| Chesterbrook Academy | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Type | Private School |
| Established | 1985 |
| Grades | Preschool–8th grade |
| Accreditation | NAEYC and Cognia (education) |
| Locations | Multiple (FL, IL, MD, NC, NJ, PA, SC, VA) |
| Parent | Spring Education Group |
| Website | chesterbrookacademy |
Chesterbrook Academy is a group of private schools in the United States offering preschool, elementary, and middle school education. The schools operate in Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. [1] Some locations also offer before- and after-care and summer camp. [2] [3]
The Chesterbrook Academy name originates from Chesterbrook Farm, a 632-acre property in Wayne, Pennsylvania, purchased in 1881 by Alexander J. Cassatt, the first Vice President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The property had been owned by the Harvard family for approximately 250 years. Cassatt used the land for racehorse breeding and dairy cattle operations. [4] [5]
Following a fire in 1898 that destroyed the original buildings, architect Frank Furness was commissioned to design new structures. [5] During the early 20th century, Chesterbrook Farm became known for its livestock, with one cow earning the distinction in 1914 of producing nearly 20,000 pounds of milk and over 1,000 pounds of butter in a single year. [5]
The farm remained active into the 1940s, but declined in the following decades due to infrastructure development in the area. In 1969, it was sold to the Great Valley Corporation. [5]
In 1985, the site was repurposed into an early childhood education center by Rocking Horse Child Care Centers of America, Inc. This became the first Chesterbrook Academy preschool. [6] The organization was renamed Nobel Education Dynamics in 1993 and later became Nobel Learning Communities in 1998. [7] It was eventually incorporated into Spring Education Group, a national network of private schools offering programs from preschool through high school education. [8]
Chesterbrook Academy states that its educational approach emphasizes character education, experiential learning, and individualized instruction. According to the organization, its programs encourage students to engage in hands-on activities and develop communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. School leaders and teachers foster an inclusive environment that prepares at preparing students for lifelong learning and civic responsibility. [1]
The preschool curriculum includes reading, early math, art, music, Spanish, and social-emotional learning. [3] [9] Communication with families is maintained through monthly folders, progress reports, conferences, and the Links 2 Home mobile application. [10] [11]
Elementary & middle school programs follow a standards-based curriculum that includes core subjects along with music, art, physical education, world languages, and technology. [12] The middle school curriculum is designed to support academic advancement and includes organizational skills development. [13]
Most Chesterbrook Academy preschools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), [14] which sets professional standards for early childhood education programs. [15] Elementary schools in Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina are accredited by Cognia. [16] [17]
Many Chesterbrook Academy campuses operate summer camps for school-age children [2] with activities such as science, arts, sports, [18] [19] and other events. [20]
Chesterbrook Academy has opened new or expanded facilities in multiple states, including: [2]
Chesterbrook Academy schools participate in various community service initiatives, including: