The Merit School of Braemar

Merit School of Braemar

Address:12700 Correen Hills DriveBristow, VA, 20136

Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years

Hours: 6am - 6pm

Phone: (703) 396-7447

Email: braemar@meritschools.com

NAEYC accredited Accredited by NAEYC
Merit School Braemar Google Map placeholder

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

ON THIS PAGE:

The Merit School of Braemar: Quick Reference

Features at This Facility

A developmentally appropriate curriculum
A literacy-enriched learning environment
Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds
Field trips
Garden
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 Care
Summer Camp

Schools Serviced

Bristow Run Elementary
Cedar Point Elementary
Chris Yung Elementary
Nokesville Elementary
Piney Branch Elementary
T. Clay Wood Elementary
Victory Lakes Elementary

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 nestled in the sought-after Braemar community, located just off Vint Hill Road near Route 28. We are also convenient to Nokesville and Gainesville. Nutritious USDA-approved meals are included* at no extra cost. Transportation to and from area public schools (listed above) is also available.

Our colorful, inviting classrooms are designed to inspire your child’s creativity with award-winning books, enticing toys, and arts and crafts. Our furniture and classroom storage solutions were chosen or custom-built with your child’s safety in mind. This facility also boasts two large playgrounds. One is for our infants, toddlers, and younger two-year-olds. The other one is for our older two-year-olds and up. There is even a covered portico, which allows the children to enjoy the outdoors even when the weather is rainy.

Childcare Assistance for Military Families

NACCRRA ChildCare Aware affiliated ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA

Merit School of Braemar 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 Braemar 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 in Bristow VA, check out our programs below!

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Bristow, 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.

Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare in Bristow, VA

Toddler Explorers

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 Bristow, 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.

PREP - Preschool Readiness Enrichment in Bristow, 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.

Junior Kindergarten in Bristow, 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.

Youth Zone - Before and After School Care in Bristow, VA

Braemar kids-playground-Excellent - Youth Zone 600x600

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 Bristow, 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!

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 Braemar, 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

Lois Hatchett


Lois Hatchett-Pritchett, BA/Psychology
About Me

My name is Lois Hatchett-Pritchett, and I would like to introduce myself as your director at The Merit School of Braemar . I was born in Bronx, New York, and have a B.A. degree from The College of New Rochelle. I have 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education as an Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, and Director. I was very active in the childcare center that both my girls attended.  I was involved on all three levels of leadership in a New York Daycare for the past five years. I enjoy reading, walking, dancing, listening to music, cooking, movies, and alone time.  I am a recently married newlywed (7/16/22) to a nice and supportive husband.  Collectively we have six children ranging in ages from 20 to 35.  I have worked with children from the time I was young.  I have two special needs brothers with Cerebral Palsy, one of whom lives with me and my family. My husband and children have great affection for him and feel honored to care of him. My favorite part of the day is when the children are actively engaged in what they are doing in class.  The look of excitement when they discover something new makes me feel accomplished. I am motivated every day by the children.  As an educator, you always want to know that you are making a difference.    I am often approached by former students when they remind me of ways I have impacted their lives, and for this I am very thankful.  Children are a gift.  I want to thank all the families at my school for sharing their gifts with us.

Assistant Director

Sarah Koekhenmany


Sarah Whealen

District Director

Jennifer Rosa


Jennifer Rosa, MA
About Me

Jennifer Rosa is a District Director for our schools in Lorton, Woodbridge, Manassas, Haymarket and Bristow, Virginia.

Request
Info or
Tour

Join Our Team!