Parkside Elementary School

The only reason I'm giving this school 2 stars is because of the teachers. There really are some great teachers here. The leadership of the school, however, is completely unequipped to competently do the job at hand. A severe lack of supervision occurs on the playground daily, resulting in mis-treatment and bullying of many children in this school. The administration has absolutely no incentive or interest in correcting this problem. In fact, they are so completely out of touch with what goes on outside, they deny any problem even exists despite multiple reports.
—Submitted by a parent

Have two boys in the Montessori program at Parkside... fantastic! Teachers are great and the community involvement is very good.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daughter are enrolled in the Parkside Montessori program and would refer any friends and family here for the following reasons: 1.) Teachers are truly dedicated to each student's success. Struggling students get the help they need and advanced students are challenged. An excellent balance ideal for all students. 2.) Parent involvement. Never have I seen so many parents, from all backgrounds, so involved in programs and events than here at Parkside. No matter their socio-economic background parents love volunteering here and find great pleasure in doing so. 3.) The new principal, Ms. Fukumoto, is the epitomy of an excellent school leader. She cares about the students, faculty, and success of Parkside School. The previous principle always had one foot out the door and could not care less about Parkside. Ms. Fukumoto is a 180-degree turnaround for the school and we are truly honored to have her as our fearless leader.
—Submitted by a parent

Parkside is truly a great school, a secret treasure of San Mateo. The Montessori program is truly special and has been an excellent experience for both of my children. They are both really excelling in it. Both the Montessori and regular track teachers are extreemly dedicated. There is a new pricipal this year, who is also very motivated and dedicated to providing a great environment for our kids to succeed in. Don't only look at test scores to judge.
—Submitted by a parent

Very passionate teachers, involved parents, second time around and still a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love the school and everything about it from the helpful front office and passionate teachers, to the abundance of energetically-involved parents. I went to Parkside myself as a young child and carry with me many fond memories of those innocent days. I would highly recommend this school to all my friends.
—Submitted by a parent

The Montessori program is awsome!
—Submitted by a parent

Parkside is wonderful because the teachers here are truly committed to making sure all students learn including special eduction students.
—Submitted by a parent

The staff at Parkside is the greatest! They truly care for their students and it shows. My children rave about school and constantly recap the events of the day and share how much they've learned. They never want to be late or absent.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, good community, great staff, great support staff

Parkside rocks! It emphasizes reading and writing as well as providing a challenging yet encouraging environment for children to learn and grow.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Parkside School in the early 70's, and all three of my children have and or are currently attending. The Montessori program is an exceptional program and is a real asset to the school district. The teachers at parkside are dedicated and have helped my children get ready for middle school, High School and one of my children that has just started at UC Davis with a 5.0 grade point average. I am very proud of the teachers past and present that have helped guide my children to do their very best in school!
—Submitted by a parent

Parent community, awesome, caring teachers, Montessori program but mainly how many parents pull together to help raise money for the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The parent, teacher, student spirit of our school is wonderfull. GO TIGERS!
—Submitted by a parent

Great and involved community, motivated and caring staff, excellent education. Kids (and I got 3 enrolled in Parkside) just love going to school!
—Submitted by a parent

I love that my son is able to attend a public elementary school with a Montessori track within it! It's the best of both worlds. His teacher, Ms. Pickard, encouraged the class to volunteer at the Coastside Cleanup this past Saturday. They are learning not only about math and reading, but also what it means to be good citizens!
—Submitted by a parent

I love the spirit and the teachers, the school works hard on earning money, they have a great volunteer group.

Scores of Montessori magnet 'Parkside Montessori' are combined with neighborhood 'Parkside Elementary' which shares the same campus. Please separate for a fair look at Parkside Montessori Elementary magnet school. We are very pleased with the Montessori education for our son who started in K and is now in 1st grade, he is an eager, independent learner who loves learning and his school. When I volunteer in the class I can see the dedication of the teacher and the eagerness of students to learn. With Montessori, there is the ability to exceed grade level in different areas if certain concepts are mastered. For example, up to 3rd grade materials are are available to 1st graders if a student is excelling in particular areas like reading or math. Having year-round keeps up the pace of learning as well. Thumbs up! 10.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers in the Montesori program are very dedicated to each individual student's success.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a second grader and a fifth grader currently in this school. My oldest child has already graduated and is in now in a private middle school. My children have excelled in this school. The first two are in the GATE program and the last is sure to get into the program. Given that many of the kids at this school come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and are second language learners, I honestly feel that the teachers are doing an excellent job. My middle schooler (a Parkside product)is thriving in her new private middle school, scoring mostly As and a few Bs in her recent report card. She has only been at this new school since August 2003. Obviously, none of this would have been possible but for the solid academic foundation that was laid by the excellent and dedicated teachers at Parkside Elementary School. This school has proved to me that if you send your child to school ready to learn, and if you have teachers willing to teach and challenge young minds, your children will do well in school, no matter what. Having said that, the Social Studies curriculum is weak and needs significant improvement. This problem may in fact be general to all the elementary schools in this district as the district does not place a lot of emphasis on this particular subject.
—Submitted by sandra, a parent