Chesterfield Montessori School

A recent Stanford study found that math and reading scores across most U.S. school districts are declining. These are trends many educators say have been building for years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

At CMS, we see a different path forward.

Long before these concerns became national headlines, the curriculum at Chesterfield Montessori was built around the very things children need most: movement, concentration, hands-on learning, meaningful responsibility, outdoor time, deep human connection, and environments that protect a child’s natural curiosity.

Our newest blog explores the growing concerns around childhood and education today.

And it explains why authentic Montessori education at our school offers an evidence-backed answer to many of them.

https://www.chesterfieldmontessori.org/an-answer-to-worrying-educational-and-childhood-trends

What Should We Do about the Learning Recession? As reading scores, focus, and childhood well-being decline nationwide, the curriculum at Chesterfield Montessori offers a different path forward for students.

So many creature sightings at CMS recently, including a skink, toad, turtle, geese, and even an occasional garden snake! Not to mention the abundance of birds building nests or gathering food.

When we see animals at school, the guides and assistants take time to let children observe, get excited, ask questions, pet them when it’s safe to do so - all while demonstrating how to be gentle and respectful of animals in the wild.

Students internalize this and become knowledgeable about the creatures around them. We notice children are unafraid to pick up a juicy worm or let a spider crawl on their hand. They recognize specific bird calls or know the scientific name for bugs in the field.

Montessori education at CMS nurtures not only academic growth, but also a deep sense of wonder, confidence and connection to the natural world.

The irises are in bloom in our Children’s Garden, and we look forward to the beautiful pops of colors every year 💜🌷

Irises thrive beautifully here in St. Louis and have long symbolized wisdom, courage, and hope — making them a meaningful part of both our garden and our city ⚜️

A peaceful garden gives our students the opportunity to slow down, observe, nurture, and connect with the natural world around them. From planting seeds to watching flowers bloom, each stage brings new discoveries and hands-on learning.

“The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth.” — Dr. Maria Montessori

Teacher Appreciation Week 💛

Every day at CMS, our teachers do far more than teach academic skills. They guide, encourage, observe, support, inspire, and help children grow into confident, capable people. So much of what makes CMS special begins with the dedication and care of our faculty and staff.

This week, we celebrate the educators who make our community what it is. Thank you for the patience, wisdom and heart you bring to work each day. From our lead guides, assistants, substitutes, interns, admins and facilities, we are deeply grateful for you.

We'd also like to thank our amazing Parent Social Committee for the thoughtful and generous ways they made us feel appreciated (even spoiled!) this week. They brought us breakfast treats, spa goodies, homemade deserts and more. Thank you for making this week special for the whole staff ❤

AP and Upper El came together for a architecturally based Going Out to downtown Saint Louis! The walking tour featured the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, Old Cathedral, Eads Bridge, the Old Post Office, The Wainwright Building, and a Philip Johnson designed office building! Big tour!

Highlights included the tour guide himself, Bill, who was described as incredibly knowledgeable and gave a fascinating and informative tour! He really pointed out all the tiny details and was a great storyteller!

The students said the most relevant parts to their work were seeing the three column types all at once inside the Old Courthouse. The most interesting features were the plasterwork and carvings around doorways at several of the buildings that featured animals or people with different occupations. The most interesting story was hearing how the fire department helped cool one of the legs of the Arch when the keystone was placed by hosing it down in order to keep the metal from expanding too much.

We love Going Outs! 🚙🩷

We’re honored to be recognized as a Great Place to Work® Certified™ organization for the fourth consecutive year!!

Thank you to everyone on our team for making CMS a place where people feel valued, supported and inspired every day. This recognition reflects a culture that our team has collectively built together—one rooted in respect, collaboration and a shared commitment to our students. Even when we don't get it perfect everyday, we recognize that a healthy and cared-for team is essential for a thriving school.

Great Place To Work

This Friday!!! Join us in the CMS Lobby to support our Adolescent students hosting their Spring Market. Students will be selling houseplants they’ve been propagating over the past several weeks—sourced from clippings collected around the school—as well as their own artwork and handmade goods generously donated by fellow students and staff. 🪴🎨 Proceeds will benefit the AP business budget and the CMS Naturescape.

Come support our young entrepreneurs and take home something beautiful!