by ROCKEL MUNDY
It was back in 2001, when long-time educator Angela Fubler started the journey to opening the doors of her own school – with the establishment of Southampton-based Chatterbox Preschool. Together with Speech Pathologist, Mary Giordano, Mrs Fubler operated the part-time institution where children with language delays could learn together with other children to support natural language development. The family-centered and child-focused ethos set the school apart, allowing Mrs Fubler to continue to grow the institution, mainly through word of mouth.
The next step came in 2007, when Mrs Fubler opened Chattertots Discovery Zone, a sister school located in Warwick; followed by the opening of Chatmore Preparatory School for boys in 2011. Six years later, the school has become as it is known today – Chatmore British International School – a co-educational international school located at ‘Rockmore Estate’ in Smith’s.
Just two years ago, Mrs Fubler’s daughter, Britanni Butterworth, a certified speech and language pathologist, took over as Chatmore’s Director. Mrs Butterworth is supported by Andrea Cann (Assistant Director) and a well-established Board of Governors, administrative team, and a number of experienced teachers.
The Chatmore Difference
Chatmore provides education for students ages four to 18-years-old. They use a world-renowned International Early Years, International Primary, and International Middle Years Curriculum – the first school in Bermuda to do so. The school also uses a Singapore Math approach and follows UK literacy and language arts standards. High school students (ages 14+) can complete their IGCSEs, with the option of completing further qualifications. All students also engage in extracurricular activities, with school clubs expected to be reintroduced in the near future.
Mrs Butterworth said: “Parents have consistently searched for a learning environment where they feel included and their child can be more than they thought possible. Families are looking for quality education that will prepare their children for the future while still nurturing key soft skills and social-emotional development including the family unit in the journey.”
Staff members can attest to the family-feel of the school, with smaller class sizes allowing teachers to get to know students better. Parents are also pleased with the school and regularly express their gratitude, according to Mrs Butterworth. “They believe their children are seen and heard as individuals,” she said. “Plus, the school offers flexible, tailored teaching that has enabled their children to thrive academically. Parents also see the confidence growing within their kids.”
Chatmore welcomed students at all levels – from the academically strong to the quietly confident, and those who need a little extra support. “One of our favourite quotes from a former student is: ‘I came to Chatmore as [Julie] with three diagnoses…and now I’m leaving as just [Julie],” said Mrs Butterworth.
“We have always set out to support the fact that success comes in many forms and we empower students to find their ‘why’ and go for it, whether that be through post-secondary education, entering the workforce, or entrepreneurship,” Mrs Butterworth explained. “One of our 2021 graduates, Samuel Bean, is off to The Citadel (a prestigious military college) this September to pursue his desire to work in the Navy and we have many more success stories.”
