Frequently Asked Questions
Please read through this page as it is a valuable resource for answering many of your questions!
Q: What are your days/hours of operation?
A: We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Q: Do you close for the summer?
A: We are a year-round program. Our academic year runs from September to June and our Summer Camp Program runs June, July, and August following the same daily schedule as the academic year. Our Summer Camp Program is play-based and is focused on summer activities. We are closed one week every summer for Professional Development.
Q: What is the difference between your campuses?
A: Our Overlee campus is our newest campus and it provides education to children ages 2-5.
Our Yorktown and Cherrydale campuses serve as an upper and lower combination program. Our Cherrydale location serves ages 2-3 and our Yorktown location serves ages 3-5.
It is important to note that our Cherrydale location does not have a playground on-site. This campus utilizes Maywood Park for outside playtime.
Q: What ages does your program serve?
A: Little Ambassadors' Academy serves children ages two through five.
Q:Do you serve lunch and snacks?
A: Breakfast and three healthy snacks per day are included in tuition. We do have an optional catered lunch program at Little Ambassadors’ Academy for an additional cost.
Q: What is the typical class schedule at Little Ambassadors’ Academy?
A: We are open from 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., however our academic day runs from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a two hour rest time and an hour and a half of outside play for all age groups. To see a detailed schedule please click on the button below.
Q: What is the teacher/student ratio in your classrooms?
A: Please refer to the following chart:
Q: How many students are in each classroom?
A: Our largest classroom has sixteen students. Each classroom consists of either Lead Teacher and a Teacher’s Assistant(s) or Co-Teachers.
Q: Do you run background checks on your employees?
A: Yes we run both criminal and sex offender background checks on all employees.
Q: What is the education background of your teachers?
A: Our Lead Teachers hold a Bachelor’s Degree or CDA (Child Development Associates). All employees continue their education throughout each school year with additional Professional Development courses and training.
Q: Do you offer full time and part time enrollment?
A: We offer both full time and part time enrollment. Our part time enrollment options are two days per week (Tuesday/Thursday) or three days per week (Monday/Wednesday/Friday). Our program is full day and we do not offer a discounted tuition rate for families who want to come half-day.
Q: How can I schedule a tour?
A: We offer one tour per family and schedule tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call one of our campuses for tour availability and scheduling.
Q: How early can I apply?
A: Families may apply as soon as they discover they are expecting, but please remember we do not enroll children younger than two years of age.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Click on the button below to learn about our application process, fees and how to submit an application.
Q: How will I know if my child has been accepted into your program?
A: We will call you between Spring and Summer to offer you a space for the Fall of the upcoming academic year.
Q: Does my child have to be potty trained to enter your program?
A: Children entering the two-year-old program do not need to be potty trained. However, children three and up are required to be potty trained before entering our program.
Q: Do you offer sibling discounts?
A: We offer 5% off the oldest child’s tuition for both full time or part-time students.
Q: Do you have sibling privilege?
A: Little Ambassadors’ Academy does offer sibling privilege. Siblings of enrolled students have the highest priority in our enrollment decisions.
Q: Can I choose which campus my child attends?
A: We have one wait-list which is divided by age group. You can add a campus preference on our application when you apply, but it is not a guarantee. The campus preference options are Cherrydale/Yorktown or Overlee. If you choose our Cherrydale/Yorktown preference then your child would attend Cherrydale for one school year (2-3 year old group) and will transfer to our Yorktown campus for two years (3-5 year old group). If you choose our Overlee campus, your child will attend for all years. Having a campus preference does not affect your child's position on the wait-list.
Q: What is your recommended timeline for the application and touring process?
A: We recommend applying at least a year and a half before your preferred enrollment date. Please plan to tour no later than January of your desired school year. For example, if you are interested in enrolling your child Fall 2017, you should plan to tour no later than January 2017.
Q: How will I know what number my child is on the waitlist?
A: Wait-list numbers can change due to multiple factors. Unfortunately, we are unable to give official wait-list numbers until February of your desired enrollment year. For example, if you apply for enrollment for the Fall 2017 school year, please check with us in February 2017 regarding your child's wait-list number.
Q: What is your inclement weather closure policy?
A: We loosely follow Arlington County Public School’s closure decisions. We will make our own decision by 5 am the morning of and notify enrolled families via e-mail, our website, and each campus’ outgoing phone message.