I am a Chesterbrook Montessori alumni! I had such wonderful memories of Chesterbrook that when my 2 children came of age, I had no hesitation in reaching back out. No surprise that there was another alum with her children also in the program at the same time. My son and daughter had enjoyable experiences, my daughter came up from the Toddler program. I credit Chesterbrook with a lot of their self-assuredness and independence. The small community is full of love and Ms. Judy and Ms. Lisa are an excellent team. My children continue to ask to visit (5th and 7th graders). read more

Chesterbrook Montessori is such a special place! From the very beginning, the application process feels personal and thoughtful, with family involvement and a home visit. Ms. Lisa, the lead of the toddler program, worked patiently with us throughout each step from inquiry to first day; offering 1-1 calls and was very responsive to questions via email and phone. The teachers are incredibly kind and truly care about each child, making sure they feel comfortable and supported as they adjust to the classroom. The space itself is always clean, calm, and beautifully organized, creating an ideal environment for nurturing and learning. It's hard to put into words just how wonderful this program is-- it's clear that Chesterbrook Montessori is a place where families are welcomed and valued; and where children thrive. read more

We absolutely love Chesterbrook! After observing the classroom when we were touring schools, we fell in love with the environment, the kids, and the teachers. Our daughter is half a year in so far, and she loves it. She is learning so many fantastic life skills and it is so fun to see what "lessons" she brings home from school. It is a wonderful community, where everyone embraces the Montessori philosophy. This has made our play dates and engagements outside of school such positive experiences. The decades upon decades of experience among the staff clearly shines through; and that our daughter is excited every day to go to school is a testament to the staff and classroom environment. Thank you, Chesterbrook! read more

I am an alumni of Chesterbrook Montessori, and have sent both my daughters here from the toddler program all the way through their kindergarten year. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about it. They are kind, loving, and always put the children first. Anyone that has anything bad to say about Chesterbrook is simply LYING. Chesterbrook has been around for over 40 years. It's not often you find a school that has been around for so long. There is only one reason: ITS FANTASTIC! Do yourself a favor and enroll your child at Chesterbrook read more

I continue to be so impressed with Chesterbrook Montessori school. I have my second child in the toddler program and I am so thrilled with how my son has progressed. He is extremely independent and has even started potty training and using the bathroom on his own; which I think is the such a bonus in the toddler classroom. The teachers are all so kind and are advocates for each child. I am so happy to be part of the Chesterbrook family. I highly recommend the toddler program and the primary program. read more

We are so incredibly grateful for our child's three years at Chesterbrook Montessori. We watched our child, an English as a second language learner, flourish in their beautiful Primary classroom, make friendships which are still ongoing, and develop to become a fine young man, who then went on to Elementary at another Montessori school. He misses and remembers all of his wonderful teachers, Ms. Olga, Ms. Erin, Mrs. Jelly, and of course Mrs. Judy., and has been asking us if he could go back and visit. Do not hesitate to apply. read more

Our two year old daughter has attended Chesterbrook and all three of us absolutely love the school. She has been attending since she was about 19 months old, and she has made Tremendous progress with independence and developing her vocabulary. She loves to read, speak, and learn new words. Her learning there astounds me and my wife and I are in awe of what Ms. Lisa and her staff do to encourage these little loves every day. The Montessori method is effective. They teach them everything from changing their own clothes, community eating etiquette, toilet training (!!), interpersonal skills, and respecting their teachers. Could not recommend a school more highly. Well run and highly communicative with the parents via email. read more

Attention parents and or guardians. Do not send your child here. I repeat. My husband and I are LIVID! This past Thursday 9/8/22 during drop off my daughter and I had a frightening experience. Back story, my daughter was a student last year in the toddler program, located downstairs of the building. She was for the most part excited to go to school. Fast forward. It was now time for her to go into the primary class upstairs. During drop off, my daughter was completely terrified (beyond what some might say "typical beginning of the school year jitters" to the point that she was shaking when the primary assistant ERIN VALASQUEZ opened the back right door to retrieve my daughter from my car. I've never in my life seen my daughter have that type of reaction to anyone ever. I was in disbelief and my brain was racing a mile a minute . ERIN VALASQUEZ then reached into my car mid way and said very harshly to my child "do you want to get down yourself or do you want me to HELP! You down" my daughter then stiffened up as If she knew she had to or "else". As I started to drive away my mama bear gut kicked in even more and I turned around to rescue my child. After a few hours of processing everything I already knew my child would not be returning so I messaged one of the teachers Ms. Lisa to pack up all of her belongings. Never received a text back and mind you Ms. LISA always texts back in a prompt manner. During regular school pick up (noon) I went to the school to retrieve my daughters belongings. While doing so, MS. Lisa was trying to silence me as if to not alert the other parents , guardians and caregivers who were in the pick up line. I was trying to keep my composure mainly because there were children present and I didn't want to yell. As I was telling Ms. LISA what happened , ERIN VALASQUEZ overheard our conversation and turned around to face me and asked if I was speaking about her and I said "yes you terrified my child! " then she ran in the building. LISA then had me walk towards my car to "chat" more . At that point I just wanted my daughters belongings and to get far away from that place as I could. Then JUDY BALCAZAR came out of the building. She asked me "now what's going on" which I'm pretty sure she was aware of the situation already . I told her everything and the entire time she had the most patronizing smirk on her face. I told her it's not funny and I don't know why she's smiling . Her only response was that " I've never had a complaint in my 30 years, I'm surprised, your daughter was crying because she wanted to go to the playground" are you kidding me! She had no compassion, empathy, nurturing words of any sort . She then asked me if I wanted to switch to the other campus on Glebe road. Ridiculous! She was so busy defending her 30 years of experience and not even trying to make things better with her lack of concern for the safety of my child and as a concerned parent. She only cares about keeping a child on her payroll. The whole time Judy was leaning against my car while my back door was open. Never asked my daughter whom was in the car if she's ok. I then asked them why they don't have cameras in the building and the look on both of their faces were in complete shock and fear in a guilty conscience sort of way. I didn't have a good feeling then and I still don't now . I've spoken to 3 parents so far and none of them had anything positive to say about ERIN VALASQUEZ. If she continues to work there, then the staff accepts her behavior and makes me question the character of the entire staff. It feels like they're all in on some type of operation that's highly concerning . As a parent we want to feel comfortable knowing that our children are safe and loved. I will be contacting the remaining parents and guardians that don't have the chance to read this. If someone else had a negative experience I would want to know which is why I had to write this. I also find it very odd that they're hardly any reviews for a Montessori school that has been operating for over 30 years. Very suspicious. My name is Deborah Williams read more

Chesterbrook Montessori is an absolute gem! We are so lucky to have found them for our son who started in their toddler class at 21 months old. Within just a couple of months, we noticed huge strides in our son's development including a thriving vocabulary, increasing independence and curiosity, and amazing use of please / thank you / excuse me. Their gentle approach to toilet training was the reason our son was with diapers before he turned 2! Furthermore, Lisa and the wonderful team of teachers offer incredible tools and ongoing guidance for parents to learn more about incorporating Montessori methods at home. We could not have been happier with our experience with Chesterbrook and highly recommend their toddler program for parents! read more

We love Chesterbrook Montessori, it's teachers and the community it fosters. The teachers are excellent, nurturing and dedicated. The campus has great access to nature including their own gardens to plant vegetables. Both of our daughters have attended from 18 months to 5 1/2 years old. Independence and curiosity are values practiced regularly. The main teacher is a gifted musician who incorporates live music and singing every day. she plays piano - guitar. The music and art taught is purposeful and of high quality, not just the classic same old nursery songs. This is a school, not a day care. If you are looking for a day care this may not be the solution for you. With Chesterbrook Montessori you must be a committed and dedicated parent as you will need to partner with other care providers to complete care for your children because school ends at noon or 3 pm depending on age group and ends end of June and picks back up in September. The education incorporates teaching and knowledge from all cultures and backgrounds which adds a tremendous level of richness. We feel privileged to be able to gift this quality and level of education to our daughters and fortunate that it was available walking distance to our home. The owner and her daughter are the best education team I have known, they are true educators. Their school is their live's purpose, work and honor. read more

Our son joined the toddler "community" last year. He has enjoyed the Montessori method and loved Ms Anne, Louisa, and Lillian. We are looking forward to him continuing into the primary class next year. They teach food prep, potty training, math, and other great things in the toddler class. We are always surprised by what he spouts off from class read more

We participated in the full program from our son's toddler years through Kindergarten. The teachers are caring and loving - and the school follows the Montessori principles with great admiration, attention and purpose. Our son thrived in this school and helped him develop a love for learning, independence and curiosity. I highly recommend families consider Chesterbrook Montessori for their children! read more

We love Chesterbrook! My son has had such a rewarding experience over the last two years and we are excited our daughter will join him for his capstone year next year! The teachers are wonderful and follow Montesorri method but they also remain flexible. We highly recommend Chesterbrook! read more

Our son attended Chesterbrook Montessori at the Glebe Rd campus 17 years ago and is graduating from college next week! He always claimed that Chesterbrook was the best school he attended from PreK-12. I have so many fond memories from that time, and he was excited to go to school every day. CMS is truly committed to nurturing and developing the whole child. The children are continually engaged with the teachers and their friends with an emphasis on learning and personal interaction. It was astounding to watch the children interact with the very tangible, touchable materials which are full of texture and dimension. Our son became a voracious reader and a stellar student. He developed superlative study habits and learned 'how to learn' which placed him in the top of his class through HS graduation. I credit CMS with giving him a great foundation. And, I just learned that many of his same teachers are still there! This is not a shiny, new school which will dazzle you with gadgets and technology. Judy, Bernie, Lisa and Olga understand 2-5 years olds with an insight, wisdom and experience that is simply incomparable. This is a school that truly cares about children. Please do not miss the opportunity to send your child here. This is a rare gem of a pre-school! read more