Frequently AskeD Questions
Here are the most common questions parents ask when evaluating preschools—these reflect what families care about most when choosing a program for their child:
- Curriculum & Learning
Answer: At Karter Schools, we are a Montessori-inspired campus that blends the best of Montessori principles with a structured weekly curriculum through Frog Street. Our classrooms are equipped with authentic Montessori materials to encourage hands-on, child-led learning and independence. In addition, we enrich each child’s experience with specialty classes such as foreign languages, music, sports, and cooking—woven seamlessly into their day to support well-rounded development and spark curiosity in a variety of areas.
Answer: At Karter Schools, we support kindergarten readiness by nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Montessori-inspired approach encourages independence, problem-solving, and a love of learning, while our Frog Street curriculum ensures children are meeting key developmental milestones across all domains. We focus on foundational literacy and math skills, fine and gross motor development, social-emotional learning, and classroom routines that mirror a kindergarten setting.
Through hands-on learning, individualized attention, and consistent structure, our students gain the confidence and skills they need to transition smoothly and successfully into kindergarten.
Answer: Yes! At Karter Schools, we thoughtfully incorporate STEM, literacy, and language development into our daily curriculum. Some of our campuses even feature dedicated STEM classrooms where children can explore science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through hands-on experiments and collaborative projects. In addition, all students participate in weekly STEM-based activities that spark curiosity and critical thinking.
Our Frog Street curriculum is a strong foundation for literacy and language development, offering age-appropriate lessons that build vocabulary, early reading skills, and communication abilities. Combined with our Montessori-inspired environment, children are consistently engaged in meaningful, language-rich learning experiences that prepare them for future academic success.
Answer: At Karter Schools, we use a combination of daily communication and scheduled check-ins to track and share each child’s developmental progress. Our families stay connected through the Procare app, which provides real-time updates on diapers, bottles, nap times, meals, and curriculum highlights. The app also supports two-way communication, allowing parents and teachers to message directly throughout the day. In addition to daily updates, we hold parent-teacher conferences throughout the year to discuss developmental milestones, academic growth, and social-emotional progress. These conferences provide an opportunity to review individual goals and work together to support each child’s unique learning journey.
- Teachers & Staff
Answer: At Karter Schools, we pride ourselves on the diverse strengths and rich educational backgrounds of our team. Many of our teachers hold associate’s or bachelor’s degrees—some even have master’s degrees in education or related fields. You’ll also find staff with Montessori certifications, Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, and extensive experience in early childhood education. While not every team member holds the same qualifications, each brings a unique passion and talent that enhances our classrooms. We thoughtfully pair teachers to complement each other’s strengths and create the most nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment possible.
Answer:
We follow (and often exceed) the state licensing requirements set by Virginia’s Department of Education. Ratios vary by age group, for example:
Infants (0-16 months): 1 teacher for every 4 children
Toddlers (16-24 months): 1 teacher for every 5 children
2-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 8 children
3-year-olds: 1 teacher for every 10 children
4-year-olds and up: 1 teacher for every 10 children
Our classrooms are often staffed with more teachers than required, ensuring each child receives plenty of individual attention and support throughout their day.
Answer: Many of our teachers and team members have been with Karter Schools since we first opened our doors. We value consistency and community, and it shows in our team’s commitment. Their longevity is a reflection of the supportive, professional, and family-like environment we’ve worked hard to build.
Answer: Yes—all of our teachers and staff members are certified in both CPR and First Aid. We maintain these certifications through regular renewals to ensure your child’s safety is always in capable hands.
Answer: Absolutely. At Karter Schools, professional development is not a checkbox—it’s a continuous journey. Our teachers receive regular training throughout the year, both online and in-person. We host multiple professional development days annually, and we proudly send staff to regional and national training conferences. Additionally, we offer on-site coaching, where experienced educators come into classrooms to model strategies and offer hands-on guidance in real time. This multi-layered approach ensures our team stays current, inspired, and continually growing.
- Health & Safety
Answer:
At Karter Schools, the safety of your child is our top priority. We’ve built multiple layers of security into our campuses to ensure a safe, monitored environment:
- Individualized entry codes are assigned to each family and staff member. When a family disenrolls, their code is immediately deactivated to maintain campus security.
- Security cameras are placed in classrooms, common areas, and at entry points to monitor activity throughout the day. All visitors must be pre-approved or identified and are required to check in with the front office.
- Our staff undergoes regular training to ensure they are up-to-date on emergency procedures and safety protocols.
Answer:
- Children who show signs of illness are sent home and may return when symptom-free and/or with a doctor’s note, depending on the situation.
- When families notify us of airborne illnesses (such as RSV, flu, or COVID-19), we implement enhanced cleaning protocols, including deep cleaning and sanitizing of classrooms and common areas to prevent further spread.
- Minor injuries (like scrapes or bumps) are addressed immediately by our trained staff and documented with an Incident Report, which is shared with parents the same day.
- For more serious injuries or health concerns, parents are contacted immediately, and appropriate steps are taken to ensure the child receives necessary care.
All staff are CPR and First Aid certified, and a percentage of our teachers are also MAT (Medication Administration Training) certified, allowing them to safely administer medication when authorized. This ensures your child’s health and safety are in the hands of knowledgeable, trained professionals at all times.
Cleanliness and sanitation are part of our daily culture at Karter Schools—we go above and beyond to create a healthy environment for all children and staff:
- Classrooms and common areas are cleaned and sanitized multiple times a day, with special attention to high-touch surfaces, toys, and shared materials.
- We follow CDC guidelines and use only EPA-approved disinfectants that are safe for children but effective against viruses and bacteria.
- Teachers and children practice frequent handwashing, especially before meals, after using the restroom, after outdoor play, and whenever needed throughout the day.
- Professional cleaning crews come in each evening to deep-clean the building, restrooms, and classrooms to ensure the school starts each day fresh and sanitized.
Many of our campuses also use the ZONO Sanitech system, an eco-friendly sanitizing cabinet that uses ozone and humidity to disinfect toys, cots, learning materials, and backpacks—without chemicals or liquid cleaners. It’s an added layer of protection that allows us to sanitize items that are traditionally harder to clean.
These measures help us maintain a space where children can learn, explore, and grow safely every single day.
Answer:
Absolutely. At Karter Schools, allergy awareness and safety are built into our daily operations—from the classroom to the kitchen.
- Allergy information is clearly documented and posted in each classroom so that every staff member is aware of each child’s needs.
- We implement and follow individualized allergy action plans for children with diagnosed allergies.
- A percentage of our staff are MAT (Medication Administration Training) certified, meaning they are trained and authorized to administer emergency medications like EpiPens when needed.
- Our staff receive ongoing training to recognize symptoms of allergic reactions and respond calmly and effectively.
- In addition to classroom safety, our chefs and food prep team take allergy precautions extremely seriously. They carefully review allergy plans, avoid cross-contamination, and ensure that each meal is prepared with the child’s health in mind.
- We are a peanut- and tree-nut-aware environment and make every effort to eliminate allergen exposure within our campuses.
- Families are notified if their child’s classroom has any specific allergy-related restrictions to help maintain a safe environment for all children.
Your child’s health and safety are always our top priority, and we work in full partnership with families to manage allergies with care and confidence.
Answer:
Karter Schools is committed to maintaining a safe, prepared, and responsive environment in all situations.
We follow a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan that includes protocols for fire, lockdowns, severe weather, medical emergencies, and evacuations.
- Monthly fire drills are conducted as required by Virginia state law to ensure staff and students know how to exit the building quickly and safely.
- We also conduct quarterly lockdown drills and severe weather drills to prepare for unlikely but critical situations like intruders or tornado warnings.
- Emergency evacuation routes are clearly posted in every classroom and common area.
- Each classroom is stocked with an emergency kit that includes items such as first aid supplies, flashlights, emergency contact lists, and comfort items for children.
- In the event of a real emergency, families are notified through Procare alerts, phone calls, or emails, depending on the urgency and type of situation.
- All staff receive training on emergency response protocols during onboarding and throughout the year. Our team is prepared to respond calmly, quickly, and effectively.
- We maintain up-to-date emergency contact information for every child, as well as shelter-in-place supplies and designated safe areas within the school.
Our goal is to be ready for the unexpected—so that you can have peace of mind knowing your child is safe, supported, and protected at all times.
- Daily Routine & Flexibility
Answer:
At Karter Schools, each day is thoughtfully designed to balance structure, creativity, learning, and play. While each classroom may vary slightly by age group, here’s what you can generally expect:
- Morning arrival & greetings
- Healthy meals and snacks provided throughout the day
Hands-on learning activities focused on early academics, social-emotional skills, and practical life skills - Outdoor play twice a day, weather permitting, to support physical development and fresh-air fun
- Enrichment opportunities like music, art, science, and movement
- Rest/nap time (for younger age groups)
- Afternoon exploration and themed activities
Our schedule is consistent enough to give children a sense of security while also offering the flexibility to explore and enjoy a variety of experiences each day.
Answer:
Yes, we offer a variety of scheduling options in some of our programs to meet the needs of today’s families. Options may include:
- 5 full days
- 3 full days
- 5 half-days
Availability and scheduling options can vary by classroom and campus. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage families to connect with your Karter Schools enrollment representative who will help guide you through your choices.
Answer:
At Karter Schools, we are open Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our One Loudoun Campus does open at 6:30 a.m.
Answer:
Yes! At Karter Schools, our hours of operation—7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—are designed to support busy families by naturally including both before and aftercare.
There is no need to enroll in a separate program—your child’s care is fully covered during our regular school hours. Whether you need an early drop-off or a later pickup, our team is here to ensure your child feels welcomed, safe, and engaged throughout the entire day.
For our Karter Summer Camp program, before and after care is available for an additional fee and can provide care throughout the duration of our hours of operation.
If you have specific scheduling needs or questions about extended care, our campus leadership is happy to help!
Answer:
Yes! At Karter Schools, we provide breakfast, a healthy morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack each day.
If your child has allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know—we’re happy to accommodate!
- Parent Communication
Answer:
At Karter Schools, we believe in open, consistent, and transparent communication between our educators and families. We use the Procare Parent Engagement App—a powerful tool that keeps you connected to your child’s day in real time. Through the app, you’ll receive:
- Daily updates on meals, naps, bathroom routines, and learning activities
- Photos and videos that capture special moments and milestones
Two-way messaging with teachers and staff to stay connected and ask questions throughout the day - Reminders and alerts for school events, closures, or anything you need to know
It’s all at your fingertips—keeping you informed and involved in your child’s experience at Karter Schools.
Answer:
Absolutely! We encourage family engagement and are happy to schedule a time for you to visit or observe your child in action. Simply reach out to your campus director to arrange a visit that works for you and your child’s classroom schedule. Some of our campuses also offer WatchMeGrow™, a secure live-streaming video service that allows you to check in on your child throughout the day. It’s a wonderful way to stay connected, even when you’re apart.
Answer:
At Karter Schools, we approach behavior guidance with compassion, consistency, and a deep understanding of child development. Our goal is to help children learn how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and make safe, respectful choices.
Our teachers are trained in Conscious Discipline®, a research-backed, trauma-informed approach that blends classroom management with social-emotional learning. This method teaches children to build self-regulation skills through connection rather than control. With Conscious Discipline, we focus on:
- Creating a safe, predictable classroom environment
- Teaching empathy and emotional literacy
- Using language that builds trust and internal motivation
- Guiding children through co-regulation and problem-solving moments
We use positive reinforcement, redirection, and gentle coaching to support appropriate behavior. Discipline is never about punishment—it’s about teaching and modeling. Teachers encourage children to reflect on their choices, understand the impact on others, and make better decisions moving forward.
When behavioral challenges arise, we also have school leadership available to observe classrooms, provide coaching, and collaborate with families. For more persistent or complex behaviors, we work in partnership with families to develop individualized strategies and ensure each child is supported with consistency and care.
Our commitment is to nurture not just academic growth—but also the emotional and social skills children need to thrive in school and in life.
Answer:
Yes! We hold formal parent-teacher conferences twice a year—typically in the fall and spring. These conferences are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, strengths, goals, and any areas of concern. We also welcome informal check-ins anytime—just let us know when you’d like to connect.
Answer:
In addition to daily updates through the Procare app, parents receive seasonal report cards that reflect your child’s developmental milestones and classroom growth. These progress updates include observations, photos, and teacher insights that give you a well-rounded view of your child’s experiences and achievements throughout the school year.
- Tuition & Enrollment
Answer:
Tuition varies by program, schedule, and location. To ensure each family receives accurate information, we encourage you to speak directly with your campus director or enrollment specialist.
Tuition at Karter Schools includes:
- A robust, developmentally appropriate curriculum
- All daily meals and snacks, prepared with care to support growing bodies
- Enrichment activities and special events
- Outdoor play twice a day
- Access to our digital parent engagement app (Procare)
- Secure school entry and safety systems
We’re committed to offering exceptional value through high-quality education, experienced teachers, and a nurturing environment for your child.
Answer:
Some of our classrooms may have limited availability or a waitlist, depending on the time of year and age group. We recommend families inquire early and complete the necessary paperwork to secure a spot. Our enrollment caps follow Virginia licensing ratios to ensure each child receives the attention and care they deserve
Answer:
We understand that plans can change. Families are required to provide a 60-day written notice for withdrawal. Registration and supply fees are non-refundable, as they secure your child’s space and support program planning. For specific tuition policies and any prorated adjustments, please speak with your school’s director.
Answer:
At Karter Schools, we charge an initial registration fee at the time of enrollment and an annual re-registration fee each year your child continues with us. These fees help cover the administrative and operational costs associated with maintaining a high-quality early childhood program.
Your registration fee supports:
- Enrollment processing and administrative setup
- Student records and compliance
- Access to parent communication platforms and technology
- Planning for curriculum and classroom resources for the year ahead
We do not charge a separate supply fee—all classroom materials, activity supplies, and curriculum tools are provided as part of your child’s daily experience at Karter.
PROGRAMS WE OFFER:
Infant Childcare
6 Weeks to 12 Months
Toddler Childcare
13 Months to 24 Months
Preschool PROGRAMS
2 to 3 Years
100%
HAPPINESS GUARANTEED
It is our top goal to make you happy. You are our partner in finding solutions to any problem and we are happy to collaborate with you to ensure that our curriculums, from our infant and kindergartner program to our private preschool in Chantilly, are to your satisfaction.
Entrust your child’s education to us, and ready your child for the world. Karter Schools – South Riding in Chantilly, VA is happy to help you on this journey. Book a school tour now! Call us at (703) 327-2003.
WE are an Accredited School
How does this
benefit your child...
- Your child learns from teachers who use strategies that individualize your child’s experience.
- Your child meets and exceeds National Standards of Learning.
- Your child will always receive the latest and most current educational strategies backed by research.
- Cognia Accreditation ensures that a quality curriculum is in place.
Karter Schools’ team of professional educators wants to become your trusted partner in supporting your child’s educational development. We also offer a nurturing and educational environment for preschools in Gainesville, Chantilly, and Sterling where your child can enjoy learning and growing.
Call us today to book an appointment for prospective students.
