Montclair’s first business celebrates silver year

The Clairmont School and Child Care Center in Montclair recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Clairmont School opened in 1984 as the Montclair community's first business.

It is owned by Stan and Martha Mills and Ilene Blake who have more than 41 years experience in the child care business.

Lynn Grasso, from the office of Prince William County Supervisor Maureen Caddigan, R-Dumfries, attended the school's celebration and presented a plaque acknowledging the school for its continued services to the Montclair and Dale City communities.

Since opening, the center has served more than 3,000 families and children. The school's theme mission is to be "partners with partners" as both teachers and parents work together to ensure the children's success in kindergarten and beyond.

"Our mission and goal has always been to provide loving, quality child care as we lay the foundations of lifelong learning," said Ruth Michaud, who has been with the center for 18 years.

"Clairmont School has been a tremendous place to work and a wonderful place of learning for my own children as well as countless others in the community," Michaud said. "The owners have always been able to combine the low of home with an atmosphere of active learning."

Clairmont School is located in Montclair at 3551 Waterway Drive. The school serves an average of 120 children in various age groups and schedules, 6 weeks through 12 years old.

It serves Montclair, Henderson, Pattie, Washington Reid and Ashland elementary schools, as well as the general Montclair and Dale City areas. The school has eight classrooms. It is situated on a private 1½ acre setting. It offers several programs including infant/toddler care through before/after care for kindergarten through fifth grades, as well as summer camp.