Our image of the child is rich in potential, strong, powerful, competent, and most of all, connected to adults and other children. ~ Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio-Emilia approach
Founded in 1990, our preschool is hands-on and intentionally play-based, allowing students to draw on all five senses to discover the world around them. Our classrooms facilitate creativity, encouraging exploration both indoors and in the natural world. FLP helps students to develop and grow by providing a collaborative learning environment. We guide children to see alternatives, problem-solve, and make their own decisions. We observe and listen to our students, so they feel heard, respected, and empowered. FLP’s program includes dedicated STEM, art, and music classes, as well as weekly chapel. Through a wide range of experiences, our students build a love of learning they will carry with them through their lives.
Explore with us at FLP!
About Faith Lutheran Preschool
Faith Lutheran Preschool has operated for more than 32 years in Arlington, Virginia. As one of the oldest and most established Reggio-Emilia-inspired programs in the area, FLP seeks to serve the community by nurturing both the spiritual and educational development of children ages 2-5. We operate with the belief that play is at the core of learning, and our low student-to-teacher ratios support a strong connection and understanding of the strengths, needs, and interests of each student. Our rich learning environment incorporates music, art, science, chapel, and outdoor exploration.
Our Philosophy
The Reggio-Emilia approach places children at the center of their learning. Children are assumed to be competent, confident, and capable learners from birth. Children follow their own interests within a framework of activities directed by teachers, in a rich environment considered “the third teacher.” Children learn in a variety of “languages,” including dance, art, play, and music. Learning is a collaboration between teachers, children, and families.
Read more about the Reggio-Emilia approach here.
Our Teachers
Our staff of teachers and administrators are accredited and have years of teaching experience. Our team includes a dedicated Art and STEM teacher. Music is provided within classrooms weekly. Teachers are learners and collaborators with their students.
Our Classrooms
Each of our classrooms is inspired the Reggio philosophy of the physical environment being the “third teacher.” By design our classrooms are set up to encourage our students to communicate and express themselves in diverse ways. Classrooms incorporate indoor and outdoor elements, are bright and open, creative, and multi-sensory. We also offer a one-of-a-kind experience in our outdoor classroom where students learn from play and nature.
2026-2027 Offerings and Tuition
2’s Class “Minnows”
9:00am-11:45pm
MWF – $443/month
Optional Lunch Bunch 11:45-12:45 (extra fee)
3’s Class “Lizards”
9:15am – 12:45pm
TWTh – $464/month
TWThF – $556/month
4’s Class “Frogs”
9:15am – 12:45pm
TWThF – $556/month
MTWThF – $690/month
Before Care and Afternoon Enrichment Options
Before Care is offered 5 days a week, beginning at 8:30 am.
Afternoon Enrichment Classes are offered onsite at FLP by our staff five days a week until 3:00 pm.
Lunch Bunch is offered for the 2’s who would like to stay until 12:45. The students bring lunch and have lunch with their teacher.
Join Us!
Application Process
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are available now
Applications are available for 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s’/5’s classes
1. Applications are completed through Brightwheel and require a parent to sign in to the app.
2. Schedule a private tour if desired.
3. A non-refundable application fee of $100 is due at the time of application.
Enrollment Process
4. The lottery is held on the second Monday of February (FLP Board conducts the lottery). Priority enrollment is given to FLC church members and alumni families.
5. Families are notified via email on whether they were accepted or put on the waitlist.
6. Acceptance or Decline of the space is due by March 14th, 2027.
7. At the time of acceptance, prepayment of September’s tuition is due to secure your space.
Waitlist Process
8. If you are waitlisted, you will receive an email after the lottery with your family’s spot on the waitlist.
9. If a space becomes available, you will receive a notification email. You have one week to accept or decline the space.
10. At the time of acceptance, prepayment of September’s tuition is due to secure your space.
Faith Lutheran Preschool Welcomes Everyone
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:7
Our Team
Carrie Field, Director. Carrie has dedicated her life to children and education. She is a certified play therapy specialist and licensed clinical social worker in Virginia. Before becoming the Director of FLP in 2014, Carrie worked in many schools and managed the social work programs at Early Childhood Charter Schools. Carrie also teaches online MSW courses at Catholic University, where she completed her own Masters in Social Work. She has her BSW from Nebraska Wesleyan.
Ellen Blair, STEM Teacher, Assistant Director. As both the Assistant Director and STEM teacher, Ellen has the pleasure of teaching all the FLP students and watching them grow and flourish each year. Ellen has her Master of Education in Special Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities from George Mason University and her B.A. in English Literature from William & Mary.
Lauren Lopez, Art Teacher. Lauran has experience teaching 2-year-olds at a Reggio school, teaching Pre-K through 12th grade art at an International School in Ghana, and training teachers in Kenya and South Africa. She has a B.S. from Roberts Wesleyan College in Pre-K-12th Grade Visual Art Education and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University Online.
Cynthia Strawser, Frog Teacher. Cynthia studied Montessori education for more than 3 years with the acclaimed Harvey Hallenberg and taught at The Falls Church Day School for more than 13 years. She holds her B.S. from George Mason University and has numerous continuing education credits through George Mason University, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, and has a Core Certification in Godly Play.
Sue Campbell, Frog Teacher. Sue marvels at the natural world and imparts this passion to her students. She uses her love of nature in the class – from class hermit crabs to gardening beds near the outdoor classroom that benefits the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Sue started at FLP in 2015. She previously taught middle school Environmental Science in Fairfax. She has her Master of Education and a B.A. in History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Trish Montgomery, Lizards Teacher. Seeing the effects a good foundation can have on children as they go through school firsthand inspired Trish to become an accredited preschool teacher through NOVA. A true believer in FLP’s Reggio approach, she is honored to be part of children’s first school experience. Trish graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Health Planning and Administration.
Steven McKenzie Lizards Teacher, Before-Care Teacher. Steven is well-versed in the Reggio approach. He was at Tender Roots for five years before joining FLP in 2019. Steven supports his students as they learn both emotionally and academically. Steven has his Associate’s degree in Child Development at the National Credentialing Program of the Council for Professional Recognition.
Mike Valenti, Minnows Teacher. Mike has always enjoyed interacting with kids. He most recently worked at a family homeless shelter in Minneapolis. Mike was inspired by the curiosity, intelligence, and resilience of the children at the shelter to pursue a career in early childhood education. As a parent at FLP, Mike has experienced first-hand the valuable education FLP offers.
Nicole “Coco” Montana, Minnows Teacher. Coco joins FLP with nearly 20 years of experience working with young children and families in both educational and caregiving settings. She has extensive experience working with children who may face behavioral challenges and takes a patient, compassionate approach to help them learn coping skills and positive ways to express their feelings.