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:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Type
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

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
$21,650
Tuition Notes
Cost varies by schedule
Financial assistance available
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Stephanie Coulter
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
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 3/10/2018
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.
5 3/9/2018
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!
5 5/17/2016
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.
5 10/8/2015
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!
5 9/19/2015
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!
5 7/24/2015
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!
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