FAQ

We take pride in offering an academic program that challenges students. We also offer several additional programs to dive deeper into their academic interests, including Math Kangaroo, Math Olympiad, Spelling and Geography Bees, Battle of the Books, Kid Wind Challenge,Show Choir and the Literacy Circle.

We are proud that LCDS is a phone-free school, and cell phones or smartwatches are not allowed.
Screen time at LCDS is carefully controlled and limited, especially in the early years. When technology is used, it is always to complement and enhance a lesson, not to replace the teacher or direct, hands-on learning. We issue students a school Chromebook in Grades 3-5, but they do not go home over the weekend and are only sent home when needed for homework.  Middle School does have daily use of laptops.

We consider public speaking to be a key differentiator and skill to foster in our students. Our students begin by sharing stories in their classrooms or presenting immersive projects like the 5th grade Invention Convention. From Kindergarteners performing The Very Hungry Caterpillar to the 8th-grade production of Macbeth, we cultivate the poise and confidence required to command a stage. Our students become skilled in the art of presenting their projects and work in front of their peers multiple times a year, starting in Grade 1. This long-term focus on communication instills leadership skills, ensuring our students can express themselves with clarity and self-assurance.

We believe field trips represent great opportunities to deepen and understand the learning. Our students take advantage of the DC area’s rich resources to bring their curriculum to life. These immersive experiences, ranging from visits to local bee apiaries and equine therapy centers to marine biology studies in Key Largo, help forge a connection between classroom lessons and real-world applications. While exploring historic Williamsburg or participating in overnight retreats, our students are also building the community and leadership skills that are a hallmark of an LCDS education. Each year, LCDS students participate in more than 70 field trips from Preschool through Grade 8.

The Arts provide a vital outlet for creativity, allowing students to express themselves and discover hidden talents. Through artist studies, art history, and hands-on creative experiences, students gain an appreciation for artistic expression across cultures and time periods. Learning to play an instrument supports cognitive development, while performing on stage through theater, choir, orchestra, or band builds confidence and collaboration skills. Art and Music are part of the weekly curriculum from Preschool through Grade 8, with Orchestra and Band opportunities beginning in Grade 4.

LCDS’ Early Years Program requires Preschool students to be three years old by September 1st. (No exceptions to this policy.) For PK, we strongly recommend that students be four years old by September 1st. We often highlight the "gift of time," as allowing children this extra time to grow helps instill the social and emotional confidence they will need as they progress through their school years with the right cohort of peers.

We enroll new students each year and often enroll students at various grades throughout the school year. The most common theme we hear from students and parents is that LCDS feels like a family. When prospective students visit during the school year, they often wish they could return permanently the next day. Our family atmosphere and welcoming spirit help our new students make the transition to their new educational home easily.

Our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for their next steps. Approximately two-thirds of our graduating class continue on to attend independent high schools and boarding schools, including Paul VI, Madeira, and Flint Hill. Those that go on to local public schools thrive and consistently place in honors and advanced-level courses. We have a good track record at the highly selective Academies of Loudoun and TJ Jefferson High School. Our students have had a 100% placement rate over the last few years.

Everyone participates in our physical education program, which offers instruction in movement, seasonal team sports, agility, health, and sportsmanship. Starting in Middle School (grades 6–8), we offer interscholastic sports teams that compete against other local independent schools.

Students in PK through Grade 1 participate in a weekly swim class on Fridays as part of their PE program. Included in tuition, our private and small groups focus on water safety, swimming instruction, and building confidence. LCDS also offers a Swim Team for students in Grades 1–8.

Yes, at LCDS, we are committed to instilling a sense of moral responsibility in our students. Our project-based curriculum integrates service learning at every opportunity. We partner with many local organizations, including Mobile Hope, Loudoun Hunger Relief, Paws4Vets, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Smashing Walnuts Foundation, Soldiers' Angels, Operation Gratitude, E-Nable, Loudoun First Responders, Loudoun Humane Society, and local assisted living facilities. Students participate in service activities designed to develop a true humanitarian spirit and contribute to fundraisers for charitable causes. The goal is to develop students who have a deep understanding of the difference one person can make.

We are dedicated to building a strong sense of community at LCDS. Since our families travel from various zip codes to be part of our school, we prioritize bringing everyone together by hosting events, offering specialized programming, and engaging our Parents Association. The association coordinates family events such as the Fun Fall Fair and LCDS 101 amongst others providing families with frequent opportunities to connect, build relationships, and form lifelong friendships within our community. Parents are invited to serve as room reps and join the Parents Association.

Our LCDS community feels more like a family. This is more than a school, it is a village. We host a variety of inclusive events throughout the year. Some are geared toward the whole family such as Fun Fall Fair and Eagle Cup Mini-car Racing and others specifically for parents-only such as Holiday House, 1st Day of school social, and Gala. All events provide a fun environment for our community to come together.

To ensure a smooth transition, every new family is paired with an Ambassador Family to provide guidance and serve as a familiar point of contact for any questions during the first year. Additionally, we host several welcome events prior to the start of the school year, helping new students and parents build connections and feel at home before their first day at LCDS.

The partnership between parents and teachers is among the essential ingredients for a highly successful educational experience. Although the curriculum is the charge of the administration and faculty, and the instructional process is the responsibility of the teachers, parents have the opportunity to become part of their child’s classroom experience by volunteering to attend field trips, offering to serve as a Parents Association classroom representative and attending special performances, presentations and athletic activities in which their children are involved. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their children’s education at LCDS through open and ongoing communication with their child’s teachers.

We encourage parents to join us on field trips as space allows in the Early Years and the Lower School. Additionally, specific grade levels will reach out to parents throughout the year to share further volunteering opportunities.

Families receive a weekly classroom newsletter with grade-specific updates, along with a school-wide weekly newsletter. We also hold fall parent-teacher conferences and encourage ongoing communication with teachers to foster a strong partnership throughout each child’s educational journey at LCDS.

No. As an independent school, we follow our own academic calendar and tend to have fewer days off throughout the school year. We may align with LCPS for certain weather-related closures, but often we reopen more quickly following a storm.

Yes! We believe daily movement is vital for our students, which is why everyone from Preschool through Grade 8 heads outside for recess every day, weather permitting. While all grades enjoy a break at lunchtime, and PK through Grade 2 also have a separate snack-time recess to recharge and play. This time outdoors allows our students to build friendships and return to the classroom with fresh energy and focus.

We offer a supervised program where students can arrive as early as 7:30 AM, beginning in K to Grade 8. Students in PK to Grade 8 can stay as late as 5:30 PM. This extension provides a safe and welcoming environment for students. Families can enroll in this service for an additional fee.

We offer morning and afternoon transportation beginning in PK, with routes designed to meet the needs of our families. Routes vary each year based on demand and have recently served families living as far north as Lucketts, west to Purcellville, east to Great Falls, and south to Aldie. Available for an additional fee, this program helps simplify the school day for busy families.

Our Summer Program offers a wide variety of weekly options, ranging from sports, robotics, chess, crafts, to optional tutoring and academic support. While most camps are designed for students in Grades K–8, select programs are also available for PK students.

Tuition assistance is available for families with demonstrated financial need. A separate application may be submitted beginning December 1. Because funds are limited, awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and reassessed annually. Applying for tuition assistance does not affect admission decisions. You can apply for TA in your Blackbaud account.