Chesterbrook Academy Preschool of Clifton

Reviews

• MC

  Mike Cavaluzzi

  Sep 13, 2026
  5.0
  Some of these reviews are for the old administration. CBA Clifton made the correct decision to bring the administration and teachers from the Centreville location to this location earlier this year. We have had all of our kids in that program since 2012 (and still do). We followed when they came to Clifton. Ms. Heather the new principal, is fantastic, lives in the community, and has been with CBA for over 15 years. The teaching staff has had remarkable consistency for this industry, with many of the teachers having taught both our oldest (now 14) and our youngest (3). There has definitely been some change at this location, but its in the past and the school is in great hands again. I would highly recommend CBA Clifton. They are the best.
• SB

  Serena Bonnema

  Sep 3, 2026
  5.0
  My rising first and second graders attended Summer Camp at this Chesterbrook Academy location and absolutely had a blast. They went out on field trips to county water parks or other fun, and sometimes educational, places in the area 3 days a week! They met new friends, reconnected with old friends, and had fun every day they were there. The Summer Camp staff were amazing and attentive to the school-agers, making sure they kept busy, but didn't disrupt any learning the rising Kindergartners in the same room we're trying to complete. There were a few times where they were also given the opportunity to mentor and help these rising Kindergartners, too. So sweet! The staff here are amazing and always put the needs of their students first. They have always been helpful if we have ever had any issues and we cannot wait to enroll our kids in next year's Summer Camp. For about the same cost as the county-run camp, we got so much more than that camp, had a smaller, close-knit group of campers, and much more care.
• CK

  Chiara K

  Aug 26, 2026
  5.0
  We have had such a wonderful experience at Chesterbrook Academy Clifton since we moved here. The teachers and administrative team are incredible, and you can truly see how much they care about each child. They take the time to get to know the children and are always willing to communicate with parents, answer questions, and address any concerns.Communication has always been excellent. Anytime we have had a question or concern, it has been addressed promptly, and we have always been kept informed throughout the process. I have known Ms. Heather for many years, and all three of my children have attended Chesterbrook Academy under her leadership. We have always appreciated her dedication, professionalism, and the genuine care she shows toward the children and families. Our youngest daughter currently attends, and she absolutely loves her teachers, her friends, and coming to school each day. Over the years, we have seen many positive changes, and it is wonderful to see the school continuing to grow and improve. We are very happy to be part of the CBA community and would absolutely give this school 5 stars!
• JS

  Jenni Scolese

  Aug 25, 2026
  1.0
  I don’t often write reviews, but when I do, it’s usually not good. When my family joined CBA Clifton in 2024, it was because our previous child care facility underwent a number of leadership changes, loss of quality teachers, and poor management from corporate (foreshadowing here….). We chose CBA Clifton because many of the teachers and floaters had been a part of the school for years, the admin team was inviting, and there was a genuine passion for early childhood education and care exhibited by all. That first year and a half was phenomenal. Teachers and admin were on the same team, and if something was missed, accountability was taken, discussed, and resolved. Furthermore, each teacher and admin knew every kid, what they were like, and would contact parents to give us updates during the day as needed. It was a welcomed change from what we experienced before. However, once the regional director began inserting himself was when things started to turn. The regional director and the corporate office started pulling our all star admin staff in early to mid 2026 (we had an amazing Principal and admin team who were responsive and caring), moving them to different schools without warning, claiming it was for the good of the schools involved, or it was because of complaints (that were unsupported, with no evidence, and was often contradicted by corporate depending on who a parent spoke to). A new principal from another CBA school was put in, and the timing was unfortunate. We were told that this was going to help improve the school, but instead, they were nothing more than empty promises. We were promised more consistency, but the principal was gone for nearly half the summer. We were told that teachers would be supported, and yet a phenomenal teacher was let go after nearly two decades in her role, and other seasoned teachers began leaving. The current principal, as well as the regional director, promised that communication would improve and that the principal “always scored a 5” when it came to communication, and yet, they have generally been difficult to reach. They continually claimed that issues we were experiencing before were due to our previous admins (which is incorrect as our previous team was beyond amazing). This current principal and the corporate team, in particular the regional director, have failed to properly communicate illnesses and how they would handle a lice outbreak, have been generally less engaged with the kids, and often chose to blame parents for the school’s issues rather than take accountability for their own actions. We tried our best to give it time over the summer, but ultimately decided that this is no longer the CBA we fell in love with. There are still teachers and staff who are at the school and are there for the kids, and I genuinely hope that they receive the support and respect they deserve. While I want to remain hopeful that improvements will be made and things get better for the families still there, I find it difficult considering the current principal, regional director, and corporate team.
• RS

  Rebecca Shockey

  Jul 30, 2026
  1.0
  I can concur with the most recent review noting I would not recommend it in its current state. It’s not a place I would choose if I were looking today for childcare. The reason I picked the school was from previous family members experiences and the outstanding staff. However, the amazing administration we had at the school were forced to leave and replaced due to a merger from closings of other locations. Several of the phenomenal teachers have gone elsewhere due to the current administration as well. We stuck with them after threats to the school, after changes that were to be made to ensure safety were not delivered, and after the merger. My child was to attend summer camp there and did for only one week after being told there were no field trips for her age group even though it was discussed prior to enrollment and no activities during the summer. The class was commingled with other older camp children up to the age of 10 that were not respectful of their language or behavior despite teachers attempts of correction. Communication from the top down is very poor and/or absent, and different stories/excuses were based upon who you spoke with which is a huge concern when you leave your child in the hands of others.

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