The Merit School Of Stafford Lakes # 25 is a child daycare & preschools daycare located at 251 University Boulevard, Fredericksburg, Virginia VA. Find contact info, location details, and similar daycares nearby.
What Parents Say
Parents consistently praise The Merit School of Stafford Lakes for providing exceptional, nurturing care with highly dedicated and warm staff. Children reportedly thrive academically and socially in a safe, clean environment with engaging activities and strong parent communication. The center has maintained high satisfaction across multiple age groups and years of operation.
From a mother who has had kids in 5 different daycares, finding the Merit School was a true blessing. The staff provide outstanding care and genuine attention to each child, creating an environment that feels warm, safe, and nurturing. They know exactly how to balance learning with play, making every day meaningful and fun. I’m always impressed by their communication and the thoughtful way they celebrate achievements. They also really know how to have fun with educational field trips and elaborate parties. My son comes home happy, confident, and full of stories — a true reflection of their dedication. This daycare is more than a place of care; it’s a community where children truly thrive.
The Merit School of Stafford Lakes is the absolute best!! I myself have 4 kids who attend there ranging from Toddler explorer, JK, and school age. My kids love coming here. The teachers are absolutely amazing. And the director goes above and beyond for the kids. Any problems or concerns that I may have are handled immediately. My kids have been attending here for a little over 4 years now. Two of them started in the baby room and moved up and this center has always been great to me and my family. If your looking for daycare this place is the #1 choice!!
All three of our children attended Merit School at Stafford Lakes, beginning in July 2015 when it was still Minnieland Academy, and finishing in July 2025. Over the course of a full decade, this school became more than just a daycare for our family — it truly felt like a second home. We are so grateful for the dedication and compassion shown by the teachers and staff throughout the years. The school director, Ms. Jennifer, always made time to address any concerns we had or provide useful perspective on our kids as they grew. Each of our children was not only cared for, but also well-prepared for kindergarten thanks to the thoughtful curriculum and nurturing environment. We made wonderful friendships with kids and parents at Merit. We especially appreciated the structured daily routines, including family-style breakfasts, lunches, and snacks (included in tuition), regular outdoor play on safe and fun playground equipment, and seasonal water play in the summers. The school also uses an app that kept us updated throughout the day with messages and photos which was much appreciated as it gave us a sense of what was going on in their day-to-day life at Merit. After 10 years, we can confidently recommend Merit School at Stafford Lakes.
I'm writing to share my overwhelmingly positive experience with Merit School at Stafford Lakes. My daughter has been attending for over 18 months, and it's been a truly transformative experience for her. From the moment she started, she's thrived in the nurturing and stimulating environment. What stands out most is the exceptional quality of the teaching staff. Each teacher has shown genuine care and dedication, fostering not only my daughter's academic growth but also her social and emotional development. They've created a classroom atmosphere where she feels safe, supported, and encouraged to explore her interests. The summer camp program at Merit is another highlight. The diverse range of activities kept my daughter engaged and excited throughout the summer months. She participated in (Urban Air, Swimming Pool, Excursions to parks and Museums)building confidence and making lasting friendships. The structured yet fun approach clearly prioritizes both entertainment and learning. Finding the right childcare provider is a significant decision for any parent, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Merit School. I wholeheartedly recommend it to any family seeking a high-quality, enriching learning experience for their child.
Stafford Lakes Merit school has been wonderful for our child. He is learning social skills. He is learning his alphabet and counting is his favorite. He loves the songs that they sing. The staff has been great. They have communicated with us and anytime I ask questions about how my child is doing, they have been very responsive.
VQB5
Level 5 out of 5
Meets Expectations
This rating is part of the state's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Trained evaluators assess staff qualifications, learning environment, curriculum, and family engagement — standards that go beyond basic licensing requirements.
Level 1: Meets basic licensing standards.
Level 2: Exceeds licensing with some quality improvements in place.
Level 3: Demonstrates strong practices in curriculum and staff development.
Level 4: High quality across most assessed areas.
Level 5: Highest quality — excels in all areas of assessment.