Northern Virginia’s Top Private School from Pre-K to Grade 8
A Kindergarten That Nurtures Curiosity and Confidence
At Nysmith, Kindergarten is filled with confidence, discovery, and the joyful excitement of learning something new every day. If your child is curious, energetic, and ready to explore, we invite them to experience Nysmith firsthand with an interactive classroom visit, completely free and with no obligation.
A World-Class Education in a Joy-Filled Setting
Welcome to Nysmith, a leading private school where Kindergarten is intentionally designed to nurture curiosity, support individual growth, and help every child discover the excitement of learning.
Every Child Is Truly Known
With small classes and a 1:9 student-to-teacher ratio, teachers understand each student’s learning style, personality, and potential.
Learning Moves at the Right Pace
Our differentiated approach allows students to move forward when they are ready, keeping curious learners engaged and motivated.
Curiosity Is Encouraged Daily
Lessons are designed to spark questions, discovery, and exploration so children remain excited about learning.
Confidence Is Built From the Beginning
Students are supported emotionally and academically, helping them feel comfortable sharing ideas, trying new challenges, and growing every day.
Is Your Child Ready For Something More?
The early years of learning shape how children see school and themselves. In the right classroom, curiosity grows into confidence and learning becomes something children truly enjoy.
You want a school that...
Sees Your Child as an Individual
Small classes and attentive teachers who understand your child’s personality, strengths, and learning style.
Challenges and Encourages Growth
An environment where students feel supported while still being excited to explore new ideas and take on meaningful challenges.
Creates a Love of Learning
Classrooms filled with discovery, energy, and the joyful excitement of learning something new each day.
Builds Confidence Early
A place where children feel safe asking questions, sharing ideas, and growing into confident learners.
But you worry that your child's current school...
Moves at Only One Pace
A one-size-fits-all classroom where curious learners may feel slowed down or overlooked.
Feels Too Large or Impersonal
Overcrowded classrooms where children can feel lost instead of known.
Doesn’t Inspire Curiosity
Learning environments that focus on routine instead of discovery and excitement.
Lacks Meaningful Challenge
Classrooms repeat material your child already understands, leaving curious learners under-stimulated.
We know how important it is to feel sure you’ve made the best decision for your child’s education.
That’s why our mission is to provide a joy-filled, world-class education powered by an unparalleled teacher/student relationship.
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Accreditations
A Glimpse Into Kindergarten at Nysmith
Happy Kids, Happy Parents
Hear from families whose children found confidence and a love for learning at Nysmith.
"Our 3 kids attended Nysmith from pre-K to 8th grade and it was the best decision of our lives! They never wanted to miss a day of school, because Nysmith knows how to make learning fun. Our kids went on to a great high school (TJ), that was perfect for their math/science/technology interests, and attended their #1 college choices. They were not only ready academically after Nysmith, but they were also happy and confident. The teachers, who are experts and passionate about the subjects they teach, treated the kids with kindness and respect, welcomed their questions, nurtured their curiosity, and helped my kids discover their gifts and abilities - sometimes before they even knew what they were. I highly recommend Nysmith. Or, better yet, don't listen to me...look at their website, see how their alums are doing, schedule a tour and a couple of student visit days for your child. See for yourselves what Nysmith is all about!"
"Our family's relationship with The Nysmith School spans more than 30 years and two generations. We found Nysmith through a stroke of good fortune when we were trying to find a kindergarten for my daughter. Both my daughter and my granddaughter have thrived at Nysmith because each child is seen as a unique individual and taught that way in a caring and supportive environment. Carole Nysmith devised and Kenneth Nysmith further expanded a style of education that encourages each child to strive to reach their maximum potential as a student and as a person yet without causing undue stress. The depth and breadth of the educational offerings, the uniformly outstanding level of the teachers and staff, and the world-class facilities at Nysmith are stunning! The school gives each student an incomparable foundation for success in their academic and their personal lives going forward. Our family owes both Carole (God rest her soul) and Kenneth a debt of gratitude we will never be able to repay. It is not surprising that The Nysmith School was ranked as one of the top 10 schools in the world!"
Nysmith by the Numbers
Did You Know
Nysmith was recently named a “Top Private School in the United States” by Education Insider.
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Nysmith FAQs
Does my child need to be academically advanced to attend Nysmith?
Not at all. Nysmith is designed for curious learners with a wide range of academic backgrounds. Our teachers meet each child where they are and help them grow confidently from that starting point.
How much does Nysmith tuition cost?
Tuition varies by grade level and includes a range of classroom resources and school materials. You can explore current tuition information, payment options, and financial aid details on our Tuition & Financial Aid page.
What does a typical day look like for a Kindergarten student at Nysmith?
Kindergarten students follow a structured day that includes reading, writing, math, science, language, and enrichment activities such as art, music, and technology. They also begin developing public speaking and fine motor skills through hands-on learning.
What is the first step to getting started?
The best way to familiarize yourself with Nysmith is to schedule a visit! Being immersed in the school allows families to see the classrooms, meet teachers, and understand the Nysmith environment firsthand.
A Welcome From Our Head of School
Welcome to The Nysmith School, where joyful learning and world-class education have gone hand in hand for nearly four decades. Here, “making a world-class education a joyful experience” is far more than a mission statement. It is the philosophy that guides our teachers, administrators, and staff every single day as they work to create an environment where curiosity thrives, students feel known, and learning comes fully alive.
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Your Child’s Journey Starts Here
There’s no better way to know if a school is right for your child than experiencing it firsthand. Schedule a visit to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and experience what makes the Nysmith community so special.