Chesterfield Montessori School

If you're looking for a Montessori school; this is the right one for your children. My son started when he was 2,5 and he's now in 1st grade. My daughter started last year when she was 2,5. First of all they both love going to CMS! It's a joy to see them learn and excel far beyond their grade level and enjoy it at the same time. The teachers are very well-trained and nurturing. The principal is excellent; she seems tough but really cares about the children. My husband and I are strong advocates of Montessori education and after visiting many Montessori schools we've chosen CMS and have not regretted it. We've been very happy with CMS every single day since we joined in 2007.
--Submitted by a parent

We love Chesterfield Montessori School. It is everything a school should be: strong academics, caring environment, attentive instructors. The wonderful thing is you also get an amazing shared community. My children are excited and happy to attend school each and every day. They want to learn and are eager to explore. To me, that is the most important thing.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has gone to CMS for over 3 years. He started at 16 months in the toddler program. It's amazing the way the teachers at CMS set a calm tone and the children are able to focus on their work and feel a huge sense of accomplishment at a very early age. Ms. Jana and Ms. Laura have given me such great advice on how to set up a learning environment at home and it has made all the difference. Take away the stress that some traditional schools have with homework and deadlines and "listen to teacher now" mentality and what you get is a classroom full of students who feel in control of their environment, learning and behavior. The results are more than you can imagine. 6 year olds doing 3rd grade material well. Pythagorean theorem done like I've never seen before. Primary children that can list all the countries in Africa. And more... Take a tour and see for yourself!
--Submitted by a parent

There are many reasons I love this school, but I will try to limit it to a few. First, the school environment is welcoming and orderly. On my oldest daughter's first visit to the school, she was welcomed with a handshake and met at eye level by the teacher. To my surprise, she left my side and engaged easily with the other children - she did not do this at the other schools we visited. The staff also is professional and compassionate about the children. This can be witnessed by the warm smiles that every staff person displays toward each child. Second, academically the school is head and shoulders above many similarly-situated schools. My five year old daughter s reading and comprehension level is well above many of her peers who also attend private schools. She writes many observations that seem mind boggling to me, but normal for her, in CURSIVE! Third, as a parent I feel as if we are a part of a family. I love the school and encourage parents who are looking for a different approach to learning that WORKS to visit the school to observe a warm and nurturing environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child is receiving the best education we could ever dream of at CMS. it is accredited by AMI, the Association created by Dra. Montessori herself. Every single member of the staff is devoted to making the school the BEST. Kept meticulously clean by the people who come in daily for upkeep, the staff, and even children themselves. (Being responsible for your own upkeep and that of your classmates and classroom is an integral part of the Montessori experience.) Our child is learning his third language, and has the loveliest accent, taught to him by a most excellent French teacher. The Directresses he has had have been a dream to work with. A point to emphasize: We work WITH the Directresses. A difference of opinion is not just tolerated then ignored. The Head of School is, after more than 25 years enthusiastic about the school and each student. Our child is encouraged to do his very best, and compared with peers of the same age in other schools is quite advanced educationally and socially. I hope anyone considering this school has found this a helpful review. Much good luck to you.
--Submitted by a parent

AMI schools are wonderful, and CMS is also accredited by the ISACS! This one, in particular, brings out the love of learning in the children while communicating nicely with the parents. We are excited they will be adding an adolescent program next year to expand the grade levels offered!
--Submitted by a parent

Chesterfield Montessori is wonderful! Our daughter just started there this year, and I already have fallen in love with this school. The best part about Montessori education, to me, is that the children can progress at their own rate, and here the teachers seem to be very much on top of things - they pay attention to each student as an individual, and not only do they keep our daughter progressing and learning, but they actually talk to us about her progress and keep us in the loop also!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is fantastic. It is one of the only schools in the US that offers a true Montessori education for children through Grade 6. The teachers are amazing, there is a very low turn-over rate meaning that each teacher has been here on average of 10 years or more (some more than 20 years!) They know and understand my children. The school leadership is truly in touch with every child. The curriculum is rigorous, and my children are challenged, interested, independent, curious, performing experiments and participating in community work. In other words, they LOVE it and are extremely happy and engaged! I would highly recommend this school to any parent interested in having their child develop a passion for learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Just loved this school. My daughter would be going soon there. Their way of teaching kids is very different and playful. In my opinion its very nice as kids learn so much while just playing.
--Submitted by a parent

Chesterfield Montessori has been a godsend to our family! Each of our children has felt free to express her individuality and pursue her passions. Our oldest is now in high school and I can trace her independence, innovative problem solving skills and self-confidence to her experience at CMS. Our girls have very different learning styles yet both have flourished with the authentic Montessori education they've received at CMS
--Submitted by a parent