Education & Kids

Best Preschool

Trinity Presbyterian Preschool

What’s the key to a good preschool? Happy teachers. And Trinity Presbyterian maintains that standard by giving its staff the green light to think creatively. “We have a lot of leeway to do what we want,” says Natalie Pulsifer, who has taught at the faith-based school for the past five years.

Local mom Katrina Brubaker says her son’s teacher, Julie Smith, keeps lessons exciting with clever crafts and projects. “She made a giant papier-mâché sun and used stuffed newsprint for clouds. Almost everything she does is life-sized.” Kids also have music class every day, she adds. “They always come home singing a song.”

What you won’t find at Trinity is an iron-fisted push toward academics. “We emphasize social and emotional growth,” says preschool director Sabrina Brassard. What 4-year-olds need to focus on most, she says, is conflict resolution—something they learn simply by playing together.

Founded in 1957, Trinity welcomed 128 students this year. Tuition runs from $190 per month (for two days a week) to $380 for five days.

5533 16th St. North, Arlington, 703-536-5616, www.trinityarlington.org/preschool

Other top vote-getters:

Mount Olivet Preschool
Clarendon Child Care Center