Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (LANK) is Reston's first preschool. Robert E. Simon was dedicated to the concept of education for young children, and plans were included for an early learning center in the New Town design of Reston in 1963. This was at the forefront of educational philosophy for that era, as most children did not attend school prior to kindergarten.
In 1965, at Lake Anne Village Center, LANK began with a small band of five little preschool pioneers and one teacher. It was an idea whose time had come. Quickly, the school outgrew its original space and in 1972 moved to its current location. Using funds supplied by the community, LANK was built on a beautiful 2 acre site nestled in the woods.
In 1965, at Lake Anne Village Center, LANK began with a small band of five little preschool pioneers and one teacher. It was an idea whose time had come. Quickly, the school outgrew its original space and in 1972 moved to its current location. Using funds supplied by the community, LANK was built on a beautiful 2 acre site nestled in the woods.
Services
Excellent teaching staff makes an outstanding school, and at LANK we take great care to recruit, retain and develop first class teachers and support staff. We employ teachers who combine expertise in early childhood education, with a love of teaching and a genuine concern for the well-being and progress of each and every child.
In the event of inclement weather closings, delayed openings, or early closings, LANK normally follows the decisions made by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). If FCPS closes, so does LANK. However, during the school year 2020-2021 LANK will be responsible for making weather related closing decisions independently of FCPS.
We were initially drawn to LANK because of their focus on play-based education, but LANK has earned our love and respect because they're that and so much more! They've inspired and fostered our daughter's voracious appetite for learning.
She feels connected, valued, free to be herself, and eager to try new things because of the environment they've created -- not just in terms of academics, but also in terms of social support and personal development.What first attracted us to this preschool was the play-based curriculum with an open classroom structure unique to LANK.
She feels connected, valued, free to be herself, and eager to try new things because of the environment they've created -- not just in terms of academics, but also in terms of social support and personal development.What first attracted us to this preschool was the play-based curriculum with an open classroom structure unique to LANK.
We offer six educational programs as well as lunch bunch, EXPLOREandMORE, summer camp and special enrichment programs:. Children may arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time of their session. We ask that parents do not drop off their children any earlier than this to avoid congestion in the carpool drop off line.
Taught by warm nurturing professionals, Bears & Cubs is a special class experience for a mom, dad, or caregiver to attend alongside their 18-24 month old child. Children will have the chance to finger-paint, shake their sillies out, explore toys and puzzles. As an added bonus, parents and caregivers have an introduction to our wonderful school, and make new LANK friends.
Reviews (10)
Lauren Labbe
Aug 26, 2020
Report
We cannot say enough about this treasure of a school. LANK is a true gem! We have 3 children, 12, 9 and 4 and they have all attended LANK. We cannot imagine sending them anywhere else! Not only is the staff loving and caring but they are also open and honest with communication. In the fall of 2020, we were faced with the decision of whether or not to send our then 3 year old back to school amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The directors held a virtual town hall and laid out their plans to safely reopen LANK. They provided detailed information about safety protocols and measures that would be taken
Kate Hammond
Jun 13, 2020
Report
LANK was recommended to us by multiple families when we moved to the area. As an elementary school teacher myself, I was really careful about choosing the right preschool environment for my children. We visited numerous preschools but were really taken with the natural setting and open plan interior space. Our older 2 boys went for all three years of preschool and our youngest is currently in the 3 year old program. We have experienced most of the teachers and have been highly impressed with every single one. They are all nurturing in the perfect way for young children with strong knowledge in
Dania Choueiri
Jan 21, 2020
Report
I can not say enough beautiful things about LANK preschool in Reston. This wonderful school helped me raise all three of my children. I can honestly say each one came home happy every single day. Teachers happily welcome the children at the top of the hill with a big smile every morning.The staff could not be any kinder and helpful.They offer a fun educational experience and get the ultimate care from warm and loving teachers. Lank provides a safe environment where children can thrive and grow through play. This school made my children’s’ transition to kindergarten smooth and effortless. I
Lars Schmidt
Oct 13, 2019
Report
We've had a wonderful experience with both of our children's teachers over the last two school years. Our oldest will be attending Kindergarten in the fall, and while she is certainly well prepared academically, she also has learned to love school. The teachers at LANK are compassionate and caring and also lead enriching activities that my children truly enjoy.
The leadership at LANK is really the driving force behind this great school. Mrs. Wain and Mrs. Marsh are always available for any questions or concerns from parents. They truly care about the well being and experience of the students and
The leadership at LANK is really the driving force behind this great school. Mrs. Wain and Mrs. Marsh are always available for any questions or concerns from parents. They truly care about the well being and experience of the students and
Alicia Figueiredo
Sep 15, 2019
Report
We consider ourselves fortunate to have selected LANK for our twin daughters’ first experience with school. Our first impression when touring LANK was how joyful a place it is for the kids and the genuine warmth and compassion of the teachers. These qualities proved true throughout the two years that our girls’ spent at LANK. They participated in the 3 Day preschool and 5 Day Pre-K programs and were some of the youngest students in their classes as they have summer birthdays. Now, they are well prepared in a variety of ways – and excited – to head off to Kindergarten in the fall.
My daughter
My daughter
Nicole Sanglier
Jun 28, 2019
Report
LANK is your home away from home. It is a safe haven and creative melting pot that invites curiosity and a love of learning, even for its youngest students. In addition to a strong academic foundation that will carry your child through their first years of elementary school, LANK truly inspires character, community generosity, responsibility, and growth. The class chandelier made with beads from painted salt dough at the beginning of each academic school year in the 5 day class is just one example of the type of thoughtful, collaborative and colorful projects that infuse and set apart the curriculum
Katherine Azima
Dec 30, 2017
Report
LANK is such a gem. What first attracted me to LANK was its natural setting and unique open architecture. When I had my first tour I immediately knew that this would be a place both my children would love to attend. The directors and every single teacher are so positive and loving. Every day my son surprises me with something he's learned at school like basic math concepts, new nursery rhymes and original artwork he's made himself. He's made so many friends and looks forward to going to school everyday. My son adores his teacher (and all the teacher's at the school know his name) and to watch him
Angeline Van Evera
Aug 28, 2017
Report
We were initially drawn to LANK because of their focus on play-based education, but LANK has earned our love and respect because they're that and so much more! They've inspired and fostered our daughter's voracious appetite for learning. She feels connected, valued, free to be herself, and eager to try new things because of the environment they've created -- not just in terms of academics, but also in terms of social support and personal development. LANK’s Kindergarten is a place where children thrive and we're so grateful to be part of their community.
Charity Moreno-Hines
Jun 11, 2017
Report
My three children have all been LANK students, and we have been so happy with every experience at this wonderful school. Talented and caring teachers combined with a perfect curriculum have cultivated a love of learning for each one of my kids. What's more, they loved exploring the beautiful natural environment in which LANK is nestled!
Rebecca Carroll
Dec 26, 2016
Report
What first attracted us to this preschool was the play-based curriculum with an open classroom structure unique to LANK. We quickly learned that not only is their research-based approach to early childhood learning exemplary but the teachers/staff are, simply put, the absolute best. We are on our fourth year as a family attending this school and my children have blossomed under the nurturing care of highly-skilled, attentive, creative, and enthusiastic teachers. The staff is continually developing programs to cater to a variety of student interests and integrating the newest research-based methods