Message from the
Co-Heads of School

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us and the school we co-founded. Parkside began as the dream of two young teachers and has grown into a vibrant and loving community, now in its 39th year. 

Sometimes you are lucky enough to meet a person who not only brings out the best in you, but aligns in values, sense of fun, and humor. We were that person for each other when we began working in special education so many years ago. Perhaps we were naive, or maybe we were born with the gift of confidence. But somehow we knew that, even with no money, furniture or students, and only a few years of teaching under our belts, we could co-create a school. And not just any school! A school that felt like a home. A dynamic, risk-taking laboratory of learning. A diverse and inclusive haven. We believed that, together, we could foster a joyful atmosphere built on the foundation of deep and respectful relationships and a shared sense of purpose: to nourish the spark within each child.

Even in those early days, we realized that, in order to best serve children with language-based learning challenges, we needed to facilitate a whole-team approach. We solicited experts: social workers with a deep knowledge of the intricacies of emotions, master OTs well-versed in regulation, and SLPs especially skilled in social engagement and play. We relied on families, who are experts in their own children, to partner with us to capitalize on their children’s strengths and explore ways to accelerate their growth. We realized that when caring and committed people come together to share and problem-solve, we can effectively optimize learning. In partnership, we can accomplish so much. 

39 years later, though we’ve streamlined our roles, we still hold fast to our mission and our friendship. Looking back on our bumpy beginnings, where we marched across the city on field trips with our handful of students now makes us smile. Yes, we’ve refined our vision and, certainly, our methodology. We’ve always been eager to explore new techniques in the service of our students. But our dedication–to our students, to our shared dream–has been steadfast. 

The future holds so much promise and hope for The Parkside School! This year, we look forward to renewing our commitment to the community through shared experiences and warm interactions. From our earliest days, when Parkside consisted of just us two and one student, we knew that for a school to be excellent, it needed to be rooted in friendship, empathy, and community. We strive to deepen our roots and add new branches to our Parkside family.  

It would be our pleasure to answer any questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact our admissions office if we can be of assistance.

In partnership,

Albina and Leslie
Co-Heads of School