Chestnut Montessori School

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My son has been at CMS since he was 3 years old, and he's soon to turn 7!!! My son is happy and secure at this school. He enjoys this school so much that he DOES NOT want to take vacation days off!!!! When it was time for summer break, he protested and said he wanted to go to school. Even on the days of school closure, he will ask to go to school and we're needing to explain repeatedly why we can't just go to school. And, this kid is learning and doesn't even realize he's learning; CMS presents their teaching in such a way that the kids enjoy it and wanting more! My son just started 1st grade and he can fluently add, subtract, multiply, divide, read 3rd grade reading level, can tell you about geography and where states/countries/capitals are located, can you tell you about art & music. The point-being, is that my son has learned more by 1st grade than my husband/I had....and he's enjoying school (no loving school!!). If only I was taught in the way CMS teaches I would have enjoyed school more and not have struggled so much. Our greatest value is that he is wanting to learn, and Mrs. Hanson and her team are delivering it as a GREAT launching pad for him to start from and allow him to set his own bar to reach for and he's wanting it!!! The foundation of this school is GRACE & COURTESY and this has helped us with our "highly-spirited" child. Because of CMS principles, my child has learned to respect himself and others, and they are supporting the fine tuning of his "filter". CMS honors my child as a whole-person and lets him be who he needs/wants to be - for that we have a happy & confident child who LOVES school and gets along well with others in/outside of his school. Just to let you know that we're not raising a robot...my son's interest is very diverse - HUGE sports lover & player (football, soccer, baseball, tennis, basketball) and he loves music (choir and instrument) and drama (he's performed in 2 plays), along with Lego building, chess, and just being silly. It takes a village, and we could not have arrived at the spot we're at with our son with out the love, guidance & support that was provided by CMS team.

We love the Montessori method of teaching and how it allows children to work at their own pace and develop independence. We also like the way it teaches responsibility for the materials. We love all of the teachers at the school and have had nothing but positive experiences working with all of the teachers over the years.

The school opened with a handful of students at the start of the economic downturn, and while others preschools had to close classrooms Chestnut Montessori grew to house three full classrooms. It's been amazing to watch. Our first daughter, now in third grade, has been at Chestnut Montessori since she was 2 and 1/2 (when the school opened). Our second daughter is now there as well. Very rare is the day when both girls aren't excited to go to school. The school has amazing community events, especially at the elementary level. The elementary students have a camp-out at the school just before the school-year begins, a zoo overnight toward the end of the year, and a field-trip per month during the year. The preschoolers have activities that come to them, such as the parent/child pumpkin carving before Halloween. There are numerous of opportunities to perform for their parents at school events. The director has been in Montessori education for decades. The assistant director has been with the school since it opened, went through Montessori training while serving as the school's office manager, and has provided the school with an amazing continuity.

I have my both kids going to Chestnut Montessori . I feel so blessed to have my girls attend this school. It gives them the perfect nurturing environment helping them in grow in so many things. I love the academics at school . Would not have found a better place for my kids...

Best Montessori in the area! It was a tumultuous journey deciding on this school, but well worth it. Let me tell you our story....

When we transitioned from an in-home daycare to a school, we shopped around and did a lot of research into what type of school to enroll in. The Montessori philosophy really appealed to us. So we visited several Montessori schools in the area to examine their curriculum, facilities, and get the overall vibe. Eventually we settled on one (mostly based on their superior website) and enrolled our daughter for her first year in Living Montessori in Bellevue.

It was a good school with many fine attributes (great website, yoga, some wonderful teachers, very safe, etc...) but our daughter was never really happy there. Some of this may have been separation anxiety due to her age, but some I think was because the facility was so large and sterile. It was intimidating walking down the long hallways. Every day at drop off she cried and clung to me. We also felt a little overwhelmed by the many many rules and demands on us. All the volunteer hours were overwhelming for 2 working parents to achieve. Additionally it was extremely expensive, so we made the decision to put her in public school instead.

We found our local public school, entered the lottery for the all day (before and after school) care, waited anxiously to see if we got in, and we got in. We visited the school and although it was academically very good, it didn't feel right. I'd like to say this is all based on logic but my "Mom" instinct was screaming "no!" about this school. The Principal was rigid, the bus system was scary...it just didn't seem right for us and definitely not right for our sensitive, intelligent, daughter. At the last second, a parent from Living Montessori mentioned to me that she was moving one of her children out of Living Montessori into Chestnut. She said the curriculum was wonderful and Jeannine, who runs the school, was amazing with the children.

So we booked a visit at Chestnut (very friendly easy process, even though it was close to start of the school year) and I was immediately charmed by this school. It looks like a home, with 2 little buildings and a yard, nestled amidst tall Chestnut trees. It's very woodsy and nature-filled, and soothing to scared little ones. Jeannine impressed us just as much as she had impressed our friend. We knew we had to sign up on the spot. It's still not cheap, but it is more affordable than Living Montessori was, and I feel like I get so much more for my money.

Both my children attend Chestnut now and not only do they love it, I love it too. I even briefly thought I should quit my job, attend Jeannine's classes and learn to be a Montessori teacher so I can work there. It's THAT good. I trust Montessori to nurture and care for my children while enriching their minds. You can trust them too.

Great education that truly will last a life time. My favorite part is when my daughter comes home and does things that she's been learning at this school, such as folds her clothes, speaks polite and with manners, uses new beautiful vocabulary and enthusiastically talks about her teacher. Recommend this school, just make sure you understand and agree with their contract before signing.

I highly recommend CMS! We love the school! We couldn't be more pleased with the care and attention our kids got from Mrs. Hanson and the CMS team. It feels like part of our family. I’m confident that the school has set a solid foundation for my children learning path and that they have developed a true love for learning. I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation.

We have two children in Chestnut Montessori school and they absolutely love it. The school provides an excellent foundation in science, mathematics, reading and geography with children thoroughly understanding core concepts which greatly helps when learning more advanced concepts. Our kids have also learned a lot about respecting themselves and other children and most importantly have a passion for learning. The classes are small, the teachers are amazing and the school is located on a beautiful campus.

It looks like a couple of other people have had bad experiences - and are clearly venting online which is disappointing. Montessori schools aren't for everyone - so as part of your due diligence you should decide if Montessori school is the best place for your children - if it is I know they will be very happy at Chestnut.

We have been sending our son to this school (early education age) for 4 months now and he, and we, love it. Our son is naturally shy and observant and his teacher and assistant teacher have not only allowed and encouraged him to be exactly who he is, but also fostered his growth and ability to relate to others. We have nothing but good things to say, especially about the teachers we have gotten to know who are so caring, patient, and loving. If you like Montessori style learning, you will like this school.