Our Story

In the fall of 1991, Parkside opened, and a beacon was lit in the local Montessori community. For 23 years, our school flourished in its well-loved downtown location. But as Austin grew and changed, the needs of our community changed as well, and in June 2014, we moved to a sprawling 12-acre campus in Southwest Austin. The land has hundreds of trees, a sparkling creek winding through the woods, and an astonishing variety of wildlife and native plants and flowers. By design, the majority of our campus is undeveloped in order to preserve its magic and foster our community’s connection to nature. It is the perfect size and setting for implementing our unique Montessori from the Heart approach, and we are grateful to be able to call it our forever home.

Joe and Claire both officially retired in 2019, but they live just across the creek, remain actively involved in All Things Parkside, and continue to host our Simple Gifts sing-along on Friday mornings. Now entering our 33rd school year, the entire staff is still deeply devoted to our work and to ensuring that for years to come, children and families will be able to receive and enjoy the many wonderful gifts that Parkside has to offer.