Chesapeake Montessori School

Chesapeake Montessori School guides children and adolescents in their development to become confident, respectful, kind, and independent individuals with well-developed powers of reasoning and a joy for learning. Using Montessori theory and practice of individualized learning in a whole-school community, we are committed to creating rich and healthy environments indoors and outdoors that provide intellectual, academic, social, and emotional preparation for life. Chesapeake Montessori School was founded in 1977 by Anne Locke, and for our first four years used rented classroom space in St. Margaret’s Church, near the school’s present location. In September 1981, CMS moved to our current location with classrooms and learning environments designed specifically for Montessori Primary and Elementary programs. In September 2000, the school expanded to provide a Young Children’s Community classroom, two Primary classrooms, and two Elementary classrooms. In 2009, following the purchase of additional land, a new building was completed, which now houses both Elementary Communities, a library, a multipurpose room, and our administrative offices. In August 2019, we opened a second Young Children’s Community at our Main Campus. CMS Main Campus of seven acres includes a nature trail, two buildings, three playgrounds, a sport court, a small soccer field, gardens, and rolling hills. Our classrooms and entire campus are well-equipped, stimulating environments that reflect Montessori principles and encourage self-discipline, self-construction, independence, academic accomplishment, problem solving ability, community mindedness, and an enthusiasm for learning. CMS is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the highest category available to a school; accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS); and licensed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). It is a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees.