Century House Montessori School
Century House Montessori School (CHMS), established in 1998, is the British Virgin Islands’ only authentic Montessori school. Nestled in the serene Diamond Estate on Tortola, CHMS offers a peaceful, purpose-built learning environment that follows the principles of Dr Maria Montessori. The school provides children with a nurturing space to develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning, through mixed-age classrooms and self-directed exploration.
Curriculum and Academics
CHMS delivers a true Montessori education, adhering closely to the internationally recognised Montessori method. This child-centred approach focuses on respect for the child’s natural development, offering hands-on materials and allowing children to progress at their own pace. The school is divided into three developmental stages:
Toddler (18 months – 3 years)
Casa (3 – 6 years)
Elementary (6 – 12 years)
Each stage builds on the last, encouraging curiosity, independence, and intrinsic motivation. Students engage with practical life activities, sensorial materials, mathematics, language, cultural studies, and more. There is a strong emphasis on cultivating peace, empathy, and global citizenship.
Facilities and Extracurriculars
The CHMS campus is carefully designed to reflect Montessori values, with calm, uncluttered classrooms filled with natural light and high-quality learning materials. Outdoor learning is a vital part of the school day, with spacious gardens and shaded play areas providing opportunities for physical movement and nature exploration.
The school also offers complementary programmes such as Spanish, art, music, and physical education, which align with the Montessori philosophy and support holistic child development.
Admissions and Fees
CHMS accepts students aged 18 months to 12 years across its Toddler, Casa, and Elementary programmes. The school is co-educational and operates on a day-school model. The student population is approximately 60–80.
Annual tuition fees are around $17,400, depending on the child’s programme and schedule. Detailed fee structures and admissions information are available directly from the school office.
Who is it best suited for?
Century House Montessori School is ideal for families who value a calm, respectful, and child-led approach to learning. It is particularly well suited to younger children who thrive in thoughtfully prepared environments that promote autonomy and self-discipline. Parents seeking a globally respected education model that supports both academic and personal development will find CHMS a strong choice.
Location – Diamond Estate, Tortola
Affiliation – Montessori
Type – Co-educational day school
Ages – 1½–12
Curriculum – Montessori
Pupils – ~60–80
Annual Fees – ~$17,400
If you are considering Century House Montessori School for your child, we offer personalised school consulting services to help determine if this institution is the right fit for your child’s needs and educational goals. Our guidance can assist in evaluating CHMS’s programme and environment to ensure it aligns with your family’s expectations and your child’s aspirations. Please contact us here.