Merit School of Gunston
Address:7752 Gunston PlazaLorton, VA 22079
Ages: 3 weeks - 12 years
Hours: 6:30am - 6:30pm
Phone: (571) 487-7446
Email: gunston@meritschools.com
Accredited by COGNIA
The Merit School of Gunston provides caring, quality daycare in Lorton VA at Gunston. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Fairfax County community trusts The Merit School of Gunston to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Lorton area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!
ON THIS PAGE:
↓ Quick Reference↓ Facility Features↓ Programs↓ Team↓ Reviews
I usually don't write reviews being though I am a busy mother but I wanted to take the time to acknowledge how pleased I am with this school. Ms. Christine and Ms. Hannah are the directors and they both welcomed my family with open arms during Covid! My kids love their teachers. They come home every day and talk highly of their teachers. If you are looking for a daycare that's going to take care of your kids and ensure your kids safety, THIS IS THE PLACE! Thank you for all your continue support!
- Monique K. parent at Merit school of Gunston
Merit School of Gunston is an amazing school. I am the parent of an infant who goes there and I am proud to say that I made the right choice when it came to her care. I love her teachers and all the staff are very nice and attentive to her needs.
- Infant parent at Merit School of Gunston
Merit School Heroes, Thank you for everything you do for our children every day - you make everything possible.
- Kim B., parent at Merit School of Gunston
The Merit School of Gunston: Quick Reference
Features at This Facility
* 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
Schools Serviced
NOTE: The Schools Serviced are subject to change based on number of students enrolled from each public school.
Features of Our Clean, Secure, and Conveniently Located Facility
We are conveniently located off of Exit 163 on I-95, nestled between the Lorton VRE Station and US Route 1 in Fairfax County. We are proud to be accredited by Cognia, the gold standard of early childhood education 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. Our School Age room has a 70″ Interactive Smart Board. Children love our outdoor playgrounds with a splash pad!
Childcare Assistance for Military Families
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
Merit School of Gunston 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 of Gunston 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 preschool / daycare in Lorton VA, check out our programs below!
Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Lorton, VA
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.
Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare in Lorton, 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.
Preschool Explorers: Preschool in Lorton, VA
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.
PREP - Preschool Readiness Enrichment in Lorton, VA
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.
Junior Kindergarten in Lorton, VA
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.
Youth Zone - Before and After School Program in Lorton, VA
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.
Summer Camp in Lorton, VA
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!
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 of Gunston, 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
Heather Hatalosky, MEd/Special Education
About Me
My name is Heather Hatalosky and I'm proud to be the Director at The Merit School of Gunston. I am a former Multiple Disabilities Special Education teacher with over 20 years of experience in education and management. I am deeply passionate about early childhood intervention and have had the opportunity to work across multiple school districts, including Dorchester County School District in South Carolina, as well as Fairfax County and Arlington County Public Schools in Virginia.
I have also had the privilege of working at an International Preparatory School while assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius, where it was an honor to become part of the local community as a teacher from the United States. Additionally, I worked for the Department of Defense Education Activity while living in Seoul, South Korea. During my time in Seoul, I served as Chairperson of the School Advisory Council and was honored to act as the Navy liaison at a local orphanage.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a focus on Adapted Curriculum from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Sociology from Hawaii Pacific University, with a concentration in business and government services. I am very honored to be a part of The Merit School of Gunston community and look forward to partnering with families in the care and education of their children.
I am the proud mother of three adult children—a daughter and twin sons—who were raised and educated both domestically and overseas. Our family also includes two fluffy companions: a small maltipoo named Bolt and a Bengal cat named Tiger, who have traveled and lived overseas alongside us. I enjoy writing short stories about Tiger and Bolt’s many international adventures.
I currently hold a Virginia Real Estate license and enjoy staying up to date in the field. In my spare time, I love running outdoors, volunteering at a local ranch that serves students with special needs, and enjoying a good round of golf.
Assistant Director
Brittnee Selvage
About Me
District Director
Christine Mitchell, BS/Criminal Justice
About Me
Christine Mitchell is a District Director for LLE Education Group.
