The Merit School Learning Center at The Glen

Merit School Learning Center at The Glen

Address:4290 Prince William PkwyWoodbridge, VA 22192

Ages: 3 weeks - 12 years

Hours: 6:30am - 6pm

Phone: (571) 200-9806

Email: theglen@meritschools.com

COGNIA accredited Accredited by COGNIA
Merit School Learning Center at The Glen Google Map placeholder

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

ON THIS PAGE:

Thank you for welcoming us back and treating us like family!

- Parent at Merit School Learning Center at The Glen

Our daughter is registered in the Junior Kindergarten program at The Merit School Learning Center. She is always excited to get to class and see what the day holds with her and her friends. Her teachers are wonderful and make her feel cherished as an individual as well as part of the class team. As a parent, we have been overjoyed with how much she has learned academically and socially in the short time we have been registered with the center. The entire staff is friendly and is always available with a welcoming smile to answer questions and offer suggestions that are best for our family.

- Parent at Merit School Learning Center at The Glen

We just wanted to thank you so much for all you have done for our family and for the whole Merit School community.

- V Family, Merit School Learning Center at The Glen

The Merit School Learning Center at the Glen: 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
Garden
Heated Infant Room Floors
Secure keypad entry systems
Swimming Pool
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
Montessori
Youth Zone – Before and After School Program
Summer Camp

Schools Serviced

John Jenkins Elementary
Penn Elementary
Springwoods Elementary
Westridge 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 Learning Center at The Glen

Features of Our Clean, Secure, and Conveniently Located Facility

We are located on the Prince William Parkway near Old Bridge Road, convenient to the Lake Ridge and Occoquan areas of Woodbridge. 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. Children love our large outdoor playground with garden and on-site swimming pool! We have also been recognized by Northern Virginia Magazine as a Best Preschool in 2025 via readers’ poll!

Northern Virginia Magazine Best Preschools 2024 badge

Childcare Assistance for Military Families

NACCRRA ChildCare Aware affiliated ChildCare Aware / NACCRRA

Merit School Learning Center at The Glen 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, Montessori, Before and After School Care, and More!

From infancy through preschool and into the crucial school-age years, The Merit School Learning Center at the Glen 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 Woodbridge VA, check out our programs below!

Baby Steps: Infant Daycare in Woodbridge, 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.

Toddler Explorers: Toddler Daycare in Woodbridge, VA

Toddler Explorers

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.

Preschool Explorers: Preschool in Woodbridge, 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.

PREP - Preschool Readiness Enrichment in Woodbridge, 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.

Junior Kindergarten in Woodbridge, 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.

Montessori in Woodbridge, VA

Montessori girl learning with educational toys at The Merit School

Our Montessori program helps children aged three to five develop their full potential in a nurturing environment. It features self-paced learning with specialized materials, fostering independence, confidence, and a love for learning. The program includes sensory education, mathematics, cultural studies, creative arts, literacy skills, and practical life activities. It encourages parental involvement and prepares children for future academic success by promoting self-motivation, character development, and respect for all life.

Youth Zone - Before and After School Program in Woodbridge, 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.

Summer Camp in Woodbridge, 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!

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 Learning Center at the Glen, 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

assistant director

Maya Lambert, AA/Early Childhood Education
About Me

My name is Maya Lambert, and I am the Director at The Merit School Learning Center at The Glen.   I am originally from Japan and hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Virginia Community College.  I have had the privilege of serving as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, and assistant director throughout my career. I enjoy working with children because I love supporting their growth and watching their curiosity come alive. My favorite part of the day is circle time, when children express themselves through movement, music, and dance while building confidence and a sense of community. I truly appreciate being part of each child’s journey and value building strong, meaningful relationships with the families at our school. Outside of work, I enjoy creating projects with my Cricut. I am also a proud mom to a 13-year-old son and a dog owner. Respectfully,   Maya Lambert, Director The Merit School Learning Center at The Glen

Assistant Director

Abby Miller, AA/Social Sciences, Assistant Director

Abby Miller, AA/Social Sciences
About Me

My name is Abby Miller, and I am proud to serve as the Assistant Director at Merit School Learning Center at The Glen. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences with a Teacher Education Specialization from Northern Virginia Community College. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in many roles within early childhood education, including infant teacher, swim instructor, camp director, nanny, and kindergarten classroom.  I am originally from Manassas, Virginia, and I am the oldest of five siblings. Family has always been very important to me, and I enjoy spending my free time watching movies and being with my loved ones. I also have two dogs—a Labradoodle and a Toy Poodle. One of the things I love most about working with children is watching them learn how to navigate the world around them and discover new skills. My favorite part of the day is circle time, when the children come together to connect, share, and build a sense of community. My goal is to ensure that every child feels heard, valued, and cherished. I look forward to partnering with you and supporting your child’s journey here at Merit School Learning Center at The Glen.

District Director

Chantel Clayborn

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


Request
Info or
Tour

Join Our Team!