Welcome to Parkside Community Montessori, a school founded on the belief that children thrive when their innate curiosity and independence are nurtured within a caring, equitable community. Located in the heart of Sterling, Virginia, we proudly serve families seeking exceptional Montessori preschool and child care throughout Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. We are more than just a school; we are a vibrant partnership between children, educators, and families, creating a foundation for lifelong learning.
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Parkside Community Montessori was founded by educators who believe that a quality Montessori education should be accessible to all children, not just a privileged few. With a shared commitment to inclusivity and a passion for child-centered learning, we created a school where every child can thrive, explore, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
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As a locally owned and operated school, we are proud to be a part of the Loudoun County community. Our founders, longtime educators and residents, saw the growing need for an authentic Montessori program that puts families first. We are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where children of all backgrounds are supported in their individual growth -- academically, socially, and emotionally.
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At Parkside, community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that education is strongest when families, teachers, and children work together in partnership. By fostering independence, curiosity, and a deep respect for others, we prepare our students not just for school, but for a lifetime of meaningful contributions to the world around them.
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Authentic Montessori is at the Heart of a Parkside Education
Our program offers an award-winning, authentic Montessori education, faithfully adhering to the principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori. This methodology is centered on respecting the child as a unique individual, empowering them to pursue meaningful, self-directed work.
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Parkside Community Montessori has been officially recognized as an American Montessori Society (AMS) Verified School. This prestigious achievement signifies our deep and unwavering commitment to the core components of authentic Montessori philosophy. The rigorous verification process confirms that our program adheres to the highest standards. arkside is proud to be one of only three programs in all of Loudoun County to achieve the AMS Verified School status. This distinction highlights our unique position as a leader in quality early childhood education in the community.
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In our multi-age classrooms, the Prepared Environment is thoughtfully designed to spark exploration, with scientifically crafted materials laid out for hands-on discovery. Children engage in long, uninterrupted work cycles, allowing them to build concentration, self-discipline, and a profound sense of accomplishment. We balance strong academic foundations in language, mathematics, and culture with essential social and emotional development, ensuring your child is truly prepared for the next step in their journey.
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Montessori for All
At our core, Parkside is a welcoming and equitable community. We believe a rich and diverse environment strengthens learning for every child. We embrace and celebrate diversity, recognizing that different backgrounds and perspectives enrich our school culture and foster mutual respect.
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To ensure our high-quality child care and preschool is accessible to a broader community, we are committed to providing financial assistance options, including our popular Tuition Match Program. We strive to remove barriers so all families, including those seeking a reliable day care setting, can join our community where every child is valued and empowered to grow.
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Guides, Not Instructors
At Parkside, our teachers are passionately dedicated "guides" who ignite curiosity and cultivate a love of learning. They possess a deep commitment to Montessori principles and child development, forming meaningful, one-on-one connections with each student.
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Our faculty constantly evolves through ongoing professional development, drawing from both traditional Montessoriphilosophy and the latest research in brain science. This dedication ensures every child receives thoughtful, personalized support, fostering their independence, confidence, and ability to reach their full potential.
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Creativity and Resilience
We believe that art is essential to the development of the whole child. Our Montessori arts program focuses on "process art"—open-ended, child-driven creative exploration—rather than product-centric tasks.
We empower children with the philosophy that "Every Oops Can Be Beautiful," celebrating mistakes as opportunities for learning and experimentation. By having continuous access to a variety of mediums (painting, clay, music), children build fine motor control, spatial reasoning, and emotional resilience. The arts are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, nurturing creativity, self-expression, and cognitive flexibility.
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Outdoor Environment
The name Parkside is a tribute to our unique setting next to the natural beauty of Claude Moore Park. We believe learning should extend beyond the classroom walls, which is why our spacious outdoor environment is intentionally designed for experiential learning.
Our outdoor play space (one of the largest in Virginia) invites children to move, explore, and connect with nature. In this natural setting, children also take part in caring for our school chickens, building responsibility and a deeper respect for the living world around them.
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Nature is seen as the child's first classroom. Our children engage in purposeful work outdoors, developing gross motor skills, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the world around them. With monthly guided "Wonder and Wander" hikes through the park’s scenic trails, our students observe wildlife and seasonal changes, cultivating a connection to the environment that builds confidence and a sense of wonder.
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