About Chesterbrook Academy

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Our Mission

Chesterbrook Academy was founded with the mission of creating a safe and nurturing space where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through rigorous, student-centered learning. This mission continues to help Chesterbrook grow and innovate today. Teachers and administrators emphasize character development and inclusivity, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, connect with their environment through hands-on experiences, and express themselves creatively.

By focusing on collaboration, responsibility, and integrity, Chesterbrook Academy schools aim to cultivate students who are not only academically successful but also possess strong ethical values and a commitment to their community.

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Our Story

Chesterbrook Academy's name originates from a historic farm in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It was purchased in 1881 by the Pennsylvania Railroad's first Vice President from the Havard family who were prominent early settlers of the region and had owned the property for 250 years. After a fire destroyed the original buildings in 1898, a new building was built and this landmark became the Chesterbrook we know today.

The Beginning

In 1985, Rocking Horse Child Care Centers of America, Inc. transformed the property into a school, initially called Rocking Horse Child Care Center. This reuse honored the farm's heritage while introducing a new chapter of serving the community through education.

Continued Growth

New preschools opened in Illinois and New Jersey in 1986, and established new schools in North Carolina and Virginia in 1989 and 1990 respectively. By 1995, Chesterbrook had entered South Carolina and acquired its first elementary school in Raleigh, North Carolina. Preschools in Florida followed in 1997, and in 2011 Chesterbrook expanded into Maryland.

The school's strength in delivering not only child care services, but curriculum-based education, laid the foundation for future growth for structured preschools. After establishing a network of preschools, elementary and middle schools were added using the same educational system--building community ties and academic continuity.

Looking to the Future

Today Chesterbrook Academy is part of Spring Education Group and serves students from 6 weeks old through 8th grade across Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Our mission of creating a safe and nurturing space where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through rigorous, student-centered learning continues to help us grow and innovate today.