Welcome to
Chestnut Montessori School
Enrollment Open for 2025-2026!
Enrollment Open for Summer 2025!
Parent testimonials
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Kirkland Campus
EARLY CHILDHOOD
Bellevue Campus
Why Montessori?
Montessori isn’t just education—it’s a transformative experience that prepares your child to succeed, not just in school, but in life.
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Personalized Learning: Montessori offers individualized education that adapts to your child’s pace and interests, ensuring they flourish both academically and emotionally.
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Holistic Development: We nurture the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically—helping them grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
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A Peaceful, Nurturing Environment: Our classrooms promote a calm, respectful atmosphere where children can focus deeply and explore their learning in a supportive, stress-free setting.
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Hands-On, Real-World Learning: Montessori emphasizes interactive, practical experiences that make learning engaging, meaningful, and directly applicable to real life.
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Stronger Connection to Nature: We value outdoor exploration, allowing children to develop a deeper connection to nature and a sense of responsibility toward the environment.
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Building Lifelong Skills: We prioritize developing critical life skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional intelligence—essential tools for success in today’s world.
Meet our Directors
Jeannine Hanson
Founding Director
In 2008, Jeannine founded Chestnut Montessori School with a clear mission to create a supportive, enriching environment where children become joyful, lifelong learners. With over 20 years of experience in Montessori education, she previously led Bellevue Montessori School, overseeing its expansion, and founded the Montessori Center for Teacher Education (MCTE), a leading institution for Montessori teacher training, accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Commission for Teacher Education (MACTE).
Jeannine has made significant contributions to the Montessori community, serving on the Boards of the Washington Federation of Independent Schools, the Pacific Northwest Montessori Association, and the National Center for Montessori Education. She is also a Washington State Approved Continuing Education Trainer, offering professional development workshops for educators.
A passionate advocate for quality education, Jeannine holds a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Washington and Montessori teacher certification from Seattle University. Her leadership and dedication continue to shape the future of Montessori education, inspiring both students and educators alike.
Rachelle Stefanski
Director
High Teacher / Student ratio
High Teacher / Student ratio
High Teacher / Student ratio
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In 2008, Rachelle joined Jeannine Hanson as she opened Chestnut Montessori School’s (CMS) doors. She immediately fell in love with the school setting, the philosophy, and working with the children and families. During Rachelle’s time at CMS, she earned an AMS Montessori Early Childhood Teaching Credential and a Montessori Lower Elementary Teaching Certificate. She served as Assistant Director and Music Teacher of CMS, Faculty and Field Supervisor of the Teacher Education Program, and she was a Washington State MERIT Continuing Education Trainer through DCYF.
In 2016, Rachelle left CMS to embark on a law degree. In addition to earning a Montessori teacher credential and certificate, Rachelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Elmhurst College (n/k/a Elmhurst University), and a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law. She has experience in education law, having worked with school districts on a wide variety of issues, including special education. Rachelle also served as a board member of Washington State’s Council of School Attorneys. Throughout the practice of law, Rachelle never lost her passion for education and working with families. In 2025, she returns to CMS as the Director, bringing additional knowledge she gained from her experiences.
Rachelle enjoys taking pottery classes, genealogy research, board games, reading, spending time with family and friends, and spoiling her cats. She also volunteers for the King County Neighborhood Legal Clinic, providing limited legal advice to individuals who may otherwise not have access to the legal system.
Rachelle looks forward to working with and getting to know each CMS family. Her door will always be open, and she welcomes conversation with each of you.
Chestnut Montessori at a glance
With a deep respect for childhood, we offer a nurturing community where preschoolers thrive through an inquiry-based curriculum and a unique social-emotional learning program.
High Teacher / Student ratio
A Tranquil Campus, Nestled in Nature
Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive Environment
Welcome to Chestnut Montessori School, where education is an inspiring journey of discovery! Nestled in the heart of Bellevue, our private Montessori school is dedicated to providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment that fosters the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of each child. With a rich history of educational excellence spanning over eight years, we are proud to offer a holistic Montessori experience that empowers children to explore their full potential. Explore our website to learn more about our philosophy, passionate educators, and the transformative opportunities that await your child at Chestnut Montessori School. Join us on this exciting educational adventure!
Our Kirkland Campus is located in the Forbes Creek area on over four acres of evergreen and maple trees, ferns, fruit trees and wetlands. These rich environments full of small animals, birds, insects, and plants are the base of our curriculum.
Here our children learn observing the interactions of plants, animals, and insects to increase their understanding of the natural world and develop their sensorial, motor, cognitive and social emotional skills.
Our curriculum supports young children in their first phase of their lives through the use of classical Montessori materials combined with practical life lessons guided by Credentialed Montessori Teachers.
Bellevue Campus
Chestnut Montessori School
10723 NE 38th Pl.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Tel: (425) 822-6001
Fax: (425) 822-6008
Kirkland Campus
Chestnut Montessori School
10239 Slater Avenue NE.
Kirkland, WA 98033
Tel: (425) 822-6001
