Classes and Teachers

At Washington Street Preschool we are grateful for our experienced, compassionate team of teachers, many of whom are former parents who have a deep love and understanding of our program. Teachers hold a Bachelor’s Degree, are CPR/First Aid Certified and are required to pass both a national Criminal Record check and a Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check. Additionally, multiple staff are MAT trained and able to administer prescription medications. Teachers are also required to attend 16 hours of continuing education training each year to ensure they stay current with best practices for the classroom.

Our teachers use creative, theme-based learning to make school fun, meaningful, and growth-filled. By encouraging exploration and offering a variety of experiences, children develop curiosity and a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Through our hands-on, developmentally appropriate program teachers are able to incorporate language experiences daily, allowing children to grow their vocabulary naturally. A balanced schedule blends focused activities—like circle time, table work, and stories—with opportunities for open-ended exploration in art, science, block play, dramatic play, music, and movement.

Outdoor Time

Playground time is a priority and as such we are outside 45-60 minutes each day. Our time outdoors fosters small and gross motor skill development, appreciation of nature, and further social development. On extremely rainy or cold days, we’re fortunate to have an indoor play space with climbers where children can stay active and have fun.

Class Placement

Washington Street Preschool has classes accommodating children from the age of 2 to 5 years old with a maximum of 45 students across all classes. Applicants must meet the minimum age requirements for the class for which they are applying. All children 3 years of age and older must be confidently toilet trained in order to attend. Placement in each class is done in collaboration with the Director, teaching staff, and parents of applicants as needed and based on the anticipated year which the child enters Kindergarten.

Class offerings for the 2026-2027 school year include:

Bumblebees Class (Must be 2 years old by 9/30/26) Bumblebees have the option of placement in our 2-day program (Tuesday/Thursday), our 3-day program (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) or our 5-day program (Monday-Friday).

Frogs Class (Must be at least 3 years old by 9/30/26) Frogs have the option of placement in our 2-day program (Tuesday/Thursday), 3-day program (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) or our 5-day program (Monday-Friday).

Owls Class (Must be 4 years old by 12/30/26) Owls are placed in our 5-day Owls program.

More information can be found on our Registration page.

Communication

We pride ourselves on open communication with our parents. Weekly Brightwheel messages and pictures and monthly calendars are distributed by classroom teachers to help you monitor what your children are enjoying at school.