A Warm and Stable Early Childhood Environment
Located in the heart of Arlington’s Ballston / Virginia Square neighborhood, Ballston Children’s Center provides a warm, stable, and nurturing environment for children ages 2 to 5 years old. With an average of 15 years at the center, our long-tenured teaching team offers exceptional continuity, stability, and experience—qualities families highly value when choosing early childhood programs. Our bright classrooms, enriching activities, and individualized care help children thrive while building the skills and confidence needed for a successful transition to elementary school.
A Well-Balanced and Enriching Program
Our thoughtfully designed program blends structured learning with plenty of hands-on exploration. Children enjoy creative art, music, movement, Spanish, yoga, and daily outdoor play—experiences that support social, emotional, and cognitive growth. We provide breakfast and nutritious AM/PM snacks on-site, while a trusted catering company delivers healthy daily lunches. With a dedicated Cafeteria/Activities Center for performances and group events, our program offers a well-rounded foundation that builds confidence, curiosity, and a lasting love of learning.
Performances That Build Confidence
Throughout the year, children participate in joyful performances for their families—singing, dancing, acting, and presenting their growing confidence on our dedicated stage. These shows bring our community together and give children a fun, encouraging way to express themselves, build public-speaking skills, and celebrate their achievements. Parents consistently tell us that these performances are among their favorite traditions at Ballston Children’s Center.
Our Classrooms
Bright, spacious, and designed with young learners in mind, our classrooms provide a safe and engaging environment filled with opportunities to explore, create, and learn.
Awards & Recognition
Ballston Children's Center Voted # 1 Best Preschool in Arlington, VA!
September 5, 2025
Ballston Children’s Center has been officially recognized as the #1 Preschool in Arlington in the ARLnow Readers’ Choice Awards!
We are honored by this recognition and grateful to the families and community members whose support lifted us to the top. Since opening our doors, our mission has been to provide a safe, caring, and inspiring environment for young children to grow and thrive. This award is a reflection of that shared commitment.
Ballston Children’s Center has been voted #1 Best Preschool in Arlington, VA (ARLnow Readers’ Choice Awards) and named Best Daycare and Preschool by Northern Virginia Magazine in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Playground
Our children spend a lot of time outdoors on our large, tree-shaded playground. The playground includes a variety of structures that encourage climbing, sliding, exploring, and active play. Children enjoy fresh air, movement, and plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun.
Educational Program
Our Educational Program develops a wide range of skills that support children’s growth and readiness for elementary school. Children learn through play, exploration, and hands-on activities.
Our well-balanced curriculum introduces early math, reading, writing, language arts, comprehension skills, fine motor development, gross motor skills, and social development. Spanish Enrichment is integrated into daily learning through songs, vocabulary, games, and interactive activities.
We further enrich our program with Yoga for Kids, Dance Class, Gym Time, Library Time, Pre-K Virtual Classes, and more. Two months of the Summer Program provide additional fun, creativity, and exciting seasonal activities.
Experienced Teachers and Safe, Nurturing Environment
At Ballston Children’s Center, we provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment where children feel confident and valued. Our experienced and dedicated staff promote social and emotional development by helping children work together, respect one another, and appreciate cultural and ethnic diversity.
Our teaching team is exceptionally stable, with an average tenure of 15 years—ranging from 6 to 20+ years—providing consistency and deep understanding of each child's needs.
Curriculum and Enriching Activities
We design daily activities that engage children in art, music, crafts, language arts, early math, reading, writing, science, and motor-skill development.
We foster creativity by encouraging children to solve problems, explore new ideas, adapt to challenges, and stay curious and adventurous in their learning.
Fun Projects
Our educational projects spark curiosity and imagination. Using diverse art materials and hands-on tools, children experiment, create, and express their ideas freely. These projects support artistic growth and help children gain confidence as unique, creative individuals.
Spanish Enrichment Program
All children participate in activities that naturally integrate Spanish language into their routines. What makes our program special? Our bilingual, native Spanish-speaking teachers introduce Spanish words and phrases to the children through stories, songs, games and imaginative play in a fun and meaningful way. The program sets the foundation for bilingual fluency.
Yoga for kids
We introduce traditional yoga techniques in a playful, simple, and calming way—perfect for young learners. Our yoga sessions include: fun and gentle poses, interactive games, breathing exercises, singing, and counting activities. These sessions help children develop body awareness, focus, flexibility, and a sense of calm—all while having fun!
Dance Class
Dancing offers countless benefits for children. It enhances flexibility, coordination, rhythm, balance, posture, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, and strength. Beyond physical benefits, dance also promotes self-discipline, confidence, and a deep appreciation for music. Through learning choreography, children strengthen their cognitive abilities and memory skills—all while having fun. Our exquisite stage provides the perfect space for young dancers to shine and express themselves with joy.
Gym Class
A physically active child is a healthy child! During Gym Time, your child will jump, spin, hop like a frog, crawl like a crab, do jumping jacks, jog in place, balance on one foot, tumble, stretch, and enjoy the workout of a lifetime. It’s all about building strength, coordination, and confidence—while having tons of fun!
Library Time
Children love books—and reading is fun! Each week, your child will visit our library, where stories come to life. Books are read to the children daily, helping develop fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, phonics, and more. Interactive storytime performances on our stage make reading an exciting and engaging experience!
Pre-k Virtual Class Activities
This program is designed specifically for Pre-K children to help them learn how to engage and follow instructions in a virtual setting, especially when they are unable to attend in person. Virtual learning is not meant to replicate the classroom experience—it’s designed to thoughtfully extend it. Through interactive online activities, children continue to build skills, stay connected, and enjoy meaningful learning from wherever they are.
Outdoor Activities
Weather permitting, the children spend time at the playground each morning and afternoon. These include group games, nature exploration, picnics, seasonal celebrations, and creative outdoor projects that build teamwork, confidence, and physical development.
Summer Camp
Summer Camp is all about fun, creativity, and unforgettable memories! Each day features a playful and engaging theme—like kite flying, origami, circus performing, cooking, jewelry making, and more. Children enjoy water play, gardening, fitness activities, and exciting shows by special guest entertainers including magicians, musicians, puppeteers, dancers, clowns, and singers. It’s a summer filled with laughter, learning, and discovery!
Meals
We provide well-balanced, nutritious meals to support your child's growth and energy throughout the day. Breakfast, morning, and afternoon snacks are included in the tuition and feature wholesome options such as fresh fruits, dairy, whole grains, 2% milk, 100% juice, and herbal tea.
Hot lunches are available through a catering service for an additional cost. Parents may also choose to provide a nutritious lunch from home.
Program for Older Siblings and Former Students
This program is specially designed for the older siblings of currently enrolled students as well as our former students. It provides a structured and engaging environment during times when elementary schools are closed for vacations, teacher workshops, or similar non-weather-related closures.
