About Creative Play School
Creative Play School is a family-owned childcare and preschool operation with two Alexandria locations: Seminary Hill for ages 16 months to six years and Del Ray for ages two to 10. Founder Diane Smalley has owned and run it for over 40 years, and the directors hold degrees in early childhood development. It is NAEYC accredited and uses a play-based curriculum. Both locations are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Optional activities during the school day include soccer, music and fitness, school age children get after-school care and homework help, and the Young Naturalists summer camp explores nature, art and science. Tuition assistance is available through the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, and military families can use Child Care Aware fee assistance. A waitlist of three to six months applies at times for some age groups. Rated 5.0 from 6 Google reviews, all five stars.
Services and details
Preschool program
YesInfants and toddlers
YesAccepts child care subsidies
YesWaitlist
YesEarly drop-off or late pickup
YesEnrichment programs
YesSummer camp
YesStates an accreditation
Yes
No information yet on pre-K class, tuition listed, montessori, reggio Emilia, spanish immersion, sTEM or STEAM, meals provided. The website did not say; call and ask.
Contact
- (703) 751-3388
- 885 N Howard St, Alexandria, VA 22304
- Website
- View on Google Maps
Questions parents ask about Creative Play School
What ages does Creative Play School serve?
Creative Play School takes infants and toddlers and preschool-age children. Ask about openings for your child's age before you visit.
How much does Creative Play School cost?
Creative Play School does not publish its tuition online. Call (703) 751-3388 for current rates, and ask about registration fees and sibling discounts.
Does Creative Play School accept child care subsidies?
Yes. Creative Play School says it accepts child care subsidies or certificates. Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program pays part of the cost for eligible families at participating providers; families apply on CommonHelp or at their local department of social services and pay a copayment. Confirm your eligibility and the school's participation before you enroll.
What are Creative Play School's hours?
Creative Play School offers early drop-off or late pickup.
Are meals included at Creative Play School?
Creative Play School has not said whether meals are included. Ask whether you need to pack lunch and snacks.
Does Creative Play School run a summer camp?
Yes. Creative Play School runs a summer camp. Ask about dates, ages and whether current students get first choice of spots.
What teaching approach does Creative Play School use?
Creative Play School offers enrichment programs. A visit is the best way to see how that looks in the classroom.
Does Creative Play School have a waitlist?
Yes. Creative Play School keeps a waitlist. Ask how long the current wait is for your child's age and how to get on the list.
Is Creative Play School accredited?
Creative Play School states an accreditation on its website. Ask the school which organization accredits it and when the accreditation was last renewed.
Is Creative Play School licensed?
This guide does not check licenses. Look up Creative Play School in the Virginia Department of Education's Search for Child Care tool (linked from childcare.virginia.gov) to see its license or exemption and its inspection reports.
Where is Creative Play School and how do I contact it?
Creative Play School is at 885 N Howard St, Alexandria, VA 22304. Its phone number is (703) 751-3388. It has a 5.0-star rating from 6 Google reviews.
Listing compiled from public sources on 2026-11-12. Report a correction or request removal. Back to preschools and day care centers in Alexandria.