The Merit School of Old Town Manassas

Merit School of Old Town Manassas

Address:8757 Signal Hill RoadManassas, VA 20110

Ages: 3 weeks - 12 years

Hours: 6:30am - 6pm

Phone: (571) 619-9096

Email: oldtown@meritschools.com

Accredited by COGNIA

Merit School Old Town Manassas Google Map placeholder

The Merit School of Old Town Manassas provides caring, quality daycare and preschool in Manassas VA Old Town. Established in 1980, The Merit School of Virginia has built a reputation for excellence in educational childcare. The City of Manassas community trusts The Merit School of Old Town Manassas to offer children a safe, nurturing environment in which they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We have served hundreds of families in the historic Manassas area through the years, and we’d love to welcome your family into ours!

ON THIS PAGE:

↓ Quick Reference↓ Facility Features↓ Programs↓ Team↓ Reviews

I fell in love with Merit the first day I toured with my son! It was evident through initial conversations that the staff truly cares about each and every student. I couldn't be happier with my son's progress since he started and would recommend the Merit School to any parent!

- Catherine P., parent at Merit of Old Town Manassas

We cannot say enough positive things about Merit of Old Town and highly recommend if you are looking for childcare that feels like family! My daughter is incredibly prepared to enter Kindergarten this fall; all credit goes to the staff at Merit of Old Town. They provide a safe, clean, welcoming, encouraging and supportive environment for my children to succeed.

- Amanda F., Parent at Old Town Manassas

My daughter has been attending this school since she was 6 weeks old and finishing out the summer before kindergarten. I never had major concerns about the safety of my child. Any questions I had, the director either had a quick answer or followed up with me later. My daughter has learned a lot in the 5 years she has attended. She has many friends and loves all the teachers. We'll be sad to leave for the school year but plan to come back during breaks.

- Christina G., parent at The Merit School of Old Town Manassas

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The Merit School of Old Town Manassas: Quick Reference

Features at This Facility

A developmentally appropriate curriculum

A literacy-enriched learning environment

Age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds

Art, Music, Foreign Language

Field trips

Hot, nutritious meals and snacks

Secure keypad entry systems

Transportation to and from area public schools

Winter, Spring, and Summer Camps

* Meals / snacks are not included for children with food allergies. This is the safest approach. Meal / snack exclusions do not affect tuition costs.

Programs Offered

Childcare

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare

Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare

Preschool Explorers

PREP – Preschool Readiness Enrichment

Junior Kindergarten

Youth Zone – Before and After School Program

Summer Camp

Schools Serviced

Baldwin Elementary

Bennett Elementary

Signal Hill Elementary

NOTE: The Schools Serviced are subject to change based on number of students enrolled from each public school.

Northern Virginia Magazine Best Preschools 2025 Award - Merit School of Old Town Manassas

Features of Our Clean, Secure, and Conveniently Located Facility

We are located on Signal Hill Road, just minutes from the historic area of Manassas, Virginia. We are proud to be accredited by Cognia, the gold standard of early childhood education accreditation. Nutritious USDA-approved meals are included* at no extra cost. Transportation to and from area public schools (listed above) is also available.

Our colorful, well-lit classrooms are designed to inspire your child’s creativity. Our furniture and classroom storage solutions were chosen or custom-built with your child’s safety in mind. Outside, our play areas are bordered by expansive lawns and child-planted gardens. Kids can ride a tricycle on our sports court, play a game of ball, climb on our two play spaces, dig in the sandbox, rock back and forth on the swings, or play tag on the play field.

Northern Virginia Magazine Best Preschools 2024 badge

Childcare Assistance for Military Families

ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA

Merit School of Old Town Manassas is proud to support our military families and partner with the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA). NACCRRA’s program, Child Care Aware of America works with U.S. Military members to find and afford child care that suits their unique needs.

More Than Daycare: We Offer Safe and Caring Childcare, Preschool, Before and After School Care, and More!

From infancy through preschool and into the crucial school-age years, The Merit School of Old Town Manassas is committed to fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Our programs, curriculum, classrooms, play areas, toys, and learning materials cater to a variety of ages and developmental stages. We actualize our “Knowledge, Character, Achievement” motto by placing a strong emphasis on building character and instilling values such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Students learn the importance of cooperation, empathy, and good citizenship through interactive activities and positive reinforcement. If you’re looking for preschool / daycare in Manassas VA in or near Old Town, check out our programs below!

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Manassas, VA

Infant Care Baby Steps childcare and newborn daycare - baby crawling on colorful, soft mat

The Baby Steps program focuses on the growth and development of infants through nurturing and individualized care. It fosters language development and trust between infants and caregivers with activities like singing, reading, and playing. The program emphasizes real-time communication with parents and uses a literacy-rich curriculum to support infants' social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.

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Infant Daycare

Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare in Manassas, VA

Our Toddler Explorers program caters to children aged 16-24 months, providing a nurturing and safe environment. Individualized lesson plans, designed by early care professionals, support social-emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The program emphasizes daily communication with families, ensuring parents are informed about their child's activities and progress. Classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to create a home-like atmosphere, with age-appropriate materials and outdoor play spaces to encourage exploration and learning.

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Toddler Daycare

Preschool Explorers: Preschool in Manassas, VA

Preschool daycare childcare - smiling child sitting at table eating a peeled orange

The Preschool Explorers program provides a nurturing and creative environment for two and three-year-olds. Children engage in age-appropriate activities such as filling containers at the water table, stacking blocks, and working on puzzles in large, bright classrooms designed to stimulate exploration and learning. The program emphasizes individualized lesson plans, daily teacher-family communication, and the development of social, creative, and self-help skills. Teachers create structured yet flexible schedules that support each child's developmental needs.

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Preschool Explorers

PREP - Preschool Readiness Enrichment in Manassas, VA

PREP Preschool Readiness Enrichment daycare childcare - children practicing writing letters on individual chalkboards

The Preschool Readiness Enrichment Program (PREP) is designed for three- and four-year-olds to develop essential language, math, and social skills. Using curricula like More Story Stretchers and Count On Math, children engage in group activities that build confidence and foundational knowledge. The program includes STEM learning and social-emotional development to prepare children for future educational experiences. Classrooms are structured to encourage exploration and creativity, with regular parent-teacher communication to track progress.

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Preschool Readiness Enrichment

Junior Kindergarten in Manassas, VA

Junior Kindergarten at The Merit School - child placing wooden letters into alphabet board

The Junior Kindergarten program is for four- and five-year-olds who miss the September cutoff for public or private school Kindergarten and who have completed a preschool program. It prepares them for kindergarten by focusing on literacy, math, science, and social studies. Children engage with stories, letters, sounds, and words to enhance literacy, while math concepts are taught through hands-on activities. The program also develops handwriting skills with creative materials and includes technology instruction. Social skills are fostered through interactive play and activities.

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Junior Kindergarten

Youth Zone - Before and After School Program in Manassas, VA

The Youth Zone is The Merit School's Before and After School Program - image shows school-age children on the playground at The Merit School of Braemar in Bristow

The Youth Zone provides before and after school care, offering a safe and supportive environment for children during the hours before and after their school day. The program ensures children can spend time with friends in a fun, friendly, and relaxing setting. Activities are designed to keep children engaged and entertained, promoting social interaction and relaxation. This service is ideal for working parents who need reliable care for their children outside of school hours.

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Before and After School Care

Summer Camp in Manassas, VA

Summer Camp at The Merit School - kids having fun in swimming pool

Summer Camp at The Merit School makes it easy for parents to keep their routines by providing an exciting, safe, activity-driven place for their kids when school is out. Our summer camp program begins at the conclusion of the school year and continues through June, July, and August. Outdoor activities are a mainstay of the program, including swimming! We also have camps for winter and spring breaks!

Learn More:
Summer Camp

Our Directors, Teachers, and Staff Are Dedicated and Well-Trained

Our team embraces the philosophy of learning in a loving environment by creating a nurturing environment where learning is fun and exciting! At The Merit School of Old Town Manassas, we are proud to employ a culturally diverse, highly trained, and caring staff. Our teachers and management engage our children in activities and experiences that propel them to grow and learn. These childcare professionals provide a “home away from home” for your child with stimulating social, emotional, and physical learning opportunities.

Director

Carey Michalowski, AA/ECE
About Me

My name is Carey Michalowski, and I am honored to serve as your director, a role I’ve had the privilege of holding for the past 20 years. I’m originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, though my family is now spread throughout the East Coast. After college, a summer trip to Virginia changed my life—it’s where I met my husband! We’ve now been married for 27 wonderful years and live in Sumerduck, VA, where we enjoy gardening, spending time outdoors with our son, and relaxing by the campfire at the end of a busy week. I earned my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercyhurst College and bring over 30 years of experience working with children. Throughout my career, I’ve had the joy of teaching children from age two through school age and serving as a Teacher, School Age Care Director, and Field Director. At the Merit School of Old Town, we take great pride in creating a warm, supportive environment for our students, families, and staff. It’s a place where we truly care for one another—with the shared goal of providing the best learning experiences possible. One of my greatest joys is watching our infants grow up and head off to school prepared for the future! For over 50 years, our school has been a cornerstone of this community, and every family that joins us becomes part of our story. It’s especially meaningful to see parents who once attended now bringing their own children here—a beautiful reminder of the lasting relationships built within our walls. I look forward to another wonderful year together and to continuing the legacy of learning, laughter, and community that makes our school so special

Assistant Director

Alethea Hunter

District Director

Chantel Clayborn, BA/Organizational Mgmt; M.Ed.

The Merit School of Old Town Manassas Reviews

What Parents Are Saying About Us

Merit School Of Old Town Manassas4.4

Based on 27 reviews

Amanda Franceschi

We absolutely love and cannot say enough wonderful things about The Merit School of Old Town Manassas. We enrolled when we moved to the area in February 2020. I had dropped my children off (2yo and 6mo at the time) at a very well-reviewed in-home daycare and immediately felt uneasy, even though our previous daycare was also in-home. I spent the day researching and touring other centers in the area, quickly finding comfort and ease at Merit of Old Town.
Four years later, my children are now 5.5yo in the Pre-K class and 3.5yo in the Prep class. They have met all milestones, and my daughter is incredibly prepared to enter Kindergarten this fall; all credit goes to the staff at Merit of Old Town. They provide a safe, clean, welcoming, encouraging and supportive environment for my children to succeed.
The administration and staff at Merit of Old Town are excellent. They are open communicators about the curriculum, the path your child is on, how they are excelling and if any issues come up. I never have to pry for answers, they are very transparent.
They also host a couple social functions throughout the year, which we love as they encourage my children to view "school" as a fun place to be and has allowed our family to connect and form friendships with other families.
We cannot say enough positive things about Merit of Old Town and highly recommend if you are looking for childcare that feels like family!

Emily Rollins

We have been part of the Old Town Merit School family for almost four years. We currently have two children enrolled (infant and toddler). Merit School of Old Town has been nothing but outstanding for the care of our children. Trusting others outside of your immediate family with the most important things in your life is not an easy task….merit school of old town has proven to make that difficult task a lot easier. They treat our children with love and care. They make you feel like part of the merit family!
The director and administration communicate with parents about issues that may arise and are quick to respond with any questions or problems parents may have. The school puts on numerous social functions throughout year. This is exceptional for families who would like to interact with some of the other families in the school.
Both of our children have developed and exceeded their milestones because of the advanced curriculum offered at the merit school. I feel confident knowing my almost 4 year old will be beyond where he should be when he enters kindergarten. As our son has progressed thru each class, he has been fortunate enough to have teachers that utilize creative lesson plans. These lessons keep my son engaged which is not an easy task. In the infant room our daughter is active in various sensory activities and already bringing home art projects.
Safety is top priority at Merit School of Old Town Manassas. The school is a safe environment with security precautions in place that makes the parents feel at ease knowing the children are in a protected environment.
For anyone thinking of joining The Merit School of Old Town our family highly recommends becoming part of such a fantastic school.

Ashley Moore

As a mother, one of my biggest concerns is that my children are safe when they are not with my husband and me. The Merit School of Old Town has given us peace of mind that our children are safe, taken care of, happy, and learning when they are there. The staff are professional and reliable, and they communicate effectively daily. They listen to our concerns and suggest developmentally appropriate practices for the home. I HIGHLY recommend this location for your child/children’s daycare and early childhood education needs.

Debbie Alexander

Can not say enough about how great the school and teachers are. We have gone from never having any kids to now having 4 children. All under the age of 5. They helped us not with just school but where to get started with everything. Even donated clothes from there kids and family's from the school. Thank you for everything.

Kellyn May

We have been taking our daughter there since she was 12 weeks old. This is one of the best day cares we visited. They also offer the opportunity for a flexible schedule which we really needed.

Naga N

My 3 year old started going to this school for few months now. This is her first school and she enjoys going to school because of all the fun learning activities. We don't speak English at home however in just 2 months my daughter is able to communicate well in English. Her teacher Ashleigh is her favorite and wants to share with her everything she does at home. The teacher student interaction is very good. I would definitely recommend this school.

Whitney Legue

My son and a few of my friends children go here. Great daycare/preschooling and some wonderful teachers that are dedicated to making a safe and fun environment. So excited for a new year here at the Merit school of Old Town! ❤️

Senobia

My eldest son has been studying at this school for several months now. We tried another school before coming here and it was incomparable to the education our son is getting here. He is motivated more than ever to learn, see his teachers, and classmates. Not a day goes by without him mentioning how much he loves school and wants to go back. Yes, even on the weekends he ask when is it time for school. I believe that to be a great reflection of what the Merit School of Old Town Manassas is offering our children.

Beyond providing a quality education they do their very best to keep parents updated on upcoming events. They also provide daily notification of the activities our children participate in, including downloadable pictures.

Coming from an area like Fairbanks, Alaska, with limited options to having a plethora to chose from here was an overwhelming task. To luck up and find this gem was a true blessing.

Jen

The staff at Merit of Old Town is sensational. Same faces everyday! Very reliable, compassionate and trustworthy.
My daughter has been at this school for five years. She began preschool here and attended thru kindergarten. Myself along with her teachers were impressed at her levels in reading and math when she entered first grade. She still attends before and after care here. Always smooth transportation to and from her elementary school.
My son has been here since he was two months old. Infant care is warm and welcoming and gave me peace of mind while I was at work. He will be starting Junior K in the fall with Ms. Penny and Ms. Nora. These are the same teachers that set my daughter up for success when entering elementary school. I can’t wait to see how much he grows!

DaGame Changer

My son and daughter have had a great summer at the Merit School!
They have gone on field trips every week. The kids are always excited
to go to school which is a load off my chest.