First Friends Montessori Preschool INC

We are so happy we chose First Friends Preschool. The teachers are warm, intentional, and consistently pour thoughtfulness and care into supporting each child’s growth. Every detail, from the classroom environment to the indoor and outdoor activities, is guided by a research-backed understanding of early childhood development. Their program provides consistent structure and routines that help children feel secure, while also offering the flexibility to explore student-led curiosity. The teachers communicate openly, partner closely with parents, and make us feel part of a genuinely caring community. Our daughter has absolutely thrived at First Friends, and we are so grateful for the nurturing foundation she has received. We cannot wait for our younger daughter to join this amazing school!

First Friends is truly a unique, magical little school in the heart of downtown Fairfax. Our second child is absolutely thriving there and it's been wonderful to see the thoughtfulness in the expanded curriculum, the community-building, and just the growth of our child in this environment. I know many parents have concerns about the size of the physical space/smaller outdoor areas and with a super active boy, I did too. I can honestly say it has not been a hindrance at all - we really value outdoor/nature time as a family (older child in waldorf program). They really make it work and my kid even asks to stay LONGER on the days we pick up at 3. The engagement, fun and learning I see in the classroom and the outdoor spaces are next level. The teachers are amazing and it's really such a warm, welcoming space - the teachers are so focused on each child's well-being and really want to support the child AND the family. I don't think we could have asked for a better experience or more caring teachers. In the 3 years since the ownership change, the school has really come into its own under the new leadership and has deeply and really thoughtfully enriched the program. While I wouldn't say it's academically focused, it truly is play-based, my 4 year old is beginning to read and do basic math simply bc he and a couple other kids have shown a real interest that the school has accommodated. That's happening alongside all the other building, singing, exploring, art, dance, etc that you'd expect in a preschool classroom. They do a great job at creating small groups within the class so kids can explore their interests. We are so grateful we landed here and will miss this special space, it's really the best.

We cannot say enough wonderful things about First Friends Preschool. It's exactly what we imagined when we moved to the area from the city and were looking for a special place to enroll our son - a community surrounding family, child-led learning, and inspired creativity. The teachers and surrounding team are clearly experienced with early childhood development and infuse their incredibly nurturing special sauce into every magical day there (yes, even the crazy and chaotic ones!) — they've created an environment that truly feels like an extension of 'home.' Our son loved it from day one and nine months later we continue see how he is thriving with the consistent experience First Friends creates. Watching him discover the joy of learning has been one of the greatest gifts. The way the teachers have cultivated his natural curiosity is beautiful, and we see the incredibly important seeds being planted for a lifetime love of learning. As a parent, the peace of mind we feel is invaluable. The community at First Friends has become an integral part of our family's life, and we see the positive impact every single day. If you're looking for a preschool where your child will be welcomed into a family and nurtured by experts who truly care, First Friends is that place.

This preschool is truly a special place! The play-based, child-led curriculum has helped our son learn and grow so much. He comes home singing songs and excited about the hands-on activities, and we can tell he’s genuinely happy at First Friends. The teachers are so nurturing, kind, and attentive, and we’ve seen incredible growth we didn’t expect at his age. If you’re looking for a warm and caring local preschool, First Friends is the one.

We love First Friends! The teachers and school are full of warmth and kindness and you can really feel the love they have for our daughter. Our kid loves going and talks about school all the time. Our favorite preschool in the area by far.