Our Story

Wesley United Methodist Church Preschool has a decades-long tradition of quality education and strong commitment to family. Our doors first opened in January 1958, when Wesley Church recognized the need for a school to nurture and teach young students in Vienna, Virginia. The church established a kindergarten program with seven students; tuition was $25 each month. Ten years later, in 1968, when Fairfax County Public Schools began offering kindergarten, Wesley School transitioned into a preschool for children ages 2 to 5. That first school year welcomed 18 students. Today, we can serve up to 120 students ages 2.5 to 5 and are proud to report that many of our now grown up “alumni” also have their children at Wesley.

With a highly respected reputation in the community, we are committed to remaining an outstanding preschool, where all children are valued and loved. We offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum and facilitate learning through play. Classroom activities are fun while aiming to develop and pursue interests and curiosities, ask and respond to questions, solve problems and undertake challenges. While academics and preparation for elementary school are primary goals, we also focus on teaching social skills, such as sharing and caring for others, taking turns, developing patience and the art of compromise. We value all students, promote self-confidence, and strive to make the first school experience a positive one to develop a love of learning. We embrace the core values and philosophy of Conscious Discipline®. We believe that kindness and empathy toward family, friends, and strangers is an important value to instill beginning at a young age.

Wesley’s program also emphasizes the importance of process art; which allows children to explore materials in an open ended unstructured way, gross motor time, and the world of Science. Learning without Tears® is incorporated into the curriculum to teach fine motor skills and preliteracy skills through multisensory experiences. Pre-K students have 1 day of STEM with active hands-on learning and experiments. Students study a variety of topics including volcanos, metamorphosis, recycling, magnets and, the five senses. Wesley children can enroll in after school enrichment programs such as math, literature, geography, yoga, and book club.

Wesley Preschool is indeed a family experience. Most of our teachers’ children attend or have graduated from the preschool. Our wonderful Parent Committee plans social events throughout the school year, such as dinners at local restaurants, seasonal parties, coffees, picnics, and educational programs for parents and caregivers. Further, parents are welcome to participate in classroom activities, but are not required to do so.

Our population includes students from all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. We successfully include diverse learners and celebrate the strengths and gifts while supporting the unique needs of all students. We partner with all parents and resource specialists to insure success.

We welcome your inquiry.

Please contact our Director, Faith McCoy, at 703-938-3970 or wesleypreschoolvienna@gmail.com