Merritt Academy, Fairfax | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

Warning to parents – my 18m old daughter’s teacher at Merritt DISLOCATED her elbow in what was supposedly an age appropriate disciplinary action! Dept of Social Services has investigated and cited Merritt for multiple violations.

Our daughter’s teacher lifted her by the forearm from a seated position to a standing position, immediately dislocating her elbow and causing her agonizing pain. We had to take her to the ER to have her elbow reset, which is an extremely painful process. I know exactly what happened because there is video surveillance of the incident. You do not have to trust my word – the Department of Social Services investigated, cited Merritt for 3 violations, and detailed the incident themselves. Their findings against Merritt are public info. You can google “DSS Merritt Academy” and read the report dated April 26, 2022 (I can’t post URLs in a review).

Look at the Dept of Social Service’s findings (based on their review of the classroom video surveillance) – my daughter TOOK A BOOK from another child, and for that the teacher said “really girl!”, yanked her angrily from a seated position to a standing position (immediately dislocating her elbow) and then LEFT HER TO CRY after she was injured. Thank GOD for cameras or we would never have known what happened that day.

My daughter has attended Merritt since she was a year old. Being an educator I was picky about where I placed her for child care. She received more than great quality care, she is easily 6 months- a year ahead and extremely well prepared for Kindergarten.

We have loved most of our teachers, and as with any school, there were a couple we weren’t thrilled about but they still took care of my daughter as if she was their own. She is always happy and excited to talk about her day. She also talks positively about her teachers.

The parents at the school form strong relationships and welcome anyone to get involved. The classrooms and administrative offices have an open door policy. I can always talk with the preschool director, school principal, executive director, or anyone else at almost any time.

I would reccomend this school to anyone with a child from infant-up. The administration is committed to quality care adn education and work closely with the parent group to meet the needs and concerns of parents and staff.

I’ve had two children go to this school. The eldest was misplaced during summer camp and none of the counselors could tell me where she had gone. It turned out she was at an extracurricular activity but somehow they lost track of her. My toddler was bit 6 times in her toddler room by recurrent biters despite my attempt to have her changed from her room and my request that consequences be implemented for repeat biters. My eldest had sand thrown in her face and one of her belongings broken by a bully that wasn’t adequately disciplined despite multiple behavioral issues. We leave our children with daycare providers to keep our children safe and to protect them when we cannot. Merritt is clearly not fulfilling that expectation. After being with Merritt for 5 years, I’m disappointed to say that the good things it has to offer are being outweighed by the bad.