Shining Light Christian School
The Shining Light
Family Guide
A practical guide for families considering preschool through 2nd grade in Chantilly, Virginia.
Facts as published by the school, 2026–2027; tuition effective May 7, 2026.
Is Shining Light the right fit?
Shining Light Christian School is a small, Christ-centered private school in Chantilly, Virginia, serving children from age 2 through 2nd grade. It is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education as a child day center and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Families who tend to look for a school like this want three things: faith woven through the ordinary school day, structured academics with real books and hands-on work, and a community small enough that teachers know every child.
Shining Light may be a good fit if you want
- A Christian school where Bible, prayer and worship are part of every day
- Structured academics using Abeka and Singapore Math
- Half-day or full-day preschool, with early care from 7:00 am and after care to 6:00 pm
- Kindergarten through 2nd grade in a small setting
The school does not currently have a designated special education program or specialized resources. If your child has particular needs, talk with the school's staff; individual questions are answered by people, not by this guide.
Programs by age
K2
2-year-olds
A structured preschool program that supports early academic, social, emotional, and developmental growth. Children learn through play, exploration, movement, hands-on experiences, and meaningful relationships in a loving Christian environment.
Age requirement. Children start once they turn 2. The September 30 cutoff does not apply to K2, so a child can begin mid-year when a space is available.
K3
3-year-olds
A structured preschool program that helps children grow in academic, social, emotional, and developmental skills while building confidence and independence. Children learn through hands-on experiences, purposeful play, movement, creativity, and meaningful relationships.
Age requirement. Children must be 3 years old by September 30 and fully potty trained.
K4
4-year-olds
A structured kindergarten-readiness program that helps children develop the academic, social, emotional, and developmental skills they need to confidently take their next step into Kindergarten.
Age requirement. Children must be 4 years old by September 30.
K–2nd
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade
A nurturing environment where children grow academically and spiritually. The curriculum integrates biblical principles with essential learning for a well-rounded education.
Age requirement. Students must meet the age requirement by September 30 of the enrollment year.
Not sure which class fits?
Tell us about your child.
In 15 minutes we can talk through your child's age, where they are right now and which program would suit them best.
A day at Shining Light
The day begins with prayer and worship, then moves through Bible, language arts and math, snack and recess, hands-on subjects and specials, and lunch. Preschool children have rest time in the afternoon. The full day ends at 3:00 pm; Sunrise care starts at 7:00 am and after care runs to 4:30 pm or 6:00 pm.
Specials include art, music, physical education and Korean, with Spanish added in 2027–2028. The daily schedules for each preschool class and for elementary are on the Parents page.
- Nut-free school
- Please do not pack foods containing nuts, including peanuts, tree nuts and nut products.
- Uniforms
- Students wear school-logo polo shirts with uniform pants. Ask the school for ordering details.
- School supplies
- Supplies for academic use are provided by the school and included in the annual material fee. Families send a backpack, a labeled healthy snack, a leak-proof water bottle, and spare uniform clothing.
- Lunch
- Full-day students may bring lunch from home in non-breakable containers. Children in after care bring an additional afternoon snack.
- Billing
- All tuition and fees are billed through Brightwheel.
Hours, tuition, fees and assistance
| Plan | Hours |
|---|---|
| Half Day (preschool) | 8:30 am – 12:00 pm |
| Full Day | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm |
| Sunrise Full Day | 7:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Shining Light Half After Care | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
| Shining Light Full After Care | 8:30 am – 6:00 pm |
| Everlasting Light Extended Day | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm |
K2 (2 years old)
11 equal monthly installments · August 2026 – June 2027
| Plan | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Half Day8:30 am – 12:00 pm | $1,350 | $14,850 |
| Full Day8:30 am – 3:00 pm | $1,650 | $18,150 |
| Sunrise Full Day7:00 am – 3:00 pm | $1,850 | $20,350 |
| Shining Light Half After Care8:30 am – 4:30 pm | $1,850 | $20,350 |
| Shining Light Full After Care8:30 am – 6:00 pm | $1,950 | $21,450 |
| Everlasting Light Extended Day7:00 am – 6:00 pm | $2,200 | $24,200 |
K3 and K4 (3- and 4-year-olds)
11 equal monthly installments · August 2026 – June 2027
| Plan | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Half Day8:30 am – 12:00 pm | $1,250 | $13,750 |
| Full Day8:30 am – 3:00 pm | $1,550 | $17,050 |
| Sunrise Full Day7:00 am – 3:00 pm | $1,730 | $19,030 |
| Shining Light Half After Care8:30 am – 4:30 pm | $1,730 | $19,030 |
| Shining Light Full After Care8:30 am – 6:00 pm | $1,850 | $20,350 |
| Everlasting Light Extended Day7:00 am – 6:00 pm | $2,100 | $23,100 |
Kindergarten and Elementary
10 equal monthly installments · August 2026 – May 2027
| Plan | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day8:30 am – 3:00 pm | $1,300 | $13,000 |
| Sunrise Full Day7:00 am – 3:00 pm | $1,540 | $15,400 |
| Shining Light Half After Care8:30 am – 4:30 pm | $1,540 | $15,400 |
| Shining Light Full After Care8:30 am – 6:00 pm | $1,660 | $16,600 |
| Everlasting Light Extended Day7:00 am – 6:00 pm | $1,900 | $19,000 |
- Fees
K2, K3 and K4: application $100, material $200 per year, activity $150.
Kindergarten and Elementary: application $100, material $400 per year, activity $150.
A non-refundable deposit equal to one month's tuition is required at the time of enrollment and is applied to the final month of the child's contract year. The published sheet describes the conditions under which the deposit is forfeited or refunded.
- Discounts and assistance
Sibling discount. 5% off the second child and 10% off the third child.
Military and veteran families. With valid ID. The school's admissions page states this discount is for families who do not participate in the Military/DoD Fee Assistance Program; confirm which applies to you.
Full-time Christian pastors. With verification of full-time pastoral employment.
Pay in full. When the full year's tuition is paid at registration.
Participates in the Virginia Military/DoD Fee Assistance Program.
Participates in the Child Care Subsidy Program, jointly administered by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS).
A family receives one of these discounts rather than several. Paying the year in full is the exception: that 5% is added on top. Eligibility and any family portion of tuition and fees are determined by the respective program, not by the school. Contact the school to ask whether a program may apply to your family.
Full terms: the 2026–2027 tuition sheet.
Questions about cost?
Let's work out what applies to your family.
A short call is the easiest way to find the right hours, and to see which discounts or assistance programs might help.
Faith at school
The school's mission is "Growing in faith, learning with purpose, and shining God's light." Its vision is to see every child rooted in God's Word, growing in wisdom and joy, and shining brightly as a light for Christ wherever they go.
Character development centers on the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A biblical worldview is integrated across all subjects. The school's full statement of faith is published on its website.
How admissions works
Applications are reviewed in the order received. Admission follows the school's application, meeting and assessment process; a waitlist may apply when a class is full. Preschool admits on a rolling basis through Brightwheel, where tuition and fees are also billed.
Start with a call
Book a 15-minute call with the school team. Talk about your child, programs, tuition and the questions on your mind.
Visit the school
Meet the team, see the classrooms and get a feel for the day. Choose a visit time after your conversation.
Apply when invited
The school shares the application for your child and guides you through its meeting and assessment requirements.
Complete enrollment
After acceptance, complete the requested paperwork and the school’s payment steps to secure your child’s place.
Questions to ask on your visit
- Which classes have space for my child's age this year, and when could they start?
- What does the exact date-of-birth cutoff mean for my child?
- How does the school handle drop-off, pick-up and after care?
- What is a typical week like for my child's class?
- How do teachers communicate with parents?
- What does the enrollment meeting and assessment involve for a child this age?
- Which discounts or assistance programs might apply to our family, and how do we apply?
- How does the school handle illness, allergies and health and safety?
Next steps
Start with a 15-minute call. Talk through your child’s program, tuition and the questions above with the school team, then plan a campus visit together. You can also email your questions to the school.
Shining Light Christian School
571-752-6994 during office hours, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm · admissions@shininglightschool.org
4090 Lafayette Center Dr., Suite H, Chantilly, VA 20151