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Message from the Co-Heads Our Team Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
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WE ARE PARKSIDE

A Leader Among New York City Elementary Schools for Children with Language-Based Learning Differences

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Our Mission

 

The Parkside School welcomes elementary school children from diverse ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds who have a range of language based learning difficulties. We serve the whole child by offering a thoughtfully designed, comprehensive array of academic and support services.

Our goal is to enable our students to pursue learning in their areas of strength, to acquire tools and strategies to progress in their areas of challenge, and to develop respect and understanding for themselves and others.

At Parkside we strive to identify each child's unique learning style and then nurture their capacity to learn through our program of interdisciplinary teaching, individualized attention and collaborative problem solving.

Our Whole Child Approach

 

INTERDISCIPLINARY

We offer a rich program including a full academic regimen; extensive exposure and practice in the arts; experiences with movement and physical education; as well as therapeutic services in speech and language, occupational therapy, and counseling —all sharing a common commitment to understanding your child.

INDIVIDUALIZED

Our small class size (8-9 students per class) and high teacher-student ratio (4:1) allows us to know each student and every family. It also enables us to tailor our program in highly personalized ways. We set out to discover each student’s learning style and needs — then, we design our program to carefully bring out the best in your child.

COLLABORATIVE

Teamwork, cooperation and care for our students and each other are hallmarks of our approach that can be seen throughout the school — from group classroom projects to ongoing, interdisciplinary team meetings for staff. Our team meets frequently to reflect on and refine our practice. 

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Testimonials

“From the first day that I opened the red doors and walked into the lobby of the Parkside School, my concept of a special education teacher was refined. Parkside is where children with special needs feel free to take learning risks, while receiving the quality education they’ll need to be successful individuals. Parkside is not just an idea, it’s a treasure.”

— A Parkside Staff Member

What has transpired in the last two years can only be described as remarkable. Our son is ready to embark on a “mainstream” education and the reason it happened so fast is Parkside. The leadership, teachers in the classroom, therapists, and specialty staff, the nurturing environment that is Parkside, has allowed our son to flourish on both an academic and a social level.

— A Parkside Mother

Like ripples in a pond when you throw a stone in it, the work that Parkside has done has had an enormous effect not just on its students. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends have all benefited from the Parkside magic.

— A Parkside Dad

“When I think back to the early days I could hardly imagine that or son would become the able young boy that he is today. We continue to be thrilled with each accomplishment and now know his future is bright and filled with promise.”

— A Parkside Dad

“Four years ago our son was a very timid and cautious artist. He was cognizant of his limitations, too hard on himself and afraid to explore. Under your guidance, he has flourished and now tells me that art is his favorite subject. You have made a huge impact on a child - what a gift!”

— A Parkside Mother

“You were so helpful to me. You turned my days from sorrow to happiness. You made me work hard but I was meant for it. Parkside taught me an important lesson-you can achieve any goal that you have.”

— Seven Year Old Student

“Having worked in other special schools, I can honestly say that there is nothing that compares with Parkside. It is a unique place that offers such an amazing amount of support not only to children but to families. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Parkside team and for allowing me to have the chance of a lifetime being a part of such a special program.”

— Teacher

“Our son has transformed into a different boy since he first walked through Parkside’s red doors five years ago. Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for the miracles you perform every day.”

— A Parkside Father & Mother

 

Why Parkside

We believe in discovering each student's best context for learning, enhancing their ability to generalize skills across various settings. Our highly individualized and interdisciplinary programs are tailored to each child's strengths, offering flexibility to adapt as they grow and progress.

We provide a safe environment where children can express themselves without fear of criticism, building the self-esteem needed to take risks and advance their learning. In our classrooms, everyone is both a teacher and a student, fostering a collaborative learning experience.

We maximize learning opportunities during our 12-month program through the continuous research, development, and adaptation of innovative teaching techniques and curricula. We establish strong partnerships with parents to strengthen our connection to each child and family, ensuring a comprehensive support system.

We empower our faculty and staff to thrive, and we are committed to being change agents in the education community by sharing our expertise and experience with other educators. This collaborative spirit and dedication to excellence are at the heart of why Parkside is unique.

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Discover whether our program is the right fit for your family.

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Parkside Today

Featured
Celebrating Culture Through Movement
Celebrating Culture Through Movement

This month, our yoga and dance classes embraced the celebration of diverse cultures, honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, the festival of Diwali, and Halloween. Dance, as a universal language, served as a bridge connecting traditions, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusivity in a joyous way. Through music and movement, children had the opportunity to bring stories and teachings to life, embodying the narratives and movements associated with each celebration.

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Building Strong Number Sense
Building Strong Number Sense

Wednesday evening's parent presentation on Woodin Math, hosted by Leslie Thorne and Audrey Eisenberg, provided an in-depth look at an innovative approach designed to develop strong number sense and numeracy skills in children, particularly those with language-based learning differences or dyscalculia.

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Nurturing Creativity and Movement at Parkside
Nurturing Creativity and Movement at Parkside

At Parkside, the Arts and Movement department shines with a dynamic, individualized curriculum carefully designed to meet the goals, gifts, and energy of each student. Specialists in art, music, drama, movement, and yoga collaborate to craft programs that not only cater to each child’s unique abilities but also help them grow in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

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