Summer Camp | Parkside Community Montessori

Summer at the Park

Returning Alumni Tuition

$250/week

** $75 Registration Fee

Welcome to Summer at the Park, an enriching summer experience at Parkside Community Montessori! This program is thoughtfully curated for children who have completed the Parkside Kindergarten program, as well as our returning alumni who have transitioned into elementary school.

Grounded in the core Montessori ideals of independence and a lifelong love of learning, our summer session offers a vibrant, thematic curriculum designed to spark curiosity and encourage hands-on experimentation. We believe that summer should be a time of discovery, and our program balances intentional, high-interest activities with the pure joy and freedom of the season.

Program Highlights

Thematic Discovery & Experimentation: From culinary arts to space sciences, each two-week session is a fun-filled dive into a specific "world" or theme. Children are encouraged to ask "why" and "how" through immersive, hands-on projects that foster a "maker" mindset.
Off-Campus Expeditions: Learning doesn't stop at the school fence. Every session includes a field trip or outing.
The Great Outdoors & Nature Treks: Students enjoy ample time on our school playground for social connection and physical movement. We also take full advantage of our beautiful surroundings with regular hikes through Claude Moore Park, where children observe the local ecosystem and practice environmental stewardship.
A Familiar Alumni Community: By specifically hosting our Kindergarten graduates and elementary-aged alumni, we create a unique social environment where "old friends" can reconnect and mentor one another in a familiar, supportive setting.

Session 1: Mission: Space Camp

June 15 - 26

Attention, Cadets. We are currently at T-minus 10 minutes to ignition. Please secure all loose artifacts and prepare for high-G maneuvers.

Calling all future astronauts and freeze-dried ice cream enthusiasts! We’re heading to the final frontier (or at least the edge of the playground). This session is all about looking up at the stars and wondering what space holds. We’ll explore the orbits, the gravity, and why you should never try to have a water balloon fight in a vacuum.

Session 2: Parkside Carnival

June 29 - July 10

Step right up, folks! See the wonders of the past and the miracles of the future! It’s the greatest show on ... the playground!

In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, we’re turning the clock back and then jumping forward! Step into our historical midway where the games of 1776 meet the technology of 2026. This two-week session explores how the games we play: from the "Hoop and Stick" challenges of the Founding Fathers to the digital frontiers of today. It’s a festive blend of colonial Americana and modern innovation, where every student is a winner (and the prizes are knowledge and fun).

Session 3: Jungle Cruising

July 13 - 24

Welcome aboard, everyone! I’m your Skipper. I’d like to point out some of my favorite plants... that one’s Hibiscus, that one’s a Fern, and that one over there is 'Pete.' He’s a real 'stick-in-the-mud'

Keep your hands and feet inside the boat at all times, because we’re heading into the deep, dark wilderness of Claude Moore Park. If you look to your left, you’ll see some indigenous squirrels. If you look to your right, you’ll see... more squirrels. Don't worry about the bugs; they’re just "antsy" to meet you! We’ll be trekking through the brush, dodging "dangerous" butterflies, and uncovering the secrets of the undergrowth. It’s a wild time, and I’m not "lion."

Session 4: Everyone Can Be a Chef

July 27 - August 7

How do you tell how good bread is without tasting it? Not the smell, not the look, but the sound… of the crust.

In the spirit of a certain distinguished Parisian rodent, we believe that culinary genius can come from anywhere. We’re embarking on a sensory expedition across the globe, mastering the "flavor profiles" of distant lands. From the perfect sauté to the delicate art of the garnish, we’ll prove that a chef's greatest tool isn't a knife, but a bold imagination. It’s a two-week masterclass in kitchen chemistry and global culture. Bon appétit!