The CMH Difference

A collaborative environment

Our approach is holistic, supporting students in every facet of their development – at their own pace and to their best potential.

Advanced academic skills, strong self-image and self-discipline – these are just a few of the qualities we cultivate. Add in our campus, community and commitment, and CMH ranks firmly atop Cincinnati’s best Montessori and private schools.

At CMH, students are encouraged to explore and discover for themselves – innate desires we constantly, consistently support throughout their journey here. They learn how to make decisions, solve problems and navigate choices; manage their time, work independently and collaborate with others. They exchange ideas, mentor each other and lead discussion – lifelong skills for success formed early and unforgettably. Want to learn more?

Learning with Nature, in Nature.

A great space of earth and sky surrounded by acres of natural terrain and diverse habitats.

At CMH, we’re proud to be the only Montessori school with a Naturalist, and a full staff of nature enthusiasts – erudite and eco-conscious instructors who divide their time among all student levels and the abundant nature-scape around us. Our students get the extraordinary opportunity to explore, interact with and learn from this rich and varied environment.

Further, we’re the only Cincinnati Montessori located on seven acres of thick woods and lush meadows, surrounded by hundreds more – land we make great use of.

Why Study Nature

A foundation for science

By integrating ecology, zoology, botany and more into the everyday curriculum, CMH sets the stage early for comprehending complex scientific concepts. Studying parts of a flower or the function of bees makes more sense if experienced off the page and in real life. Science becomes more interesting – and more understandable.

Increased attention & intellect

Outdoor studies promote better observation skills and, in true Montessori tradition, cultivate a love of investigation. From insect metamorphosis to gardening, students learn patience and results. They learn to look for – and notice – details in the world around them. Moreover, fresh air and exercise boost vitality, energy and intellect.

Sense of stewardship

With this uniquely direct and hands-on interaction, students acquire a greater appreciation of the natural world – better understanding this place in which we live and the power of every connection. Whether classroom pet or favorite field, our students learn the impact of responsibility – and become caretakers for the future.

From Start to Finish

Our low student-to-teacher ratio gives teachers time and opportunity for instruction that is authentically individual. With teachers as guides, learning occurs in small groups or with students in partnership as mentors

At CMH, opportunities for enrichment are consistently, carefully integrated into each school year. Supplemental activities and programs like Spanish, music, art, yoga and more provide a strong, natural complement to a Montessori education.

Educating the whole child at all levels, we offer part-time and half-day preschool, and an extended full-day More Montessori preschool option. Kindergarten is also full-day, to prepare for an advanced elementary education through the sixth grade, and beyond!

Our differences are compelling, from our teachers and environment to our passion and approach – and they just keep adding up. Our curriculum concludes after Middle school, but for our students, that’s just the beginning. CMH graduates leave our school confident and competent to face their future, wherever that path leads.

A well-rounded education with our enrichment programs

How we seamlessly integrate school specials at CMH

As a Montessori school, our curriculum promotes achievement in cognitive and academic areas as much as social and behavioral ones. As such, we work diligently to include experiences and add learning opportunities that balance all these goals in an engaging, stimulating way – our school specials. When a vital component of educating the whole child extends beyond math, reading and science, it brings full engagement in complementary activities such as physical education, culture, music and arts.

Our school specials give students deeper access to a fully developed and broad education experience. Most importantly, these specials don’t disrupt the normal Montessori day, they enhance it – scheduled during natural breaks or downtimes so our extended work periods and three-year cycles stay continuous.

Spanish at CMH

Preschool and kindergarten

Pre-primary students attend Spanish class once a week, learning basic vocabulary for colors, numbers, shapes, animals, seasons, family, food and more. Different materials are utilized to teach culture and common usage, such as pictures, small animals, fruits, books and coloring pages – learning songs and singing in Spanish is a favorite.

Lower Elementary

Lower Elementary StudentsJuniors also have Spanish weekly, but practice an advanced level of vocabulary. They work on good pronunciation and begin to learn grammar basics like article and gender usage, adjectives, simple verbs and questions. Lessons also include descriptions and discussion of important celebrations in Spanish-speaking countries to promote awareness and appreciation for Hispanic culture and traditions.

Upper Elementary

Upper Elementary Students attend Spanish weekly, but for an extended time period, from 45 to 90 minutes. Students will learn the basics from greeting, telling time, numbers, verb conjunction (regular and irregular) and so much more. Having learned the vocabulary in lower elementary, we will focus on spelling and grammar. Students will have weekly assignments to complete in class. Additionally, students will get to hear and practice their Spanish in the classroom as some lessons and daily activities may be conducted informally during class time.

Middle School

Students will increase their already learned vocabulary and grammar following the “Avancemos” book and curriculum. This program will focus on culture, reading comprehension, research projects, music, art and more advanced grammar. Assignments will be given on a weekly basis to support understanding. Assessments on comprehension will be given following completion of each book chapter.

Music, Movement, and More

Our Music

Singing Circle has been a part of CMH since the 80s. Each week, the pre-primary children gather in a circle to sing songs with John Phenix, long-time teacher and guitar player. With songs that are favorites or folk or even made-up, Singing Circle teaches numbers, days of the week, continents, planets and more – a time for learning as well as fun.

Holiday Concert

For the fall semester, all students participate in music, where they sing, dance, play instruments, learn to read music, and find new ways to enjoy it – culminating in our annual Holiday Concert. Throughout the year, our students enjoy art, exploring the aesthetic elements of technique, formulas, light and more. Budding artists are encouraged to experiment with a variety of materials, from block printing to paper sculpting.

Library

Library is an important part of our school. Preprimary students visit our library weekly to peruse and check out books. We are dedicated to assisting them in their enjoyment of reading and pursuit of lifelong learning – our library supports the learning goals of each classroom and works to meet the reading interests of all the students. Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School have libraries within their own classrooms.

Movement

Physical activity is vital for overall development. Our students engage in dynamic weekly activities to help develop motor skills and offer opportunities for challenge, enjoyment, self-expression and social interaction. We strive to develop positive attitudes toward exercise, focusing on communication, cooperation, conflict resolution, safety and respect for self and others.

Why Choose Children’s Meeting House

The Montessori Philosophy

Each student learns and thrives within a layered support system, experiencing multi age groups, three-year cycles, Montessori-certified faculty and uninterrupted work periods in a stable, supportive educational environment – a place where creativity and inquisitiveness are as important as academic achievement.

A Rigorous Curriculum

With studies individualized to their own pace and needs, our students master core academic subjects at a comprehensive and practical level that is consistently above their public school peers. Learning math, science, language and more is rooted in movement – and generates impressive scholastic results.

A Singular Pastoral Setting

Under the care of our naturalist, CMH’s expansive grounds play an integral part in our curriculum. Students tend gardens and compost, hike trails and meadows, learn astronomy, hydrology and more. They study animals, plants and minerals in their native habitats – caring for and interacting with nature year-round.

Natural Learning

Our school features an orchard, bird blind, and nature trails, plus a mobile planetarium and eco-learning lab with organic flower and vegetable gardens. We also use the Grailville’s adjacent 315 acres of hills, fields and woodlands, crossed with creeks and streambeds full of 500-million-year-old fossils.

WILD School Site

Within all of Loveland, Sycamore, Kings and Little Miami school districts, only CMH is a WILD School Site – designated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for using our grounds to educate students about wildlife and the environment.

Naturalist on Staff

Our naturalist knows first-hand how outdoor sciences extend well past biology and botany. Follow her stories, advice and notes from nature within the school blog – and see for yourself how chemistry, archeology and meteorology, plus research, experiments and mapping are natural next steps

Connected to the Community

With our extensive grounds and outdoor commitment, CMH always seeks ways to share our nature program with the community at large.