Chesterfield Montessori School was founded in 1981 as a private, non-profit school serving children of toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary and adolescent ages, from 16 months through 6th grade.
CMS is the only St. Louis area school that is both recognized by Association Montessori Internationale, the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori to preserve the integrity of her work, and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, which has a rigorous, seven-year accreditation cycle.
The majority of our alumni pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) careers
Over 90% of children who remain at Chesterfield Montessori School through the Upper Elementary program are admitted to their first-choice secondary school
The highly diverse international student population draws families from around the globe.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MO School
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-6
- Yearly Tuition: $19,000
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 24 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Chesterfield Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-6
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
language and math
Year Founded
1981
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 21%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
100%
Average Class Size
24 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$19,000
Tuition Notes
Ranges from $12,800 to $19,900 per year
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Heather OverKamp
Admissions Associate
Abby Wojcik
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chinese Club, First Lego League Robotics Team, Math Club, Nature and Science club
Arts and Music Programs:
Music Class for 3-6 years, The Young Musician Private Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Children's Yoga, Girls on the Run, Soccer, Tai Chi, Tennis
Chinese Club, First Lego League Robotics Team, Math Club, Nature and Science club
Arts and Music Programs:
Music Class for 3-6 years, The Young Musician Private Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Children's Yoga, Girls on the Run, Soccer, Tai Chi, Tennis
School Notes
- Founded in 1981, Chesterfield Montessori School currently offers authentic Montessori programs from toddlers (age 16 months) through 6th grade. CMS is accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS), as well as a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL). The school is situated on a five-acre campus in Chesterfield, with an architectural award-winning building, playgrounds, a tennis court, basketball court, a prairie restoration project and a children's garden. All of our beautifully sunlit classrooms are well-organized and equipped with the full spectrum of learning materials scientifically developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, designed to challenge and stimulate our students. Drawn from many countries and diverse backgrounds, CMS students develop a strong sense of responsibility, community and compassion for others. Our highly educated teachers work with each child individually and in small groups to ensure that each child is guided, challenged and nurtured in a way that best serves their overall academic, social and emotional needs. At CMS, our goal is to give each child a passion for learning and success for life.
- CMS is Great Place to Work-Certified, meaning we are recognized as an employer who creates an outstanding company culture and work experience. We are the only school in Missouri to hold this distinction and one of only two Montessori schools nationwide. Certification is a two-step process that includes surveying our employees and completing a short questionnaire about the workforce.
- Most importantly, Montessori educators recognize Chesterfield Montessori School as a premier provider of authentic Montessori education Please visit CMS` website for more information: http://www.chesterfieldmontessori.org
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Miriam Cruz - As co-founder of Agni, Miriam was selected as a Forbes 30 under 30 in the Food and Drink industry https://www.forbes.com/pictures/61a67d8742bbf7cb5403d8c8/miriam-cruz-29-cofounder/?sh=7c0fa02e43eb
- Emily Widder - MIT Grad & Astrodynamics Engineer at Boeing
- Mary Madeline Willis - Staff Associate Investigator, Corteva AgroScience
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Chesterfield Montessori School cost?
Chesterfield Montessori School's tuition is approximately $19,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Chesterfield Montessori School?
The acceptance rate of Chesterfield Montessori School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 89%.
Who are famous alumni from Chesterfield Montessori School?
Chesterfield Montessori School famous alumni include: Miriam Cruz, Emily Widder and Mary Madeline Willis.
Does Chesterfield Montessori School offer a summer program?
Yes, Chesterfield Montessori School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Chesterfield Montessori School's ranking?
Chesterfield Montessori School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Chesterfield Montessori School?
The application deadline for Chesterfield Montessori School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
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People that viewed Chesterfield Montessori School also viewed these schools: Chesterfield Day School, Villa Di Maria Montessori School, Forsyth School, The Waldorf School of St. Louis and The College School.
The nearest high school to Chesterfield Montessori School is The Fulton School (0.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Chesterfield Day School (0.9 miles away)
The nearest preschool is The Center At Conway (0.8 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: K-5 | 62 students 0.9 miles 1100 White Road
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(314) 469-9622
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(314) 469-9622
0.9
K-5
62
Grades: PK-6 | 179 students 6.5 miles 1280 Simmons Ave
Saint Louis, MO 63122
(314) 822-2601
Saint Louis, MO 63122
(314) 822-2601
6.5
PK-6
179
Grades: NS-6 | 385 students 11.1 miles 6235 Wydown Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63105
(314) 726-4542
Saint Louis, MO 63105
(314) 726-4542
11.1
NS-6
385
Grades: PK-8 | 74 students 9 miles 912 Bell Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63119
(314) 962-2129
Saint Louis, MO 63119
(314) 962-2129
9
PK-8
74
Grades: PK-8 10.4 miles 7825 Big Bend Blvd.
Saint Louis, MO 63119
(314) 962-9355
Saint Louis, MO 63119
(314) 962-9355
10.4
PK-8
n/a
School Reviews
5 2/26/2016
I absolutely love this school! They really set the bar for Montessori education. So glad my kids are part of this amazing educational journey! All of the staff and teachers are wonderful. But I have to shout out about our head of school Ms. Anita Chastain because she GETS my kids. She really understands them and that is worth far more to me then you can know. I feel secure that their needs are being met and that she, along side my husband and I, is their biggest advocate!!
5 12/7/2015
This school is amazing. It has taught my son how to be independent, work with all ages, and to love learning. The school will maximize your child's potential and start a fire inside your child that thrives on learning. It is expensive, but we feel it is important to build on his foundation of early education to give him the most chance for success in the future. My son is 3, potty-trained at 18 months, starting to recognize words, and amazes my friends and family with his vocabulary, confidence, politeness and happiness! Thank you to this wonderful school!
5 4/9/2012
You will not believe the flame for learning that is sparked within your child. My children feel confident and comfortable because of the learning environment that CMS creates!
5 2/28/2012
I have 2 daughters who attend CMS and it has been a wonderful experience to see them develop their independence and personalities from the first day they started at CMS. The teachers and staff foster an amazing environment to make learning fun and a lifelong skill. The small community is perfect for individual attention and close interaction with all the other families. I can't imagine my kids at any other school!
5 1/28/2012
I have 2 children who attend CMS, and I could not be more satisfied with the education they are receiving. My children are very different in their personalities and their learning style, but they are receiving such individual attention from their teachers that they are both succeeding academically and socially. I also love that they are interacting with students from such a wide range of backgrounds, and being expose to so many different cultures and languages. The small school environment means that most families interact on a regular basis. We all know each other and our children.
5 1/19/2012
This is my daughter's second year at Chesterfield Montessori School, and it is hard to express how much we love this school. The respect that is given and taught to each child is beyond compare. We have found the teachers and staff truly care about the children and work diligently to develop the whole child, hand in hand with the parents.
5 1/19/2012
We highly recommend Chesterfield Montessori School. Our children have attended there for the past eight years and absolutely love learning! Their teachers are very dedicated, caring, intelligent, and creative professionals. Their Montessori methods have helped all four of our children truly bloom as independent learners. They also appreciate that they can participate in the wonderful variety of after school programs now available. Chesterfield Montessori School is a gorgeous, clean facility with such a serene environment that is so conducive to learning. We are truly grateful that we have CMS from preschool all the way to eighth grade!
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