Our School
Our Mission
At Parkside Community School, our mission is for each child to become an independent, self-reliant person, aware of the interrelated nature of all life, with the skills necessary to achieve their own goals and make a positive contribution to society. In order to realize this mission, we base our curriculum and culture on the developmental philosophy and educational methods of Dr. Maria Montessori.
Our Core Values
At Parkside Community School, we value:
Our
Sacred Obligation to
- Honor the child
- Partner with families
- Be good stewards of the environment
Community - We work and grow together as a dynamic, inclusive school family.
Education
- We foster a culture of lifelong learning for children and adults.
Communication
- We demonstrate grace and courtesy in our interactions and welcome candid sharing of ideas and opinions.
Integrity - We are impeccable with our words and deeds and treat all with respect.
Our Philosophy
We celebrate each child’s individuality and help them discover how they can best contribute to our global community. We believe that all children are naturally curious and love to learn, and we support this innate drive by providing them with environments that meet their unique and shared developmental needs and challenge them to explore the world. We strive to ensure that each child grows in self-confidence and learns the essential skills required to succeed throughout their educational journey. This success is dependent upon the dedication and commitment of all involved, so they are guided by a staff of loving and well-prepared adults and surrounded by a community of families and friends that actively support our mission.
Board of Directors
Parkside Community School is a non-profit organization managed by a Board of Directors, which oversees strategic plans, approves and follows the annual budget, and ensures that Parkside is fulfilling its mission. The Board is also responsible for the hiring and annual evaluation of the Head of School. Current board members are Laura Agnew (President), Stephanie Hahn (Vice President), Ruth Anne Bloor (Secretary), Jim Sefcik (Director), and Chris Yost (Director). Joe and Claire Bruno also act as non-voting advisors to the Board for historical continuity and cultural preservation.
“At every level, our children’s hearts and minds have been tended to with utmost skill, care, and dedication. As adults, we have also received countless opportunities to work on our chops as parents. All five of us have formed life-long friendships and memories at Parkside, which we cherish deeply. "
- Carrie King
