"The secret of good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination."
~Maria Montessori
 
The School
Chesapeake Montessori Pre-School was established in 1991. It is located in the heart of Great Bridge near Chesapeake City Hall. The school operated as a one-room Children’s House (ages 3- 6 years) for 11 years. In 2002 it was purchased by Shanna and Joe Honan. After teaching and directing the school for one year, in 2003, Shanna added a second Children’s House classroom. In 2006, Shanna and Joe decided to change the name of the school to Chesapeake Montessori School (CMS) in order to better identify the school’s new direction. In September 2007, a Lower Elementary classroom opened, educating children ages 6 through 9 years. Chesapeake Montessori School now houses three classrooms with an approximate enrollment of 80 students. Preschool children have the option of attending 3, 4 or 5 days per week. Kindergarten and elementary aged children must attend 5 days per week.
Chesapeake Montessori School also houses the Virginia Montessori Teacher Education Center (VMTEC). This is a training center for individuals who wish to become certified Montessori teachers. Students will be prepared to teach children ages 2.5 - 6 years after completing this year long curriculum. Candidates are also required to complete a 540 hour internship.
The Philosophy
The Montessori Method of education focuses on developing the “whole child.” Chesapeake Montessori School follows this principle by viewing each child as an individual. Our program is child-centered, thus providing a foundation for the child’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical and academic growth. The children attending CMS are treated with respect by other children and adults. The teachers are trained facilitators in the classroom. Their purpose is to set up a developmentally appropriate environment that stimulates a child’s natural desire to learn. Guided by the teacher, each child works through the Montessori curriculum at his or her own optimum level. Children are encouraged to become self-directed and independent within a social context. Children who are given educational opportunities such as freedom of movement, repetition, and access to developmentally appropriate materials can realize responsibility and true discipline.
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