The Merit School of Prince William

Merit School of Prince William

Address:14308 Spriggs RoadDale City, VA, 22193

Ages: 2 1/2 years - 12 years

Hours: 6:30am - 6pm

Phone: (703) 670-9650

Email: princewilliam@meritschools.com

Merit School Prince William Google Map placeholder

The Merit School of Prince William provides caring, quality daycare and private school in Dale City VA. 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 Prince William to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the Dale City area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!

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The Merit School of Prince William: Quick Reference

Features at This Facility

A developmentally appropriate curriculum
A literacy-enriched learning environment
Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds
Field trips
Hot, nutritious meals and snacks
Math, Art, Music, Foreign Language
Secure keypad entry systems
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

Preschool Explorers
PREP – Preschool Readiness Enrichment
Junior Kindergarten
Youth Zone – Before and After School Care
Summer Camp

Private School

Kindergarten
Elementary

Schools Serviced

Ashland Elementary
Kyle Wilson
Saunders Middle School

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 Spriggs Road near Minnieville Road in Prince William 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 campus is a green oasis that provides a child-friendly landscape for learning and fun with tree-shaded playgrounds, gardens and plantings, sports court, playing field, tricycle path, and a covered pavilion.

Childcare Assistance for Military Families

NACCRRA ChildCare Aware affiliated ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA

Merit School of Prince William 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 early childhood and preschool to the crucial school-age years, The Merit School of Prince William 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 Dale City VA, check out our programs below!

Preschool Explorers: Preschool in Dale City, 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 Dale City, 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 Dale City, 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 Dale City, 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 Dale City, 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!

Private School Kindergarten and Elementary (1st – 5th Grades)

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 of Prince William, we offer kindergarten and grades 1 – 5 for elementary school. 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.

Private Kindergarten in Dale City, VA

Private School Kindergarten at The Merit School

Our kindergarten program lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. It combines a stimulating academic curriculum with activities that promote creativity and critical thinking. At this early stage, students engage in hands-on learning experiences that make education both enjoyable and impactful. The Merit School focuses on developing key literacy and numeracy skills, while also emphasizing social and emotional development. This holistic approach ensures that children not only gain the academic skills necessary for future success but also develop a love for learning.

Private Elementary in Dale City, VA

Merit School Private Elementary Education first 1st grade through 5th fifth grade - image of 2024 5th grade class graduates holding Honor Roll certificates.

The elementary education program at Merit Schools emphasizes a safe, nurturing, and academically enriching environment. The curriculum incorporates hands-on activities, cooperative learning, and technology integration to support comprehensive child development. The program includes specialty classes in art, music, and physical education, along with enrichment opportunities and a focus on social skills. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, preparing them for future academic success.

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 Prince William, 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.

Principal

Director


Melita Wright, BA/Sociology
About Me

My name is Melita Wright, and I'd like to introduce myself as your Principal. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Virginia State University, and I have ten years of experience in the field of Education. I've worked as a Montessori Teacher, a Lead Toddler/Two's Teacher, and as a site director for AlphaBest at Porter Traditional School. I am from Woodbridge, Virginia, and I enjoy cooking, candle making, and making new memories with my children. I am the youngest of five, and I have two children, Leela (7) and Shayla (5). I chose to work with children because it has always been my specialty. Since I was a young girl, I've had a special touch with children. My favorite part of the day is when I walk around and say, "Good morning" to all of the staff and children. The smiles on their faces and their warm "good morning" back let me know that I belong here. My motivation to meet the needs of the school is sustained by the fact that I am in my city/county making a difference. I've always felt the need to give back to the community and this is my way of doing so.

Assistant Director

Jennie Rice


Jennie Rice

District Director

Chantel Clayborn


Chantel Clayborn, BA/Organizational Mgmt; M.Ed.


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