No two days at Celebree School of Reston play out the same way, but our mornings always start with a familiar tone. Children walk in with joyous smiles, hang up their bags and walk into the classroom at whatever pace feels right for them. Teachers greet each child with a hello, a small check-in or simply a warm look that says we are glad you are here. It is a small moment, yet it helps each child shift gently from home to school.
Morning Arrival
Our school opens at 6:30 a.m. and that’s when our rooms come alive as the children settle in. We introduce the element of choice right from our infant A classroom to our school-age room. As soon as the children walk in, some will go straight to their favorite spots eager to finish a block tower or pick up a drawing from the day before, while others take a quiet moment to look around, find their friends, and decide where they want to start. Nothing is rushed. Those early minutes help everyone settle and feel grounded before the day begins.
Circle Time and Storytelling
Our circle starts at 9:30 a.m. right after morning announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance. Children wish their friends well, especially those who are not at school, and share small pieces of their home lives like a toy they brought in, a dream they remember, or a quick story about their morning. Our teachers share the day’s plan that includes the question of the day, which is a thought-provoking question like “What do we use strawberries for?”
Learning Through Play
Most of our learning happens during play. Children explore the classroom, moving from one area to the next depending on what pulls them in. They paint, build, sort, pretend and try things out in their own way. We use Creative Curriculum to ensure that learning is intentional and organized. Our teachers assess each child, and based on where they are in terms of milestones, craft a lesson plan tailored for each child. Teachers participate actively in their learning and stay close by to support our children when needed, but give them room to lead. Learning shows up in everyday moments like the first time toddlers work out how to share the same space, the excitement when a tower stands tall, or the surprise, in the Pre-K class, when mixing two colors makes a new one. It’s learning that feels natural because it grows from their curiosity.
Snack and Mealtime
Snack and lunch feel warm and familiar, almost like a family table. Children sit together in a family setting and help clear the space and offer simple kindnesses to each other. Conversations dwell on what each of them is having for lunch and the importance of good nutrition for our growing bodies.
Outdoor Exploration
Outdoor time is a highlight without question. Weather permitting, children go outside twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. Children run, climb, explore the grass and leaves, and follow whatever catches their eye. They dig, search, observe and move freely. Being outside gives them space to try things without worry and it gives them a healthy way to use all their energy.
Closing the Day
Toward the end of the day, the classroom softens again. Children choose quiet activities, listen to a story or talk about something they enjoyed. Teachers help them gather their belongings and prepare to head home, so they leave feeling settled and proud of their day.
A Calm, Confident Beginning
A day in a Celebree classroom is full, but never rushed. It moves at a pace that allows children to feel safe, seen, and ready to learn on their terms. For families thinking about a January start, this steady, gentle rhythm is often exactly what helps a child feel at home from the very beginning.
