Merritt Academy

Specialties

Merritt Academy serves Infants — 8^th graders on it’s 7 acre campus near the Vienna metro. The school places a strong emphasis on Character Education and Academic preparation.

History

Established in 1963.

Merritt Academy was established in 1963 by Rachel O. Merritt. Rachel was searching for a school for her own two daughters that would focus on their individuality and develop their unique abilities. Having a clear vision for a school with this mission, Rachel set out to start her own school based on the following philosophy:

Children progress along a well-​defined road to maturity, but each according to his own tempo. They do not grow evenly or according to a time schedule. New features emerge, sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually. From birth to maturity, it is through experiences that the child grows in body, knowledge, and skill.

As a working mother, Rachel also wanted to help make life easier for parents. She developed a strong afterschool program that gave children enriched extra curricular activities such as piano lessons and intramural sports programs so that parents would not have to go elsewhere.