School Mission & Overview

Our Mission

Through a Montessori whole child approach, we strive to provide our children a strong academic foundation that will help them become motivated learners, problem solvers and global citizens.

Magnet School Program

A Public Magnet School Program

A magnet school is a public school that has specified courses or curricula. Parkside's mission is to provide a Montessori academic curriculum that is supplemented to meet district and state public school standards. For more information on Parkside's academic curriculum, please check out our Academics page. Parkside’s Montessori program is over 35 years old and enrolls over 400 students Pre-K through 8th grade. Our school's goal is to make a Montessori education accessible to ALL students.

Daily Schedule

Daily Schedule

Please check out Parkside's Bell Schedule. Some important details to note:

Parkside's Primary Program (TK/K) is half-day program.
Wednesdays are a minimum day for all TK-8th grade students.
Annex is a fee-based on-campus and district-run before and after-school program that is an option for those that need childcare. Enrollment is on a first come, first-serve basis. Learn more at our Annex page.
Other after-school programs in our community are maintained in a list on our PTA website. Parkside does not endorse or have knowledge of the quality of these programs.

Parent Involvement

Parent Involvement is Parkside's "SECRET SAUCE"

There is a culture of high level of parent engagement and volunteering at Parkside. We ask parents to volunteer 30 hours a year to support our school. We have an amazing Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that matches parents' interests and skills to help with various projects and school needs.

Find more information about our volunteering requirements and hours.

Learn more about various volunteer opportunities including our successful Parents as Classroom Assistants Program.

Learn more about our School Site Council.

Please visit our PTA website to learn more about volunteering and other volunteer opportunities.

Additional Programs and Traditions

Additional School Programs and Traditions

Physical Education

Our 1st-8th grade students attend a twice a week PE class with a credentialed physical education teacher. The goal of physical education is to teach students how their bodies move and how to do a variety of physical activities. They learn the benefits of being physically active and how to live an active, healthy lifestyle.

For more information, please check out the district's Physical Education page.

Music

All students have once-a-week music instruction during the school year from Music for Minors. These lessons are centered around rhythm, voice, music theory, and musicianship. Starting in 5th grade, students receive instrumental instruction through Music for Minors (5th grade) and Myriad Music (6-8th grade). Check out our Music page for more information!

Library

All students have regular visits to borrow books from the school's library. While at the library, students can check out books. The library contains a variety of literature including biographies, poetry, short stories, and non-fiction. Check out the library catalog!

For more information, please check out our Library page.

Art

In 2023-24, Parkside will partner with the Arts4Schools program, which is part of the Community School of Music and Arts.

This program is part of a SMFC's district wide initiative to provide art to all students.

For more information, please check out our Art page.

Field Trips and Assemblies

At least a few times a year, Parkside students are able to participate in field trips and assemblies on or off campus. Some past trips include Curiodyssey, Peopleologie and overnight camping trips.

Tigers Play

Tigers Play is a volunteer-led and PTA-funded program that provides students engaging activities during their lunch period. Activities can include arts/crafts, legos, magnatiles, and kinetic sand as well as special projects. This one is a much-loved favorite among our students!

For more information and/or volunteer, please check out Parkside's Tigers Play page.

Historic Halloween

On Halloween, students (1st grade and up) and staff dress up as their favorite historical figure and parade around the track in front of parents. Most students discuss and/or write up about their chosen historical figure in class. Our preschool and primary students dress up in the costume of their choosing. This is a favorite tradition among our families!