Chesterfield Montessori School

Investigate carefully. We really loved their toddler program and the teachers there were phenomenal; however, in the primary program, we had an absolutely awful experience with the school's teachers and leadership. Terrible communication from the school regarding daily stuff as well as potential concerns. When an issue arose, the first time we heard about it was at the meeting when we were asked to find another program. We were then given 2 weeks to move our child. The school's only stated concern was for their classroom's environment and no stated consideration was given for the best interest of our child or a smooth transition. As far as we were told there were no issues with our child being violent or destructive and the reason the school gave for their action was that our kid ""lacked focus."" For context, our child was just 3 yo. The school is scheduled off 3-4 weeks every year without break care available, which is not easy as working parents. Also they started pushing for donations on top of the tuition, aftercare, break care, and lunches that already added up to around 1800/mo. All for the privilege of being in class a primary with a ratio of about 26 kids for 2 teachers. more

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 as well as how they refer to every child that attends the school by their name. 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 simply could not ask for a better environment for my children to be in. 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. more

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! more

Our son has been at CMS for seven years. They are totally committed to high standards while respecting each child's particular learning process. It is a diverse, respectful place for children to reach their full potential. I did not know anything about Montessori before visiting the school. Once I did I was pleasantly overwhelmed. My mind was made up on the spot. This is an amazing school that I wish every child had the chance to attend! It is also an AMI certified school. more

Our children have been at CMS for 5 years and each year has been more wonderful than the preeceding one! more

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! more

This school is fantastic. It is one of the only schools in the US that offers an authentic Montessori education for children from age 16 months through Grade 6--and they are even adding an adolescent program! 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. more

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 more

Not even deserving of one star - Our experience was best described by a close friend who removed her children from the school, as did other families - ""You can't fix crazy"" - she captured it perfectly. more