When it came time to choose a preschool for my eldest son, Golden Pond gave us the best feeling for a preschool program (call it a mother’s intuition). We were not looking for a daycare scenario, but an early childhood education that our child would embrace. Our eldest attended Golden Pond from the age of 3 until Kindergarten Enrichment (before Loudoun County had full day kindergarten). Our youngest will be starting her third year at Golden Pond entering their kindergarten program. The teachers and the staff take time to get to know each child by name, always greeting them with such enthusiasm. There has never been a concern that the teachers or administration hasn’t solved for our family. They always want what is best for each child. Both of my kids had an adjustment phase where there were many tears shed when starting. Their teachers assured me that the tears went away within the first 5 minutes of class and encouraged me to make surprise visits to see my children through the windows. Sure enough, my kids were always smiling and having fun with their peers. Golden Pond is the next best thing to a family member taking care of your child. Academics wise, they challenge the children to learn even the biggest of words in their curriculum. Perhaps I underestimated the ability of a preschooler. A highlight of each year is the Spring Sing, where the school puts on a very organized singing performance, with great music and scenery. The teacher’s really do love each of their students, and as each child flies up to the next level, their teachers continue to express interest in their progress. My son is entering 4th grade next year, and the teachers still ask about him. There is a real sense of community within Golden Pond. My kids love running into their teachers around town. Bonus: LOVE the carline, especially because this gives the kids exposure to other teachers/staff members.

We toured several area preschools when we moved to Ashburn — many of them quite impressive — but as soon as we finished our tour of Golden Pond, I knew we had found the right place! I have two kids at Golden Pond School and between them we’ve had 3 years of preschool and one year of junior kindergarten as well as after school extended care. Every class and every single teacher has been amazing! The administrative staff and specialty teachers are incredible as well — creating a warm and joyful environment everyday. Their curriculum is so rich and engaging — my children are constantly coming home and telling me interesting facts that I didn’t even know myself (much less expect a pre-schooler to know!). They immerse the children in play-based learning and keep them engaged with a hands-on approach. The teachers strike the perfect balance of being caring and supportive while also fostering independence. They treat each child as an individual, adapting to various needs and personalities. I can’t imagine sending my kids anywhere else. My only regret is that once my son finishes kindergarten at GPS this upcoming year, he will be at the end of his Golden Pond journey!

I often say that choosing Golden Pond School was the best decision my husband and I ever made for our four children. The positive, hands-on preschool environment fostered a deep love of learning in each of them, and in Kindergarten their reading, writing, and knowledge of the wonderful themes (such as simple machines and underground animals) exploded. The Golden Pond environment and curriculum is a priceless gift that sets the stage for a very bright future for each student. At the end of her 4th year at Golden Pond, my daughter said it best in the card she wrote to her teacher for her Kindergarten graduation...I love my school so much I don’t want to leave my school or my teachers. I am so so so so so so so very very really really sad it’s no more school. It’s done, it’s over. I want to stay at Golden Pond for ever and ever and ever even when I’m a grown up. That is how much I really super duper love school. I love all the teachers in the other times when I was more littler than I am now. I love going to school here at Golden Pond School. I will miss you GPS.