Community

Growing Together

Parkside Community Montessori is more than an exceptional Montessori preschool; it is a vibrant, collaborative community. Located in Sterling, Virginia, we are a hub for families seeking high-quality child care and day care in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties, built on a shared commitment to growth, respect, and mutual support. By fostering deep connections between our students, families, educators, and the wider world, we cultivate a welcoming space where joyful learning and a strong sense of belonging flourish.

Grounded in cooperation, collaboration, and respect, we embrace diverse perspectives and celebrate the unique strengths of each individual. By coming together, we show the power of community and the impact we can make.

At Parkside, we create a home away from home, where joyful learning and personal growth flourish.

“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”

- Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)

Montessori advocate

Community Hikes

We believe that outdoor education is vital for a child’s development, and nature is the ultimate classroom. Our monthly community hikes offer families a hands-on way to explore the beauty of the natural world, often utilizing the scenic trails of Claude Moore Park adjacent to our Sterling location.

These guided nature walks welcome the entire Parkside community (parents, grandparents, and friends) o join us. It is a wonderful way to experience the benefits of outdoor education, discovering local wildlife, plant life, and ecological principles together. These shared adventures deepen our connection to the environment and create beautiful, lasting family memories while fostering the observation skills crucial to the Montessori method.

These family journeys are just one piece of Parkside's comprehensive commitment to Outdoor Education that intentionally integrates nature and social development through outdoor play into the curriculum every day. Beyond our monthly hikes, our children engage in purposeful, hands-on learning experiences designed to develop confidence, resilience, and a profound connection to the earth. To understand how we leverage our spacious grounds and proximity to nature to fulfill the foundational principles of the Montessori method, we invite you to explore our dedicated section on The Parkside Outdoor Environment.

Family Festivals

Parkside Community Montessori brings our community together throughout the year with Family-Friendly Festivals.These joyful gatherings celebrate seasonal traditions, cultural diversity, and the spirit of learning.

Our festivals offer enriching activities, hands-on crafts, music, and delicious food, providing a relaxed atmosphere for families to connect and have fun. By collaborating with local small business owners in Sterling and the surrounding area, we create a dynamic experience that supports the local economy and strengthens the bond between our school and the community we serve.

Leaders in Early Childhood Education

Parkside Community Montessori is dedicated to the advancement of early childhood education across Virginia and beyond. Our commitment to excellence extends past our classrooms to shape the future of educational policy and practice.

Our leadership is actively involved in driving change and quality:

Advancing Equity: We are an active member of the Black Montessori Education Fund and the Fred Rogers Institute, championing diverse, high-fidelity educational access for all.

Statewide Advocacy: Our leaders serve on advisory committees for Foundation First Virginia and are active statewide advocates for the Montessori philosophy within the Virginia Quality Birth to Five initiative.

Professional Standards: We proudly maintain an active membership in the American Montessori Society (AMS), ensuring our practices adhere to the highest standards of authentic Montessori education.
Community Partnership: We are active participants in regional business organizations, reinforcing our role as a trusted educational and community leader in Sterling, Virginia.

We are committed to being a beacon of support, knowledge, and high-quality Montessori practice for every family and child we serve.

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