Our History

About LANK

Lake Anne Nursery Kindergarten (LANK) is Reston’s first preschool. Robert E. Simon was dedicated to the concept of education for young children, and plans were included for an early learning center in the New Town design of Reston in 1963. This was at the forefront of educational philosophy for that era, as most children did not attend school prior to kindergarten. In 1965, at Lake Anne Village Center, LANK began with a small band of five little preschool pioneers and one teacher.

It was an idea whose time had come. Quickly, the school outgrew its original space and in 1972 moved to its current location. Using funds supplied by the community, LANK was built on a beautiful 2½ acre site nestled in the woods. Designed specifically to meet the educational needs of young children, the LANK building was awarded the prestigious AIA Award for Architecture. In 2000, another wing of the building was added in order to provide a spacious Junior Preschool suite, as well as a multi-purpose room and teachers’ conference room.

As we celebrate over 40 years of educating children, we are grateful for the generous support of so many families and their vital role in LANK’s achievements. We are dedicated to our mission and look forward to serving the Northern Virginia community now and in the future.