FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, Virginia — Hopkins House has announced updated tuition rates for the 2026–2027 program year at its Helen Day Preschool Academy in Alexandria and James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy in Fairfax County. The changes, effective July 1, 2026, include modest tuition increases and adjustments to certain fees.
The tuition adjustments were approved by the Hopkins House Board of Trustees as part of the organization’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which reflects rising personnel, healthcare, insurance, food, utilities, and educational supply costs, as well as continued investments in maintaining high-quality early childhood education services. Earlier this year, the Trustees approved a $4.1 million operating budget to support the organization’s Preschool Academy, workforce development, and family support programs while navigating a highly competitive childcare market and ongoing inflationary pressures.
“Like childcare providers across the region, Hopkins House continues to face significant cost pressures,” said Jesse O’Connell, Hopkins House Board Treasurer. “These adjustments help ensure that we can continue providing the safe, nurturing, and high-quality educational experiences that children need while maintaining the financial sustainability of our Preschool Academy and remaining competitive in a challenging childcare marketplace.”
New Tuition Rates Remain Competitive
Under the new tuition schedule, weekly full-time tuition rates will range from $445 to $510 per week at the Helen Day Preschool Academy and $420 to $470 per week at the James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy, depending on age group and classroom placement. A 10 percent sibling discount will remain available for families with multiple children enrolled full-time.
Despite the increase, Hopkins House’s tuition rates remain competitive with those charged by many private childcare providers throughout Northern Virginia. Recent market surveys indicate that tuition for full-time infant care at private centers in the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County commonly ranges from approximately $500 to more than $650 per week, while toddler care frequently ranges from $450 to $600 per week. By comparison, Hopkins House’s 2026–2027 full-time weekly tuition rates range from $470 to $510 for infants and $450 to $475 for toddlers, depending on location. Preschool and pre-kindergarten tuition rates also remain below those charged by many comparable providers in the region.
Late Pickup Fee Increased
In addition, Hopkins House has increased its late pickup fee for young scholars remaining in care after the close of the program day. The fee is intended to encourage timely pickup of young scholars and help reduce the costs associated with overtime compensation for educators who must remain beyond scheduled hours while awaiting the arrival of parents or guardians.
Tuition Assistance Available for Families in Need
Despite the tuition and fee increases, Hopkins House remains committed to ensuring access for families facing financial hardship. Through its Scholarship Fund, government childcare subsidy partnerships, and other forms of assistance, the organization continues to work to make high-quality early childhood education accessible to families affected by rising living costs, economic uncertainty, and recent federal workforce reductions.
Both Preschool Academy campuses are nationally accredited and provide comprehensive early learning experiences focused on school readiness, social-emotional development, literacy, STEM learning, health and wellness, and family engagement.
Founded in 1939, Hopkins House is one of Northern Virginia’s oldest nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities through high-quality early childhood education affordable to working families.
