FAQs

We accept applications on a rolling basis for the current school year as well as future enrollment.  For optimal consideration, we recommend submitting your application before the end of January.  When there are more applicants than enrollment opportunities, Merritt Academy maintains a waiting list. We contact waitlisted families as openings become available based on priority and desired enrollment dates. For some, the wait may be brief. For others, the wait may be longer.

Yes, if you have another child enrolled at Merritt already, you will receive priority consideration. If you are a new applicant family with multiple children, we make every effort to place siblings at the same time as space permits.

Currently Merritt Academy does not offer part-time enrollment. When our full-time program is fully enrolled, we are not able to extend part-time placement.

Yes, for an additional charge, families of Merritt Academy students in K-8^th grade can opt for full day service or select morning or afternoon care options.  Every effort is made to meet the needs of our enrolled students for extended service.

Yes, Merritt Academy offers the option of bus service for students within a short radius of school. Normally routes are established early in the school year. Students seeking bus transportation must be age four or older. There are morning, afternoon and round trip options available. If you provide your address, the admissions office can let you know if service can be provided.

Effective, regular communication between the classroom and your family helps create a positive experience for your child. Depending upon your child’s age, there are several ways our staff keeps in touch with you.  Our early childhood faculty provide a written daily report covering your child’s eating, sleeping, and more. You can expect a weekly schoolwide newsletter as well as a weekly classroom specific newsletter in addition to the opportunity to gain access to a secure class website for photos, information and reminders. You are always able to reach out to your teacher directly as needed. There are parent conferences, written academic progress reports which vary in frequency and detail depending upon your child’s developmental level or grade.

Merritt offers Spanish and French. Preschoolers begin studying both languages, starting with one language during first semester and switching for second semester. In kindergarten and 1st grade, students take both French and Spanish. Students choose their language of choice in 2nd grade. In addition, some ASL is offered in the early childhood program to encourage communication. When students prepare for international week, they discover other cultures and may gain introduction to additional languages beyond Spanish and French.

On our 7-acre campus adjacent to the Accotink Stream Valley Trail, there are three different playgrounds to meet the developmental needs of our infants, toddlers, preschool and school students. Early childhood students enjoy three outdoor play sessions each day for at least 90 minutes of play daily They may also take nature walks or explore our field. Students venture out on covered paths to walk to music or STEAM lab. Our pavilion serves as a perfect outdoor classroom area or sheltered play space in case of rain.  School students, including middleschoolers, play outdoors before school, for half an hour midday, and again after school if staying for extended day service.  Our indoor gym can be divided into two play areas to accommodate physical education class and indoor play in case of extended inclement weather.

Yes, a daily lunch is included in tuition for all students as are snacks in our early childhood program. Students arriving before 7:30am can have a continental breakfast snack if they wish. Milk and water are offered with lunch and during snack.  Early childhood students will be offered as many as four snacks a day if they stay for the full day.

While Merritt regularly offers meat free, vegetarian lunches several days each month, we do not provide a separate vegetarian lunch option. Approximately 40-50% of the lunches are vegetarian friendly. Merritt provides a special menu for infants through K2.

Yes. Families with demonstrated financial need may apply for financial aid. Merritt also offers the Youth Education Scholarship (YES) program.  For YES scholarships, priority consideration goes to students applying to middle school. If YES funds are still available, Merritt Academy will consider qualified upper elementary candidates. YES candidates qualify on the basis of merit, character and need by application. To learn more about YES or download an application.

Yes, our kindergarten through 8^th grade students wear uniforms.  These can be purchased from Flynn O’Hara or Land’s End. Additional items may be purchased from other stores but must match the dress code detailed in Merritt’s Parent Handbook.

Merritt offers a wide range of specialties including STEAM, weekly school library visits, music, movement, character and intergenerational education along with world languages for preschoolers. School students take music, art, computer, world languages, library and PE along with project pals, Genius Hour, and intergenerational experiences.

Merritt offers a wide array of seasonal, age-appropriate extracurricular classes ranging from sports to the arts. Our seasonal quarterly catalog (link to the appropriate page) includes the latest listings.  Private piano instruction is also available. In summer, swimming lessons in our campus pool are among the options for K3 and K4 students.

While we are not affiliated with any single church or religion, Merritt Academy is a Christian school with a strong character education program that appeals to families of varied beliefs and backgrounds. As an award-winning National School of Character, we teach about two values each month and revisit these each year. School students commit to follow our code of courtesy which stresses respecting and honoring traditions and beliefs of all people.