The Merit School provides caring, quality daycare in Fredericksburg VA at the Castle. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The Spotsylvania County community trusts The Merit School at The Castle 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!
The best center that my husband and I could have chosen for our children. The director (Suki) and assistant director (Lindsey) are the most welcoming, compassionate, and trusting people we could have hoped for regarding our children. They go above and beyond for every child in the school and treat our children like they are their own. I have never met two people who are more dedicated to the growth, well being, and success of children of every age. Their communication, attentiveness, and affection have given my husband and I so much comfort that our children will be taken care of and loved.
* 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
Brock Road Elementary
Chancellor Elementary
Chancellor Middle School
Harrison Road Elementary
Salem Elementary
Wilderness 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 have been a welcoming and intriguing landmark on Old Plank Road in Fredericksburg, Virginia since 1988. Our location is convenient to families living in the Chancellorsville, Ashby Woods, Eagle Village, and Bellvue areas. 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 unique and creatively designed facility inspires the imaginations of all the children in our care. 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. The grounds include age-appropriate king-sized outdoor playgrounds and a beautiful on-site swimming pool. Kids love these features, whether they are in our care all the time or just participating in our summer camp program!
Childcare Assistance for Military Families
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
Merit School at The Castle 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 at The Castle 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 interested in preschool / daycare in Fredericksburg VA at the Castle, 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 at the Castle, 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
Lindsey Tones About Me
My name is Lindsey Tones, and I am pleased to be your Director. I have an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Germanna Community College, and I have 18 years of experience in the field. I have served as a Preschool teacher at Merit School at the Castle and Youth Zone teacher at Learning Paths Academy at Leavell’s.
I was born in Texas and moved to Virginia when I was 12. I have two daughters, 15 and 18. My youngest plays softball and is on three different teams. My oldest is expecting a baby girl in December and I am so excited to be a Mimi! I enjoy reading, supporting my daughter with her three softball teams, going to concerts, playing games with my family, and going on new adventures with my friends and our children together.
I chose Early Childhood Education as a career because I love watching a child work on a skill until they figure it out, and once they master the skill, I love seeing the light in their eyes and just watching them grow and learn.
Choosing my favorite part of the day is hard for me. I love reading to classes and having lunch with the children. I love drop-off and pick-up times because of the opportunity to talk to the parents/grandparents and get to know them on a more personal level. I want all the children at the Castle to LOVE coming to school and that includes their parents! I love the idea of our school being a family and I want parents and children to feel safe and heard at the Castle.
I am excited for this new opportunity. My door is always open, and I am just one phone call away if you need anything. Thank you for trusting me with your children and believing in our school.
Assistant Director
Katie Hilderbrandt, AA/Early Childhood Education About Me
Katie Hilderbrandt is the Assistant Director at The Merit School at The Castle. photo coming soon!
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
Child care his very good. Staff give a special heart warming to the children and parents.
H&H GUYETTE
Our son started at Merit School the castle with a lot of separation anxiety, as he wasn’t used to being around other kids. The transition was tough at first, but the incredible staff was so patient and understanding, to top it off the other children are so nice friendly, and well behaved thus making the transition easier for our sweet boy! After just a month, we’ve seen a remarkable change in him! His true personality has blossomed—he's more social, confident, and genuinely excited to go to daycare every day and come back home happy! We couldn't be happier with the care, attention, and nurturing environment the staff provides and not forgetting all their beautiful smiles through the glass windows when we walk through the hallway!😊 UPDATE: While the school started off great for us and may still be a good fit for other families, we had to withdraw our child due to inaccurate updates in the Procare app and him starting to cry again during drop-offs. We prioritize excellent communication regarding our child, and if that is not fully met, unfortunately, we couldn't continue.
Leila Hammond
The best center that my husband and I could have chosen for our children. The director (Suki) and assistant director (Lindsey) are the most welcoming, compassionate, and trusting people we could have hoped for regarding our children. They go above and beyond for every child in the school and treat our children like they are their own. I have never met two people who are more dedicated to the growth, well being, and success of children of every age. Their communication, attentiveness, and affection have given my husband and I so much comfort that our children will be taken care of and loved. I could not imagine Suki and Lindsey not being there to lead this center; the go above and beyond in every aspect of childcare and I am thankful that my children have been touched by them and their love.
Cecily Ridgeway
I am now 33 years old and a teacher myself. I have very great memories of going here as a child and learning so many fun and memorable things!! It will always have a place in my heart! ❤️
rebecca merkli
Absolutely love this daycare! Suki and Lyndsey go above and beyond. Everyone is very welcoming and genuinely care about your children.
Morgan Fitzgerald
My husband and I love Merit School at the Castle. We are so lucky to have a place where all staff care for our daughter and take such good care of her so we can work with peace of mind. If we could give more than 5 stars we would.
Ryan Smith
We really liked this daycare and their staff. We had very few issues and our girls loved going here. They loved the teachers and they had some good friends that they were always talking about once they got home. They were sad when they had to stop going here.
Gabriela Mason
The staff is so kind and well prepared, attentive to each individual needs and protective of all children. The communication with the parents it’s flawless, every teacher knows my son by name and is aware of any event or circumstance impacting his health, mood and little feelings. Every single concern or question I had is always addressed, making us feel comfortable leaving our son at their care. The building and classrooms are clean and organized. The educational component is impressive. Each week a different topic it’s developed through play, lessons and activities encouraging our son to learn at early age and developing a good foundation for his academic experience. Also the school’s involvement with the community helps develop a social conscience from an early age. If I could rate this school 10 stars instead of 5 will definitely do it!
Andrea Gracey
I absolutely love and adore the staff at the Castle! They are so friendly and personable. My experience with them has been fantastic. My daughter was 3 months old when she started attending. Definitely not the easiest experience for any new mother. They made it the easiest transition for me to go back to work. They're great about keeping in contact with me throughout the day. I love the status updates and pictures they send to my email every couple hours. The wonderful ladies definitely cater to each child's individuality!!! My daughter loves the interaction she has with their team and classroom peers! I see them cleaning all the time and washing the children's hands constantly. In my opinion, they do their best to control the germs. I highly recommend this place!... You absolutely get what you pay for, the price is well worth the peace of mind.
Accredited by COGNIA
ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA
