St. Joseph's preschool focuses on each individual child, helping meet their needs in the most developmentally appropriate environment possible. The environment both inside and outside is equipped with materials young children require in order to grow not only academically but physically, intellectually and emotionally.
The staff at St. Joseph's preschool have established a truly child centered learning experience based on the belief that "hands on learning and experience is the best way to teach." It is the school's mission to continue the legacy set forth by its founders and continue to provide affordable child-care.
The staff at St. Joseph's preschool have established a truly child centered learning experience based on the belief that "hands on learning and experience is the best way to teach." It is the school's mission to continue the legacy set forth by its founders and continue to provide affordable child-care.
Services
St. Joseph's is located in the heart of Falls Church City, near the W&OD trail. We have five classrooms and serve children two through PreK. Our philosophy is centered around the belief that young children learn through play and that a creative curriculum is the best approach to education. At St. Joseph's our teachers embrace an emergent curriculum and are given the opportunity to use their children's interests as a guide for their lessons.
The primary mission of St. Joseph's Preschool is to offer a safe, warm, and loving environment in a preschool setting where children can explore and learn. St. Joseph's believes that each child needs a strong foundation to build upon and we do our best to help each child establish such a foundation.
The Sisters of the Missionary Servants of St. Joseph under the Columbian Province originally founded St. Joseph's Day Nursery and Kindergarten in 1957. With the permission and assistance of Former Bishop Peter L. Ireton, three young Sisters left their home country of Spain and came to Falls Church, Virginia to open a Day Nursery.
We have currently modified our classrooms to make them more developmentally appropriate. There are separate areas for Dramatic play, Literacy, Building blocks, Analytical skills, Art, and Fine and Gross Motor skills. Religion is also offered. St. Joseph's also boasts a large fenced-in playground with areas of play for all age groups.
After enrollment, parents will be provided with additional forms about what to bring to school, an event calendar, a school closing schedule and other additional forms. Families are welcome and encouraged to schedule play dates at St. Joseph's prior to their child's first day of school to assist with their transition into the environment.
Reviews (12)
M. Rawaan
Jan 22, 2019
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Flor R.
Dec 20, 2017
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I don't usually write reviews, but I would like to give my opinion on Saint Joseph preschool. I was hired while I was completing my undergrad degree . I worked there for five years and the director and owner were so accommodating to staff. I was lucky enough to work in every room. If you decide to come to
Saint Joseph, you will not regret your decision. I would also like to address the other reviews about the school having bullying and including the director name. When writing reviews, it's not appropriate to write the names of the people involved because it could lead to defamation
Saint Joseph, you will not regret your decision. I would also like to address the other reviews about the school having bullying and including the director name. When writing reviews, it's not appropriate to write the names of the people involved because it could lead to defamation
Fabiola J.
Sep 04, 2015
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My son just finished his preschool year at St Joseph. After having been at daycare for 4 years with the same provider I was very nervous. St Joseph exceeded all my expectations from day 1. Mrs Das was my sons teacher and although she left mid year she was excellent. Ms Marian was the assistant teacher and she was great too. Later Mrs Damaris joined and we loved her too. From the chapel teacher Ms Paula, the cafeteria chef, Mrs Cinzia, everyone was great. They definitely prepared my son well for kindergarten and gave him lots of love, learning experiences and fun times. Thank you St Joseph! I will
Chris A.
Aug 27, 2015
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Our two boys recently finished preschool and very much enjoyed their time at St Joe's. They both loved all their teachers and friends over their combined four years there. We found it to be an excellent preschool. It is extraordinarily convenient and well run, and both of our kids learned a lot. The staff was kind and nurturing, and they go out of their way to provide both education and fun special events (magic shows, field trips, holiday performances, etc.). The tuition is very reasonable, especially considering that they are open long hours all year round, and they provide breakfast, lunch
Ed S.
May 13, 2015
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LORD OF THE FLIES
St. Joseph's was run by nuns several years ago but was bought by an independent businessman recently. My wife and I came to the school based on a recommendation from a friend. We had a terrible experience and ended up pulling our three year old daughter out after less than six months. In that time we ran into incidents of hitting, slapping, and general bullying. We still have a collection of incident reports where our daughter was hurt in some way. On days that I was there dropping off, I observed teachers who were so overworked and overwhelmed by the sheer number of
St. Joseph's was run by nuns several years ago but was bought by an independent businessman recently. My wife and I came to the school based on a recommendation from a friend. We had a terrible experience and ended up pulling our three year old daughter out after less than six months. In that time we ran into incidents of hitting, slapping, and general bullying. We still have a collection of incident reports where our daughter was hurt in some way. On days that I was there dropping off, I observed teachers who were so overworked and overwhelmed by the sheer number of
Kate Viggiano Janich
Oct 24, 2014
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I'm surprised there aren't reviews yet. St. Joseph's has been absolutely wonderful so far for our son. They communicate often with us. They hold fun events that make me wish I was back in preschool. The teachers and staff are caring and supportive, but they also tell you when your child has any issues. I appreciate their honesty, because then it helps us know what we need to work on. My son loves his teachers and has made wonderful friends. He is already spelling some things out and can write his name just a few months after starting (he's 3 1/2). Their curriculum is interesting and organized,
Susan K.
Aug 23, 2013
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I can't say enough good things about St. Joseph's. When I enrolled my daughter, my biggest hope was for her to learn some more social skills since she had not previously been to day care. To say my expectations were exceeded would be a huge understatement. Her writing, vocabulary, etiquette and overall experiences have blossomed by being at St. Joe's. I wish she could stay there for elementary school. I love the teachers and the fact that so far there seems to be very little turnover (my daughter has been there about 15 months and we did not experience any turnover). There is
Ellen V.
Dec 10, 2012
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It's been over 2yrs since this school was reviewed and I had to write an updated review about this amazing little school.
St. Joseph's is the quintessential old-time play-based preschool. You won't find slick, shiny high tech learning tools. Instead, you'll find children's artwork on the walls, teachers that know the names of every kid in the school and a school handbook that tells you to send your kids dressed to PLAY! Make no mistake though, there is a lot of learning and development taking place every single day.
The director has now been there for about 3yrs and
St. Joseph's is the quintessential old-time play-based preschool. You won't find slick, shiny high tech learning tools. Instead, you'll find children's artwork on the walls, teachers that know the names of every kid in the school and a school handbook that tells you to send your kids dressed to PLAY! Make no mistake though, there is a lot of learning and development taking place every single day.
The director has now been there for about 3yrs and
Suzanne R.
Sep 15, 2010
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I just returned from a tour of St. Joseph's Preschool and after reading Christina C.'s review, I felt compelled to write a review of my, albeit brief, experience while I was there.
I did my research before approaching St. Joseph's Preschool with the Virginia Department of Social Services. St. Joseph's is a LICENSED preschool. They one minor violation in the last 6 months (just 1!!!), but nothing that my current day care provider hasn't already dealt with. Christina C.'s review indicates that St. Joseph's is religiously exempt from having to obtain a state
I did my research before approaching St. Joseph's Preschool with the Virginia Department of Social Services. St. Joseph's is a LICENSED preschool. They one minor violation in the last 6 months (just 1!!!), but nothing that my current day care provider hasn't already dealt with. Christina C.'s review indicates that St. Joseph's is religiously exempt from having to obtain a state
Michelle C.
Dec 30, 2009
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I reviewed this school back in November but some how it doesn't show up anymore. But I did want to say St Joseph's Preschool is supposedly Catholic but not run but the Diocese or any other religious organization. It is a business and not a non for profit organization. They kept it with the Catholic premise because that is how it began. So it doesn't fall into the exemption category. Please check your fact before you post again.
Here was my previous review
After reading the review on this website I thought I should post my own more accurate review. We have been at St. Joseph
Here was my previous review
After reading the review on this website I thought I should post my own more accurate review. We have been at St. Joseph
Amy C.
Dec 09, 2009
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My 3 year old goes to St. Joseph's full-time. I was very nervous about sending him to school, because he had been home with me since he was born and I wasn't sure how he'd adapt to the change. He also has a significant speech delay, so he wouldn't even be able to tell me if something was wrong at the school.
But I shouldn't have worried - sending my son to St. Joseph's has been a great decision. He loves it there. It is not a revolving door like some daycares, his teachers have all been there for several years. And they're really great, very caring and enthusiastic
But I shouldn't have worried - sending my son to St. Joseph's has been a great decision. He loves it there. It is not a revolving door like some daycares, his teachers have all been there for several years. And they're really great, very caring and enthusiastic
Christina C.
Nov 24, 2009
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To answer a question posted to me...Yes, I experienced all this myself and so have some other parents at this school with whom I have spoken with. This is a review and it is honest and objective. I am a Catholic and that is the only reason I did not pursue further action against this place. Check with state of Va to find out how religious institutions are exempt from many rigorous requirements which other childcare facilities have to comply with.