. There is interest and care from all the staff, so I am reassured.🥰

Paul Cavanagh

We have had our son and daughter enrolled at Merit School at Kirkpatrick for nearly two years now. We have nothing but glowing reviews of the staff, care, and education our children have received there. When we joined Merit nearly two years ago, we had just gone through some negative experiences with another school in the area. The other school did not seem interested in working with our daughter who could be fiercely independent and challenging at times. At Merit, the staff and leaderhip (especially the Director) have been nothing but patient, dedicated, and true partners in both of our children's development and success. The children have the opportunity to participate in exciting activities like field trips (e.g., Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum), classes (e.g., dance class or sports), and water-based skills (e.g., swimming). If you're anything like us, your children will spend most of their waking hours during the day at their school, so it is important to find the right fit. I couldn't recommend this Merit School at Kirkpatrick more.

moh kar

We absolutely love The Merit School Learning Center! The staff is incredibly caring, patient, and professional.
They create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe and excited to learn.Thank you Ms. Farida and Ms. Aberr for being such a kind and caring person for all my kids and to our family. We really appreciate you! The administration, staff and teachers are kind and friendly we are grateful for everything they do for our children, but MS. Safaa Zaki and Ms Christine Takla deserve a special mention for their care they provides for my infant!
My children has grown so much socially and academically since starting here. The daily updates and open communication give us peace of mind, and it's clear the team truly loves what they do. Highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a trustworthy and enriching place for their little one! THANK YOU THE MERIT FAMILY!!!