The Merit School of Leeland Station provides caring, quality daycare in Fredericksburg at Leeland Station. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Stafford County community trusts The Merit School of Leeland Station to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Fredericksburg area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!
"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning." -Brad Henry
Thank you for taking a special interest in our daughters and our family. We are forever grateful.
- Michelle and Jarrell G., parents at Merit of Leeland Station
Thank you so much for running an amazing program at The Merit School. We are so happy to see our son grow and excel and we can attribute that to your guidance and support!
- Theresa M., parent at The Merit School of Leeland Station
We are so thankful to have found such a loving, caring staff at your school. Your firm but gentle leadership seems to be just what the children need to be safe and feel loved.
The Merit School of Leeland Station: Quick Reference
Features at This Facility
A developmentally appropriate curriculum
A literacy-enriched learning environment
Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds
Art, Music, Foreign Language
Field trips
Heated Infant Room Floors
Hot, nutritious meals and snacks
Secure keypad entry systems
Splashpad
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
Conway Elementary
Falmouth Elementary
Ferry Farm Elementary
Grafton Village
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 located on Primmer House Road, near the Leeland Road VRE Station. 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.
Also convenient to Falmouth and Bel Air, Virginia, our facility boasts large, bright classrooms that are designed to inspire your child’s creativity. Our infant rooms have heated floors. Our furniture and classroom storage solutions were chosen or custom-built with your child’s safety in mind. Children love our outdoor playgrounds and splash pad!
Childcare Assistance for Military Families
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
Merit School of Leeland Station 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 Leeland Station 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 Fredericksburg VA, check out our programs below!
Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg, 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.
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 Fredericksburg, 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 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 Leeland Station, 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
Ashley Parker About Me
My name is Ashley Parker, and I’m thrilled to serve as your Director here at The Merit School of
Leeland Station. I bring 13 years of experience in the early childhood education field, along with
my CDA and ongoing studies toward my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at
Germanna Community College.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of growing in many roles—AM/PM
Supervisor, Preschool Lead Teacher, Assistant Director—and each step has
strengthened my passion for supporting children, families, and staff.
I’m originally from Woodbridge, VA, and outside of work you can usually
find me reading or shopping. I’m also a proud mom of two—my daughter
loves soccer and basketball, and my son enjoys football. As a family, we share
a big love for Carnival cruises and any opportunity to explore and make
memories together.
I chose to work in early childhood because I believe deeply in the potential to make a lasting
impact in shaping young minds. My favorite part of each day is walking into work, stepping into
the classrooms, and having real conversations with the children. Being a positive role model in
their lives is truly the most rewarding part of what I do.
I’m also motivated by the relationships we build; with families, by connecting them to resources
or simply offering a listening ear, and with staff, as we work together to create an inclusive,
supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
I’m excited to continue this journey with you and look forward to building strong partnerships that help every child thrive.
Respectfully,
Ashley Parker
Director, The Merit School of Leeland Station
Assistant Director
Samantha Pagnella, AA/Early Childhood Education About Me
Samantha Pagnella is the Assistant Director at The Merit School of Leeland Station.
District Director
Jeaninne Kroll, Business Management Degree About Me
My name is Jeaninne Kroll, and I am honored to step into the role of District Director with LLE Education Group. I bring over 20 years of multi-site leadership experience across early childhood education and retail operations, most recently overseeing licensed childcare centers and before- and after-school programs across Virginia. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about building high-performing teams, strengthening program quality, and creating cultures where every teacher feels valued, supported, and able to make a meaningful impact on children and families.
My leadership is shaped deeply by my personal journey. I was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, and at 22 years old, I came to the United States with a suitcase and the determination to build a better life. That leap of faith taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of leaving a positive mark wherever I go, values that continue to guide me in my work today.
I have been married to my husband, Jeff, for 28 years, and together we have two wonderful daughters, Julia and Jaden, along with our two Boston Terriers, Jamie and Daisy-Jay. (A fun fact: all our names start with “J”, even the dogs!) When I’m not working, I love playing piano, ice skating, reading, and spending time with my family. I also have a deep love for Christmas, so much so that I typically set up at least seven Christmas trees in my home, a tradition rooted in my childhood, when the holiday brought so much joy to an otherwise difficult era.
Professionally, I am most fulfilled when I am developing leaders, supporting strong center cultures, ensuring safe and high-quality environments, and helping teams achieve their goals. I love winning, but even more, I love watching teams win together. I’m thrilled to bring that same passion and energy to LLE Education Group, and I look forward to learning from all of you, supporting your work, and contributing to the success of our programs and communities.
I’m truly grateful to be here and excited for the journey ahead.
Jeaninne Kroll
My husband and I could not be happier with this preschool program! The entire Merit staff has been kind, warm, and welcoming. But my child’s teacher (Ms. Raven) and teaching assistant (Ms. Ray) are in a class all their own! We feel extremely fortunate to have our son in their class. They are incredibly loving, patient, and attentive, and it’s clear they truly adore the children they care for. They go above and beyond every day—not just supervising, but genuinely engaging with the kids, encouraging them, and comforting them when they are upset.
In just one month, we’ve seen amazing growth in our 2-year-old—his confidence, communication, and independence have all blossomed. They also supported us with his potty training, and within a week he was diaper-free! They’re incredible at helping him settle down for naps, which has made a huge difference. He’s even napping on weekends again since starting here!
Ms. Raven and Ms. Ray are fantastic at understanding each child’s personality and needs, and they tailor their approach so thoughtfully. We especially appreciate how much art and outdoor time the kids get every day. He comes home excited to show us what he’s created and happily talks about playing outside with his friends.
We feel so lucky to have found such a loving, enriching place with truly exceptional educators.
Meagan Starnes
We love The Merit School! Our daughter is doing so well in their preschool program. She adores her teachers and talks about them all the time at home. She’s learning so much and is excited to go to school each day. Our baby recently started in the infant room and the transition has been seamless. The teachers are so kind, patient, and caring — it gives us so much peace of mind. Communication from staff is excellent, and we always feel informed. One of the things that means the most to us is how everyone knows both of our girls by name and greets us warmly each day. It truly feels like a community.
Theresa McGhee
My children have attended this school for nearly 10 years. Throughout this time, the teachers in each classroom are genuine and supportive. There have been occasional changes with the teachers due to staff turnover, but each time it was a seamless transition where my kids never felt the heat of it. I think that speaks to the quality of leadership at the school, which is Ms. Ashley (a tenured staff) and Ms. Samantha. Ms. Gail, Ms. Gayle, Ms. Shanika, Ms. Resa, Ms. Josie, Mr. Jake, and Ms. Toni have been an integral part of my children's development and my kids are successful because of them.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago and most people know what impact that has on the family dynamic. I was worried about my children and their adjustment to this stressor, but Merit School truly showed up when our family needed it the most (and they continue to do so).
My youngest is in her final year of preschool and is in the Junior Kindergarten-E class. This classroom has a smaller student ratio and is designed to prepare the students for their transition to Kindergarten. Ms. Ashleigh is the teacher for this class and I am floored at the amount of progress my youngest has made. She's reading sight words, completing math problems, playing, and learning life skills. I wish Ms. Ashleigh could follow us for all grade levels, but she is setting the tone and standard for what we can expect in Kindergarten. She is innovative in her lesson plans, motivates the students to be great, and makes it a fun and welcoming environment. Anyone with experience in education knows that there are teachers who just show up for the paycheck. Ms. Ashleigh is truly a top early childhood educator and I consider our family very fortunate to be a part of this program.
Jennifer Andino
The office staff is very friendly, and the infant teachers are kind and loving.
Kelly Krause
We loved being in Miss Ashleigh and Miss Gail's class! They are both so sweet to our kiddo, and he gets so happy to see them every morning! He has learned so much, and he has thrived with them providing a consistent routine and engaging activities every day. All of the support staff have also been fantastic, and it is obvious that they all love working with the kids.
Zachary Schwartz
Infant Care has been excellent at the Merit School. My wife and I genuinely appreciate the time and attention invested in our kiddo. The Baby Steps team is 100% dedicated to helping their kids thrive!
Tiffany Proulx
As first time parents, we were nervous about having to put our baby in a daycare at three months for return to work obligations, but cannot even begin to express how much we have fallen in love with the Merit School! The facility is clean and welcoming, everyone is so very friendly, and we immediately felt that our daughter was not only well cared for, but loved by very obviously experienced caregivers. The teachers in the Baby Steps classroom have gone above and beyond to make sure our baby’s needs are met as well as prioritizing and supporting her development! Our pediatrician is shocked when we tell her about some of the things baby is doing at “school” and how well she’s hitting her milestones, even as a first percentile baby. We have years left before graduating from the baby classrooms, but are already heartbroken over the thought of her leaving her current teachers. Can’t recommend Merit School at Leeland station enough!
Robert D
We absolutely love The Merit School at Leeland! The facility is always spotless, creating a safe and healthy environment we can trust. The staff goes above and beyond to plan creative, engaging activities that spark our child’s curiosity and development every day. Everything is so well-organized—from daily routines to communication with parents—which gives us such peace of mind. Most importantly, the employees are truly passionate about what they do. You can see the love and dedication in every interaction. Ms. Ashleigh is a delight and we are so thankful she was our kiddos teacher! The director and assistant director are great. They are readily available and listen intently. Our child is thriving, happy, and excited to go each morning. We couldn’t ask for a better place. Highly recommend this daycare!
Jarren Harvey
Miss Ashley has really helped my child become more sociable and learn self control. She has accelerated her maturity. She looks forward to school every morning and sometimes doesn't want to leave when picked up!
James Short
My daughter and son have been going here for almost two years and it’s been great. I’ve had a great experience with every teacher my children have had. This place really cares about the well being of your children.
Accredited by COGNIA
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
