Merritt Academy

Directions Website

Merritt Academy Established in 1963, the mission of Rachel O. Merritt Academy provides care and education for children from infants through eighth grade.

Merritt Academy has been to nourish and challenge the intellectual abilities, creative talents, and spiritual growth of children. With nearly 60 years serving families in Northern Virginia, Merritt offers a balance of play-based learning in early childhood with a rigorous academic curriculum for preschool, elementary and middle school enhanced by our values-driven approach. Our award-winning programs build character and solid academic foundation for future success while helping each student "Enjoy the Journey."

**That moment when your experiment gives you an answer you weren’t expecting!** Our 4th graders put everyday paper towel...
10/07/2026

**That moment when your experiment gives you an answer you weren’t expecting!**

Our 4th graders put everyday paper towels to the test, investigating which ones could hold up under pressure. Students made hypotheses, experimented with different brands, observed what happened, recorded their results and compared the strength of each one.

From the looks on their faces, we’d say the results definitely got their attention!

Hands on learning makes every discovery that much more memorable.

Our preschool students had a front row seat for a very special Merritt moment, the official ribbon cutting for their bra...
10/07/2026

Our preschool students had a front row seat for a very special Merritt moment, the official ribbon cutting for their brand new playground! The PTO leadership joined our Executive Director, Director of Early Childhood Education, Director of Facilities, and one of our preschool students to do the honors. And judging by the excitement on our students’ faces, they were more than ready to get out there and play!

The moment the ribbon was cut, our PreK students excitedly made their way onto the playground to explore, climb, and enjoy their new space.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible PTO and Merritt families who raised the funds to make this playground possible. Your generosity and support have created a special space for our youngest learners to play, discover, and make memories for years to come. 💙

Throughout October, Merritt Academy is coming together to support our neighbors in need through a schoolwide hygiene dri...
10/02/2026

Throughout October, Merritt Academy is coming together to support our neighbors in need through a schoolwide hygiene drive benefiting The Lamb Center of Fairfax.

We invite our Merritt families to donate new, unopened travel sized hygiene and personal care items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, feminine products, combs, and brushes.

Small items can make a meaningful difference. Thank you to our Merritt community for helping us care for others and showing our students what it means to put compassion into action. 💙

Donations can be dropped off in the Front Office or School Building Lobby throughout October.

10/01/2026

Our K3 students didn’t just learn the story of Johnny Appleseed. They stepped right into it. 🍎🌱

After learning about Johnny Appleseed and his travels planting apple seeds along the way, our students continued a beloved Merritt tradition with their very own Johnny Appleseed Parade.

With apples in hand and their Johnny Appleseed inspired “pots” on their heads, our little learners made their way around campus before heading outside to plant seeds of their own.

From hearing the story to reenacting it and getting their own hands in the soil, this special tradition gives our youngest students a chance to experience what they are learning and create some sweet Merritt memories along the way. ❤️🍎

Our Kindergarten students celebrated the end of their fairy tale unit with a special Fairy Tale Ball! ✨👑Throughout the u...
09/30/2026

Our Kindergarten students celebrated the end of their fairy tale unit with a special Fairy Tale Ball! ✨👑

Throughout the unit, students explored classic fairy tales, learned about the roles of authors and illustrators, and discovered how characters and stories come to life. The Fairy Tale Ball gave them a fun and memorable way to celebrate everything they learned.

A big thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers who joined in the fun by reading stories, helping with crafts, decorating, and making the day even more special for our students. 💖

And a special thank you to our Kindergarten teachers for bringing this experience together and creating such a memorable day of learning, creativity, and imagination!

In honor of Native American Day, we’re reflecting on a meaningful learning experience our Merritt Academy 5th graders ha...
09/25/2026

In honor of Native American Day, we’re reflecting on a meaningful learning experience our Merritt Academy 5th graders had earlier this week!

During their field trip to the National Museum of the American Indian, students explored the rich history, cultures, and traditions of Native American peoples. Through thoughtful observation, note-taking, and hands-on discovery, they deepened their understanding of the many Indigenous communities that have shaped our nation’s history and continue to enrich our world today.

Beyond the classroom, experiences like these encourage our students to ask questions, appreciate different perspectives, and develop a deeper respect for the people and cultures around them.

Some of the sweetest moments happen when generations come together! ❤️Our K3 students recently visited the residents at ...
09/24/2026

Some of the sweetest moments happen when generations come together! ❤️

Our K3 students recently visited the residents at Sunrise Senior Living, where they spent time creating arts and crafts, sharing a story, and making special memories with their senior friends.

For 35 years, Merritt Academy’s beloved Intergenerational Program has brought students and seniors together to build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and learn from one another. From our youngest infants to our 8th graders, every Merritt student has the opportunity to participate in this special tradition.

These visits are about so much more than an afternoon of activities. They foster connection, kindness, and a sense of belonging while enriching the lives of both generations. It’s these simple moments of connection that make this tradition so special for everyone involved. ❤️

Something spicy is growing at Merritt! 🌶️🌮Our 8th graders have been busy harvesting jalapeños from Mrs. Pott’s garden an...
09/23/2026

Something spicy is growing at Merritt! 🌶️🌮

Our 8th graders have been busy harvesting jalapeños from Mrs. Pott’s garden and turning them into homemade pickled jalapeños for our upcoming First Friday Walking Tacos event on October 2!

From garden to classroom, students got a firsthand look at where their food comes from while learning about food preservation, practicing teamwork, and putting their culinary skills to the test. It’s a fun reminder that some of the best learning happens when students roll up their sleeves and get hands-on!

We can’t wait to add a little homegrown spice to First Friday! 🌱

09/18/2026

Sometimes the best learning begins with a simple question: “What do you think will happen?”

That’s exactly what our K3 and K4 young scientists explored with Ms. Sue as they mixed red, yellow and blue colored water. With droppers in hand, they made predictions, watched the colors change before their eyes and eagerly shared their discoveries with one another.

Behind those colorful little experiments, students were building fine motor skills, practicing counting and color recognition, and learning to observe, question and explore the world around them.

Whether your child is getting ready for kindergarten or is already in kindergarten, join us for a free parent informatio...
09/17/2026

Whether your child is getting ready for kindergarten or is already in kindergarten, join us for a free parent information event open to all families in the community!

Hear from Merritt Academy educators about kindergarten curriculum, what children are learning, and practical ways to support your child’s confidence, independence, and growth.

📅 October 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Merritt Academy Cafeteria

Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4xwWmjZ

Address

9211 Arlington Boulevard
Fairfax, VA
22031

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 6:15pm
Tuesday 7am - 6:15pm
Wednesday 7am - 6:15pm
Thursday 7am - 6:15pm
Friday 7am - 6:15pm

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Merritt Academy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category