A Round-Up of Preschools in Harrisonburg VA

As your little ones get older and you begin thinking about their education, the options for preschools can seem overwhelming!  There are many factors to consider such as the curriculum that is being taught, the option for part-time vs full-time, locations, style of education, etc.  While we have quite an extensive number of daycares and preschools in Harrisonburg, VA, I have compiled a list solely of local preschools. A preschool differs from a daycare in that a typical preschool day is much shorter than that of daycare, usually just a few hours in the morning or afternoon, though some do last a full day. Preschools have a set curriculum, typically taught by certified teachers, and are usually open to ages 3-5. So, whether you are looking for a church-based preschool, secular school, Montessori school, or an outdoor preschool in Harrisonburg VA, this list will help you find the right fit for your child!

Religiously Affiliated Preschools in Harrisonburg VA and Surrounding Areas

1. Blue Ridge Christian School Preschool

• Website
• 100 Dinkel Ave, Bridgewater, Va 22812
• Contact: 540-828-2233
• Ages: 3-5 years
• Program Options: 2 to 5 days per week with options for half-day (8:30-11:45) or full-day (8:30-3:00)
• About: “Children who attend the Blue Ridge Christian School Preschool will receive a positive, Christ-centered experience as they begin their education, well-balanced academic and social experiences with biblical integration, activities based on sound early childhood developmental practices, and exploratory options through music, prayer, arts and crafts, Spanish, playtime and story time.” (quote found here)

 

2. Massanutten Presbyterian Church Preschool

• Website
• 50 Indian Trail Road, Penn Laird, Va 22846
• Contact: 540-434-6194
• Ages: 3-4 years
• Program Options: The 3-year-old class meets Monday/Tuesday or Thursday/Friday from 8:45-11:45. The 4-year-old classes meet Monday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Friday from 8:30-12:00.
• About: “MPC Preschool is a non-profit, church sponsored, child-care program designed to provide a secure, nurturing environment in which young children are offered a variety of exciting learning experiences. Their program offers an atmosphere which stimulates creativity and provides opportunities to help children gain the confidence needed to make the next step in their educational journey a successful one. Their daily goal is to make the process of learning and discovering fun and pleasant in every way.” (quote found here)

 

3. Little Oaks Preschool

• Website
• 7600 Port Republic Road, Port Republic, Va 24471
• Ages: 3-4 years
• Program Options: The 3-year-old class meets Monday/Tuesday/Thursday from 8:30-11:30. The 4-year-old class meets Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 8:30-12:30.
• About: “Little Oaks Preschool provides a Christian-based education which will prepare children for kindergarten in the Rockingham County, Harrisonburg, and Augusta County area. As mothers and educators, the teachers and staff believe that providing a solid foundation is the key to success at a young age.” (quote found here)

 

4. Cornerstone Christian School

• Website
• 197 Cornerstone Lane, Harrisonburg, Va 22802
• Contact: 540-432-9816
• Ages: 3-4 years
• Program Options: Monday-Friday from 8:25-11:30 (half day), or Monday-Friday from 8:30-3:05 (full-day) with the option for afternoon care until 5:30
• About: “Cornerstone Christian School’s Preschool is a place for children to learn and begin to develop skills needed to succeed in school. Studies show that children learn best by being immersed in a hands-on environment, rich with language and concrete experiences. Cornerstone Christian Preschool provides a learning environment that lays a strong foundation for more formal instruction in Kindergarten through 8th grade.” (quote found here)

5. Redeemer Classical School

• Website
• 1688 Indian Trail Rd, Keezletown, VA 22832
• Contact: 540-437-0880
• Ages: 4 years
• Program Options:  Monday-Friday from 8am-11:30am (half day option) or 8am-3pm (full day option) with the option for afternoon care until 5:30
• About: “Redeemer Classical School’s Preschool welcomes PreK students into a safe and warm place ready to be explored. Their classical education model provides an atmosphere where children are introduced to excellent literature and where they foster a love for learning. The children learn independence, as their hearts are being guided toward the Truth.” (quote found here)

6. Harrisonburg Baptist Preschool

• 501 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
• Contact: 540-560-1545
• Ages: 3 (as of September), 4 and 5
• Program Options: Monday-Friday from 9 am – 11:30 am from September through May
• About: “Harrisonburg Baptist Preschool is a licensed preschool which provides a loving, secure environment in which children may become family as they develop excitement about learning.  Our weekly units of study become groundwork for our children to learn life skills of teamwork, cooperation, self-confidence, and responsibility, as well as becoming excited about the world around us, and how to take care of it.  Each preschool day is filled with the fun of learning at his/her own pace, as our children prepare for kindergarten and beyond.”

 

7. Kids Harbor

• Website
• 1871 Boyers Road, Rockingham VA 22801
• Contact: 540-434-1901
• Ages: 3-4 years
• Program Options: Morning Preschool is Monday-Wednesdays from 9am – noon, Full-Day Preschool is Monday-Friday from 7:30am-5:30pm
• About: “Our Program provides an opportunity for preschoolers to socialize with children of the same age while learning and growing together.  We have established goals for each age based on developmental milestones and Kindergarten preparation.  We believe a balance of structure, independent play and group activities helps each child reach and obtain these goals. It is also our privilege to share Christ through songs, scripture, Bible stories and prayer.” (quote found here)

Secular Preschools in Harrisonburg VA and Surrounding Areas

1. Harrisonburg City Public Schools (Elon W. Rhodes Early Learning Center & Keister Elementary)

• Website
• Ages: 2-5 years
• Program Options:
• About: “Harrisonburg City Public Schools (HCPS) offers a variety of services for preschool children aged 2-5, with and without disabilities. Virginia Preschool Initiative provides full-day classroom instruction for 4-year-olds from families with limited financial resources or Adverse Childhood Experiences.  Children with disabilities are included based on the recommendation of their Individualized Education Plan team. Shenandoah Valley Head Start provides full-day classroom instruction for 3- and 4-year-olds from families with limited financial resources or Adverse Childhood Experiences. The Early Childhood Special Education program provides specialized instruction and therapy services to children aged 2-5 with an identified disability per the Individuals with Disabilities Act.”  (quote found here)

 

2. Rockingham County Public Schools (Pleasant Valley Elementary School)

• Website
• 215 Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg, Va 22801
• Contact: 540-434-4557
• Ages: 4 years
• Program Options: Pre-K
• About: “Pleasant Valley hosts a Title I Pre-K Program each year. They are able to welcome 18 students into this class. These spots are given to students/families who meet criteria set by the state of Virginia indicating a need for school readiness/Pre-K experience.  The interview process begins each March for the following school year.” (quote found here)

 

3. City of Harrisonburg Parks & Rec (Westover Park)

• Website
• 305 South Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg, Va 22801
• Contact: 540-433-2474
• Ages: 3 to 4 years
• Programs: 3-year-old class and 4-year-old class
• About: “The City of Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Preschool program’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment designed to promote learning opportunities for our children. Through creative and meaningful play activities, the program promotes the healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child.  A positive self-concept will be developed, with creativity and self-expression being encouraged. Emphasis is placed on self-discipline by providing limitations and rules.” (quote found here)

 

4. Community Preschool

• Website
• 70 South High Street, Harrisonburg, Va 22801
• Contact: 540-433-7974
• Ages: 3 to 5 years
• Program Options: 2-day morning class (Tuesday/Thursday, 8:30-11:00), 3-day morning class (Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8:30-11), or 4-day afternoon class (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 12:00-2:30)
• About: “At Community Preschool each child is encouraged to become independently self-directed and self-disciplined, to develop socialization skills and to learn through a stimulating, print-rich environment, and interactive development program.  The preschool is located in Community Mennonite Church, but is a non-denominational, thematic based preschool. Community Preschool bases its philosophy upon meeting the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of young children by providing opportunities for experiences which are adapted to individual development and age level.” (quote found here)

 

5. James Madison University Young Children’s Program

• Website
• Anthony Seeger Hall, 821 South Main Street, Harrisonburg, Va 22807
• Contact: 540-568-6089
• Ages: 3 to 4 years
• Program Options: two full day 4-year-old classes, full day 3-year-old class, or morning session for 3 and 4-year-olds
• About: “The Young Children’s Program is an early learning program operated by the James Madison University’s College of Education. Its curriculum, environment, and organization are based on professional standards and research related to learning and development of young children. The Young Children’s Program recognizes that children’s development is best facilitated through cooperative efforts of families and school.” (quote found here)

 

6. Eastern Mennonite University’s Early Learning Center

• Website
• 1600 College Ave, Harrisonburg, Va 22802
• Contact: 540-433-4002
• Ages: 2 to 4 years
• Program Options: 2-year-old class* (2 days a week, 9:15-11:15), 3-year-old class (3 days a week, 12:00-2:30), and 4-year-old class (4 days a week, 9:00-11:30)
• About: “Children learn easily and naturally through involvement with people, activities and the environment.The Early Learning Center at EMU allows children to be children, exploring the world, developing in an unhurried way, and learning for the joy of learning. The “emergent” curriculum used at the center is based on the developmental interaction theory of child psychology. It enables teachers to be sensitive to the cues of the children and their interests. Developing and nurturing a personal sense of self is valued above rote learning of skills and facts.” (quote found here)
• *NO 2-YEAR-OLD CLASS FOR 2021-22 YEAR

7. Generations Crossing Preschool

• Website
• 3765 Taylor Spring Lane, Rockingham, VA 22801
• Contact: 540-434-4901, Option 2
• Ages: 2 to 4 years
• Program Options: Discovery Preschool class is for 2s turning 3 during the school year.  Early Preschool is for 3s turning 4 during the school year. The full–day Pre–K is for rising kindergarteners and sometimes older 3s who will turn 4 in the fall. 
• About: “At Generations Crossing we subscribe to the “play to learn” philosophy. Play is a natural way to learn. It helps children learn to solve problems, promotes flexibility and motivation, teaches regulation of emotions, and
  builds resilience and confidence. In short, when children play, they learn. While we also teach academics, focusing on these problem solving and self–regulation skills will set children up to be successful in kindergarten.” (quote found here)

8. Tots N Toyland Preschool and Daycare

• Website
• 167 Massanetta Springs Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
• Contact: (540) 421-4754
• Ages: Ages 3 until ready for Kindergarten
• Program Options: Full-day program: Monday through Friday 7:30am – 5:30pm. Preschool lessons are held during both parts of the day as well as art, science, music, sensory play, rest time, etc
• About: “Preschool is a time for learning everything needed to be successful in Kindergarten. We provide a curriculum consistent with Virginia’s Foundation Blocks for Early Learning: Comprehensive Standards. These focus areas include Literacy, History and Social Science, Math, Visual Arts, Personal and Social Development,  Music, Physical Development, and Science. All preschool activities and learning are taught in a play-based setting and are designed to instill confidence and excitement related to learning.” (quote found here)

 

Non-Traditional Preschools in Harrisonburg, VA and Surrounding Areas

1. Woodland Montessori School

• Website
• 1350 Peach Grove Ave, Harrisonburg, Va 22801
• Contact: 540-432-6111
• Ages: Toddler (18 months-3 years) and Primary (2.5 to 6 years)
• Program options: Half-day (8:30-1), full-day (8:30-3:30), or extended day (8:30-5:30)
• About: “Woodland Montessori School is committed to Montessori pedagogy as a way to help children become functionally and intellectually independent; to nurturing a community steeped in trust and respect; to the stewardship of the environment through an experiential and global curriculum; and to creating a sanctuary for families and native flora and fauna where children can learn at a natural pace in healthy, sustainable surroundings.” (quote found here)

 

2. Valley Montessori School

• Website
• 15 Southgate Court, Harrisonburg, Va 22801
• Contact: 540-434-3070
• Ages: Young Children’s Program (2 years) and Primary (3-6 years)
• Program Options: Half-day (8:30-12:45), full-day (8:30-3:30), or extended day (8:30-5:30) with an early drop off option beginning at 7:30am.
• About: “Valley Montessori School is committed to fostering growth in independence and problem solving; the development of order, concentration, and coordination; the nurturing of oral communication skills; and the stimulation of the child’s joy in discovery and learning.” (quote found here)

 

3. Appalachian Forest School

• Website
• Meet in Harrisonburg or Staunton, Va
• Ages: 3-5 years
• Program Options: 1 to 4 days per week, from 9:00-3:00
• About: “Appalachian Forest School is an outdoor immersion program for children ages three to five, operating from September to early May. We believe in inquiry-based, interest-led learning. Curriculum flows naturally based on the season and the interest of the children.” (quote found here)

4. Fern Hollow Forest School

• Website
• Meet 15-minutes west of Harrisonburg
• Ages: 3-6
• Program Options: 1 to 5 days per week, from 9:00-3:00
• About: “Fern Hollow Forest School is a play-based early learning center with an emergent curriculum, meaning that what children learn arises from what they see and do each day in the forest. The instructors look for teachable moments while creating rich and stimulation environments in which to learn.  They value free-play but children also grow in mathematical, social, literacy, physical and social skills.” (quote found here)

5. Little Folk School

• Website
• Contact: thelittlefolkschool@gmail.com
• Meets near Hillandale Park in Harrisonburg
• Ages: 1-4 but are not limited to that
• Program Options: 2 to 4 days per week, from 8:30-4:30
• About: “The Little Folk School is an experiential learning preschool. We draw inspiration from the folk school educational philosophy originally from Denmark and the Reggio Emilia Approach developed in Italy. We provide a safe and intimate school community that facilitates experiential learning opportunities guided by each student’s interests.” (quote found here)

 

6. New Beginnings Montessori School

• Website
• 7021 Arch Drive, Mount Crawford 22841
• Contact: (540) 908-7565
• Ages: 3-6 years
• Program Options: Monday-Friday with two pick-up options.  Full Day: 8:00-3:30 & Extended Day: 8:00-5:30
• About:  New Beginnings Montessori School is a full day, multi-aged program; nurturing children from ages 3-6 years. Our program offers academic achievements, a Spanish curriculum, Music Enrichment and lessons that provide valuable life-long skills. We provide a spacious and beautifully organized classroom created to bring a home-like feel to your child’s school experience. We offer an outdoor classroom, gardening area and a large playground space surrounded by beautiful farm land.  Our team at New Beginnings provide an enriching learning experience through the principles and philosophy of Maria Montessori. Dr. Montessori believed children learn in different ways and accommodates all learning styles. Students learn at their own pace, guided by their teacher and an individualized learning plan. Our work cycle consists of lessons of practical life skills, sensory exploration, math, language, science, geography & cultural education. We provide a joyful classroom environment that fosters independence, creativity and an excitement for learning. We would be honored to become partners with you during this amazing time in your child’s development.

 

Whichever one of these preschools in Harrisonburg VA you choose, your child will learn and grow and you will be amazed at how they grow! For more information about tuition, enrollment information, or to schedule a tour, please visit the websites provided.

Check out this post about Pediatrician options in and near Harrisonburg.