Merit School of Stafford Lakes
Address:251 University BlvdFredericksburg, VA, 22406
Ages: 3 weeks through school age
Hours: 6am - 6pm
Phone: (540) 286-3655
Email: staffordlakes@meritschools.com
Accredited by COGNIA
The Merit School of Stafford Lakes provides caring, quality daycare in Fredericksburg VA at Stafford Lakes. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Stafford Lakes community trusts The Merit School of Stafford Lakes 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!
ON THIS PAGE:
↓ Quick Reference↓ Facility Features↓ Programs↓ Team↓ Reviews
The Merit School of Stafford Lakes: 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 on University Boulevard between Village Parkway and Stafford Lakes Parkway, just off Route 17 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 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. Children love our outdoor playgrounds!
Childcare Assistance for Military Families
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
Merit School of Stafford Lakes 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, Montessori, Before and After School Care, and More!
From infancy through preschool and into the crucial school-age years, The Merit School of Stafford Lakes 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 Fredericksburg VA at Stafford Lakes, 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.
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.
Junior Kindergarten in Fredericksburg, 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.
Montessori in Fredericksburg, VA
Our Montessori program helps children aged three to five develop their full potential in a nurturing environment. It features self-paced learning with specialized materials, fostering independence, confidence, and a love for learning. The program includes sensory education, mathematics, cultural studies, creative arts, literacy skills, and practical life activities. It encourages parental involvement and prepares children for future academic success by promoting self-motivation, character development, and respect for all life.
Youth Zone - Before and After School Care 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 in Fredericksburg, 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 Stafford Lakes, 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
Jennifer Rader, AS/ECE, AA/Arts, CDA
About Me
Assistant Director
Melissa Miller
District Director
Christine Mitchell, BS/Criminal Justice
About Me
Christine Mitchell is the District Director for District 2, serving Stafford and Fredericksburg, VA
The Merit School of Stafford Lakes Reviews
What Parents Are Saying About Us
I enrolled my kids because I actually went here when I was a kid and some of the teachers I had are still here so I knew I could trust it. My daughters love their teachers and playing with their friends!
- Tiffany D., parent at Merit Stafford Lakes
Having my daughter go to this school for her pre-k /summer camp was the best decision i ever made , her teachers the staff are incredible and kind and loving. My daughter learned so much and had so much fun !
- Rebecca C., parent at Merit School of Stafford Lakes
I enrolled my kids here because I actually went here when I was a kid and some of the teachers I had are still here so I knew I could trust it. My daughters love their teacher and playing with their friends.
- T. Daniels, parent at Merit of Stafford Lakes