Our Mission
Saint Leo the Great Catholic School community leads by the example of Jesus, with respect and compassion for all, to foster faith and academic growth.
We are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year! Please CLICK HERE to schedule a tour or APPLY HERE. Questions? Contact our Preschool Director, Katie Blanchard at (703) 273-1211 ext. 652 or kblanchard@saintleothegreatschool.org.
A place to play, learn,
and grow under God's love
Mission Statement: Saint Leo the Great Catholic School community leads by the example of Jesus with respect and compassion for all, to foster faith and academic growth.
Saint Leo the Great Preschool opened its doors in September of 1990 offering three classes to accommodate the needs of our younger population. We have undergone many changes to our physical space since that time, but the core of our program is our philosophy, which remains the same. That is, that we view each child as a unique person created in the likeness of God.
Saint Leo's Preschool children are constantly challenged to discover the world around them through developmentally appropriate activities based on the age of the group.
Activities and themes are carefully selected by knowledgeable and nurturing teachers who focus on important areas of learning such as cognitive, social development, language, physical education and creativity.
Our preschoolers engage in specialty classes including weekly music, art, Spanish along with library time.
We are part of the larger school community of K-8th grade students and participate in school wide activities when possible.
We are a Virginia Catholic Education Association accredited Preschool. We are a Religious Exempt Child Day Center in accordance with the Virginia state rules and regulations.
Our Preschool is rooted in the Catholic faith and tradition. We work in a Christian atmosphere based on the love of Jesus, where we value and respect each other. It is these core values that make our Preschool the perfect environment for your child's first school experience.
Philosophy
Saint Leo the Great Preschool is dedicated to the growth and success of the whole child. Our primary objectives are:
To promote a Christian attitude and basis for spiritual development.
To provide an environment conducive to cognitive development.
To encourage social interaction and peer relationships.
To promote physical activity and exploration.
To provide an atmosphere of acceptance and warmth for emotional growth.
For each child we aim to provide a stimulating environment with encouraging, patient teachers in a positive relaxed atmosphere.
The value of play as a medium to learn, to experience and to succeed is emphasized.
Children are encouraged to acquire knowledge through individual accomplishment, group interaction and to develop a love of learning.
We believe children learn by doing.
The preschool program strives to promote an attitude of warmth and acceptance whereby each child can develop his/her own individuality while acquiring self-worth within the group. Ours is a process versus product environment. What the child learns and experiences from doing the activity is much more important than the finished product.