Our Leadership & Staff Home / About Us / Our Leadership & Staff Meet Our Dedicated Team A Message from Our Principal Shelly Poe, Principal Since 1994, Chesterbrook Academy in Olney has served as a foundational cornerstone for early childhood education in our community. There is no greater testament to the warmth, stability, and enduring excellence of our school than our multi-generational legacy. Today, we regularly open our doors to families who attended Chesterbrook Academy as children themselves and are now returning as parents to entrust us with their own sons and daughters. Nestled within a quiet, residential neighborhood, our campus offers a peaceful, secure sanctuary where children can safely explore and grow. Our deep roots create a unique “small-town” bond among families, neighbors, and educators, ensuring that from your very first day, you are entering a supportive network dedicated to your child’s lifelong success. The Chesterbrook Value Proposition: Personalized Early Learning At Chesterbrook Academy, our educational philosophy balances a purposeful curriculum with deeply personalized care. We understand that early childhood education is a milestone pivot point for your family. For many children, entering our Beginners program represents their first step away from home. Our exceptionally long-tenured teaching staff—many of whom have dedicated decades to our classrooms—are experts in navigating this transition. By maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios and prioritizing high-touch, consistent communication, our educators know every child’s unique personality, interests, and needs. We partner closely with parents, providing real-time updates and reassurance so that you remain an active participant in your child’s daily discoveries. A Rigorous, Child-Centered Curriculum Our proprietary Links to Learning curriculum is inquiry-based and inherently hands-on. We believe that young children maximize their cognitive development through purposeful play, sensory exploration, and guided discovery. Because children develop along individualized timelines, our educators skillfully tailor instruction through daily small-group learning. Whether a child requires additional encouragement to master a foundational milestone or is ready to advance, our curriculum adapts to optimize their personal academic trajectory. We couple this robust classroom experience with regular, comprehensive developmental assessments and collaborative parent conferences to ensure continuous growth. Beyond Academics: Cultivating Character and Social Competence A premier early education must prepare students for both the academic and social landscape of the future. Elementary school educators throughout Montgomery County frequently note that they can immediately identify a Chesterbrook Academy graduate. This distinction is rooted in our equal emphasis on foundational character, self-help proficiencies, and social-emotional intelligence. In a modern world increasingly dominated by digital screens, we intentionally cultivate essential human skills. Our students learn to collaborate, communicate, share, practice empathy, and navigate structured group settings with independent confidence. We graduate curious, emotionally resilient learners who possess the critical social foundations necessary to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. An Inspiring and Secure Campus Environment Our physical campus is thoughtfully arranged to stimulate creativity while maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. Featuring controlled keypad entry, dedicated age-segregated playgrounds, and versatile outdoor classrooms equipped with picnic tables and art easels, our spaces invite active learning. We view education as a collaborative journey and regularly invite our parent community to share in our school traditions – from vibrant themed immersion days to our beloved annual Fall Festival and Costume Parade. Every element of the Chesterbrook Academy experience is designed to foster joy, inspiration, and a lasting love of learning. Experience Chesterbrook Academy The true essence of our school—the joyful engagement in our classrooms, the intentionality of our curriculum, and the deep commitment of our educators—is best experienced in person. We invite you to visit our campus, observe our community in action, and discover how we partner with families to foster lifelong curiosity, confidence, and academic readiness. Read More Learn More About Chesterbrook Academy Olney Teachers Do you have long-standing faculty and staff at your preschool? The depth of experience at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Olney sets us apart in a profound way. Our principal has guided our school for 30 years, our administrative team brings 15 years of dedicated service each, and many of our teachers have been at our school for over a decade. What do families appreciate most about teachers at Chesterbrook Academy Olney? Our families point to four qualities that define their experience: genuine care, open communication, long-tenured staff, and unwavering dedication. When teachers stay, they know the children. When they know the children, they communicate with clarity and heart. And when families feel that care and consistency day after day, they trust completely. That trust is what we work to earn and maintain every single day. What qualifications do your preschool teachers have? Teachers at Chesterbrook Academy in Olney bring strong academic credentials to their classrooms, including 90-hours of coursework in early childhood education, Associate’s degrees, and Bachelor’s degrees. One member of our team is actively pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. At our preschool, the commitment to growing as an educator never stops. What makes the teachers at Chesterbrook Academy Olney exceptional? Communication is not an afterthought at our preschool. It is a practice our faculty has elevated into a true art form, maintaining the kind of open, consistent dialogue with families that builds lasting trust. Their dedication to each child is steady and personal, and the safety and warmth they cultivate in their classrooms is the foundation upon which all learning is built. Come See Our School in Action! Contact us today to schedule a private tour and experience our Links to Learning curriculum firsthand. Learn More