About Us

"Character is power." Booker T. Washington

Merritt Academy is one of three sister schools in northern Virginia that are operated by the Sunrise Senior Living Education Foundation. First Steps Child Care Center and Appletree School share Merritt Academy’s dedication to early-childhood education in an intimate learning environment.
Merritt Academy provides care and education for infants through 8th grade students. Our seven acre campus is shared with Sunrise Assisted Living of Fairfax and The Virginian which provides a variety of meaningful intergenerational opportunities for our children. Rigorous academics are enhanced by our values-driven Character Education program.
Merritt Academy also offers a fun-filled summer camp program for kindergartners through rising 9th graders. We have an outdoor in ground pool to provide on-site swimming experiences, and we feature a variety of exciting field trips to supplement the camp activities.
Our caring and dedicated faculty consider each child to be a unique individual with special skills and talents which are recognized and nurtured. Parents are encouraged to work in partnership with teachers and administrators to provide an environment full of rich experiences, lasting relationships and high educational goals.

My teachers have been very patient and helpful which has given me the confidence to take on the challenge of high school and beyond.

Merritt Academy
8th Grade Student