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

Celebrating 40 Years
of Supporting The Whole Student

 
 

Leslie Thorne and Albina Miller
Co-Founders of The Parkside School

 In 1986, two visionary educators—Albina Miller and Leslie Thorne—opened The Parkside School to a single five-year-old child in a modest six-room space on West 100th Street. Their goal was simple but profound: to create a place where children with language-based learning differences could thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, supported by integrated therapeutic services and a nurturing community.

Forty years later in 2026, Parkside has grown into a vibrant school of 80 students and 55 dedicated educators, therapists, and staff. From those early days, our mission has remained constant: to serve the whole child and ensure that financial barriers never prevent access to specialized education.

This year, we are celebrating 40 Years of Supporting The Whole Student, and building upon Parkside’s legacy as a leading school for children with learning differences in New York City.

 
 
 
 

In our 40th Anniversary year, we celebrate the lives transformed at Parkside and look ahead to the future with gratitude and pride. Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, we will mark this milestone with the following events, programs and gatherings that honor our past and inspire our next chapter.

Parenting Workshop Series

We are proud to be hosting this series designed to empower parents, caregivers, and members of the wider community with knowledge and tools that make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Led by experienced professionals and trusted partners, these sessions go beyond theory to provide practical strategies and evidence-based frameworks that families can apply both at home and in school. Each workshop highlights a core area of child development and learning, with a focus on language, cognition, and social-emotional growth:

Together, these workshops reflect Parkside’s enduring commitment to educating the whole child—supporting not only students, but also the families and communities who are essential partners in their growth. We hope you will join us.

All-Alumni Reunion

We are excited host its first-ever joint All-Alumni Reunion in Midtown Manhattan. From giant slides and bowling to ping pong, ski ball, and more, the afternoon will be filled with games, laughter, and connection as we celebrate 40 years of Parkside.

This milestone gathering will bring together alumni students, parents, teachers, therapists, and staff from across four decades—reuniting old friends, honoring lasting relationships, and celebrating the legacy of our extraordinary community.

In Conversation:
A Parkside Podcast

Launching in October 2025, our new podcast will feature monthly conversations with educators, therapists, parents, alumni, and experts in the field of special education. Through meaningful dialogue, we’ll explore best practices, challenges, and opportunities in supporting children with language-based learning differences. Episodes will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts, and shared on our website and social media.

40th Anniversary Gala

The Parkside School’s 40th Anniversary Gala will be the signature celebration of this milestone year. Families, alumni, educators, and friends will gather for an unforgettable evening of community, reflection, and inspiration in honor of our founders, Albina Miller and Leslie Thorne. For four decades, their passion, vision, and leadership have transformed the lives of hundreds of children with language-based learning differences, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students and families.

This Gala is not only a celebration of our past and present—it is also a call to invest in our future. Proceeds from the evening will directly support the strengthening of Parkside’s endowment, ensuring future students will have access to the same individualized, life-changing education that has defined our school since 1986.

As we honor Albina and Leslie’s extraordinary legacy, we invite you to join us in securing the next chapter of Parkside’s story. Together, we will celebrate the past 40 years, and build a strong foundation for decades to come.

  • Wednesday, April 22, 6:00-10:00pm
    Capitale,     Learn More