Chesterfield Day School Photo #6 - CDS's Montessori classrooms include multi-age groupings that foster peer learning and specially designed materials that inspire and excite children to learn.

Chesterfield Day School

Chesterfield Day School is one of St. Louis's premier independent private elementary schools.
Founded in 1962, Chesterfield Day School is among the top Saint Louis private schools and was the first Montessori school in St. Louis.
We are a coeducational, not-for-profit, independent private school in Chesterfield, Missouri serving students age 18 months (preschool) through sixth grade.
Our mission is to provide a personalized education of unparalleled excellence for students of diverse backgrounds.
Our students live throughout the St. Louis region, and our talented faculty, staff, and administration help us to realize our mission and vision each day.
Financial assistance is available. We invite you to take a tour and visit our school to determine if our program is the right fit for your family!.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked MO School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 62 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $21,650
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Chesterfield Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1962
Summer School Offered
Yes
Last Day of School
Thu. May 21, 2026

Student Body

Total Students
62 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 20%
Students by Grade
Chesterfield Day School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
8 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Cost varies by schedule Financial assistance available
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Stephanie Coulter
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
ArtChess
Cooking


Arts and Music Programs:
DramaMusic


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Sports

School Notes

  • School Motto: Rethink Education
  • Chesterfield Day School is one of St. Louis's premier independent private elementary schools. Founded in 1962, Chesterfield Day School is among the top Saint Louis private schools and was the first Montessori school in St. Louis. We are a coeducational, not-for-profit, independent private school in Chesterfield, Missouri serving students age 18 months (preschool) through sixth grade. Our mission is to provide a personalized education of unparalleled excellence for students of diverse backgrounds. Our students live throughout the St. Louis region, and our talented faculty, staff, and administration help us to realize our mission and vision each day. Financial assistance is available. We invite you to take a tour and visit our school to determine if our program is the right fit for your family!
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Chesterfield Day School cost?
Chesterfield Day School's tuition is approximately $21,650 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Chesterfield Day School?
The acceptance rate of Chesterfield Day School is 85%, which is equal to the national average of 85%.
What sports does Chesterfield Day School offer?
Chesterfield Day School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Field Hockey, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Rock Climbing, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Chesterfield Day School's ranking?
Chesterfield Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Missouri for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Chesterfield Day School?
The application deadline for Chesterfield Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Calendar

View the Chesterfield Day School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break, No Classes (Calendar)
November 24, 2025 (Monday)
Spring Break - No Classes (Calendar)
March 16, 2026 (Monday)
Last Day of School, Not a Late Start (Calendar)
May 21, 2026 (Thursday)

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (6 reviews)
5  
Our family absolutely loves Chesterfield Day School. Our son has been there the past three years and we couldn't be happier. He has flourished in the loving and caring environment that is CDS. The teachers really help the students to become independent which leads to confidence. We're looking forward to our other son starting in their pre-school program next year.
- Posted by
5  
We are beyond impressed with Chesterfield Day School. Our daughter is a toddler at this amazing school, and we simply couldn't be happier. CDS has a number of truly great things going for it (a beautiful campus, fantastic teachers, talented faculty, admin and staff and excellent programs). We truly love being a part of the CDS community!
- Posted by
5  
Our children (6th grade and 3rd) have been at Chesterfield Day School since they were toddlers. We drive 25 minutes each way to get them there and along the way pass several well-known private elementary schools. We choose CDS for the Montessori foundation that perfectly transitions into rigorous curriculum that meets our kids at their level. We could not be happier with the teachers - they are a talented, well educated, dedicated group who make learning joyful for every student. Being a part of the CDS community is the best decision that we could have made as evidenced daily in our children's'' academic accomplishments and individual confidence.
- Posted by
5  
This is my family's 3rd year at CDS. We love it! CDS educates the whole child and incorporates many modes and methods of teaching and learning. The children learn to be independent and confident. The CDS community is friendly and welcoming. We know we made the right decision in choosing CDS!
- Posted by
5  
CDS is a unique private school and one that is worth a look for anyone interested in strong academics, a welcoming community and a faculty that is beyond amazing. CDS is the only school I know of that transitions students from Montessori in second grade into a wonderful upper school program. Students at CDS are confident, kind and are academically in the top tier of independent school students in the nation. The program at CDS includes a strong math, science and language core as well as a MakerSpace that is very sharp. Other parts of their program such as PE, music and art are very strong. We love CDS and would recommend it highly!
- Posted by
5  
My son has been attending Chesterfield Day School for the past two years and we love everything about it! From the warm community feel to the personalized education he receives, we could not be more pleased with our decision to send him to CDS. They truly do live up to their mission of excellence. Well done, CDS!
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Top Ranked MO School
  • School Type: Montessori School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 62 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $21,650
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chesterfield, MO is $19,055 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Chesterfield, MO is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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