Bright Horizons at Crystal City

I had high hopes for this location judging them off appearance they are supposed to open up at 7:30am we arrived at 7:40am to ring the door bell knock on the door and call the front office while never leaving the entry way By 7:50 am some woman was standing at the door looking rather unpleasant. Didnt say excuse me or indicate she was going to open the door for us. So when she did push the door open she said good morning. Me already being upset at no signs of life around to greet us at an appropriate time I simply dryly smiled and asked her does their doorbell work because me and my child have been waiting out there for ten minutes knocking and calling the phone her response was oh I dont know anything about that I just got here she says this as shes walking away from me! Continues to say but shes here let me go get her. So the CENTER DIRECTOR MARQUITA WILLIAMS swiftly approaches us saying good morning how are you? How do you pronounce your childs name? I said morning told her how to pronounce my childs name and proceeded to tell her the same story I just told whomever was frowning standing at the door waiting for my child to move so she could open the door.. so I say to Marquita Im not too happy she asks why or something to the likes of and I told her about the door bell the knocking and phone calling she says to me that she indeed try to pick up the phone points to the front desk phone but by time she got to the call it hung up I explained to her how she couldnt of picked up that phone because me and my child never left the entry way and never saw anyone attempt to pick up the phone (which by the way doesnt make sense because if she did try to pick up that specific phone she would if saw us and let us in) so after I tell her we never moved from in front of the door proving that she was lying about it she strongly says to me almost close to yelling are you going to be ok with leaving your child here today? I was truly flabbergasted by this abrupt cut off and disregard for my time and displeasure. I ended up leaving my child there because it was already paid for with back up care and I had to get to work being that Im late due to them Marquita never apologized to me. That center was EMPTY. Only 4 children for the day. my childs pictures didnt represent happiness like theyve had at another location we utilize only pro is the snapshot the teacher provided was more detailed probably because they had to be in a infant room. Those kids werent my childs age nor did I see any other toddlers. I wouldnt be surprised if Marquita responds to this review but I did report her to the regional manager whom handled the situation in the best manner.. WONT BE COMING BACK TO THIS LOCATION
Nov 17th, 2023

I have two children at the center (going on almost 6 years now!) and have been very happy with the care they receive. To be sure, a few years back, the center experienced a lot of turnover under different leadership. But the current leadership is much more stable, professional, and responsive. The teachers my children have had have been terrific - very engaged, caring, and fun. In my opinion, the Bright Horizons care philosophy and curriculum is top notch. In addition to receiving a great early education, my children have been taught inclusivity and kindness - things that are very important to our family. The pandemic has been tough for the staff and families alike, but I know the staff is doing everything they can to keep our children safe. Nothing is 100 percent foolproof, but I feel my children are as safe as they can be outside the home when they are at Bright Horizons.
Mar 3rd, 2021

I have a bit of a strange scheduled with my daughter, where I have her for one week in three week rolling period as per a court order (her time is split between her mom in NC and me (her dad) in VA).Bright Horizons were great at first and my daughter was really settling in. Most of the staff were friendly and I thought the classrooms, layout and learning program was perfect. However, when they reopened after the first Covid lockdown they had no problem removing my daughter from the center because they said they would no longer accommodate drop-in care.  This was very disappointing and I don't think reflects very well on their ethics, I still feel to this day they could have made an exception.   My daughter now attends KinderCare in Alexandria, they have been more accommodating.
Feb 16th, 2021

Our two littles ones attend this location and have done so since they were infants. I love this center and the curriculum they offer. The staff and teachers are the best! I highly recommend this center for early education.
Dec 19th, 2020

I can't speak to the infant classroom, but my child has had a wonderful experience in the toddler and now two's classrooms. She is thriving and loves her teachers. I really can't say enough good things. From yoga, to the on site playground, learning numbers, and colors, mini-science experiments, foreign languages, learning their alphabet, sharing, and playing with others, she gets a well rounded education and experience. I love the daily reports and the teacher's notes so I know how my kiddo is doing during the day. It is a wonderfully inclusive community for all families. I am satisfied with the COVID precautions they are taking, including the strict exclusion policies for symptoms that, pre-COVID, wouldn't have been a reason to stay home. The only negative is that it is EXPENSIVE. But, well worth it if you can afford it or if you are part of a group for which discounts are offered.
Dec 8th, 2020