Empowering Lifelong Learning
Welcome to Parkside Community Montessori
At Parkside Community Montessori in Sterling, Virginia, children are immersed in an award-winning, authentic Montessori program that nurtures independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We proudly serve families throughout Loudoun County and the surrounding areas including Ashburn, Herndon, Reston, and Great Falls.
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We are not a conventional day care. Parkside is a vibrant learning community that blends the timeless, child-centered wisdom of Dr. Maria Montessori with the latest insights from neuroscience. Our preschool and child care programs are carefully designed to meet the developmental needs of children while inspiring curiosity and joy. Every classroom is thoughtfully prepared to spark exploration, and every material is chosen with purpose. By staying true to Dr. Maria Montessori’s principles, we provide an education that balances academic growth with social and emotional development.
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At the heart of Parkside is the belief that education thrives in a supportive and caring community. We cultivate meaningful relationships with families and build strong partnerships that enrich each child’s experience. Here, children feel valued, families feel connected, and learning becomes a joyful journey.
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Parkside is more than a preschool, it is a community built on care, trust, and kindness. Creativity is woven into every part of the day, from hands-on Montessori lessons to art, music, and imaginative play. Children also enjoy a huge outdoor play space that invites exploration, movement, and discovery in nature. Serving families throughout Fairfax and Loudoun County, including Sterling and the surrounding areas, we create an environment where children flourish as confident, compassionate learners, ready to engage thoughtfully with the world.
Come grow with
At Parkside Community Montessori, we provide an authentic Montessori education that nurtures each child's natural curiosity, independence, and love of learning. Our carefully prepared environment is designed to support the development of academic foundations while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.
Guided by trained Montessori educators, children engage in hands-on, self-directed learning experiences that promote concentration, confidence, and a deep understanding of core subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and practical life skills. Our multi-age classrooms encourage collaboration, peer learning, and a strong sense of community.
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The Value of Authenticity in Montessori Education
While programs that attempt to blend various methods such as Reggio Emilia might sound appealing, the true power of the Montessori approach lies in its authenticity and intentional design. Unlike programs that borrow elements but dilute the core structure, an authentic Montessori program ensures the key components (the mixed-age groupings, the three-hour uninterrupted work cycle, and the use of carefully sequenced, self-correcting materials) work together as a complete and coherent system. When these elements are maintained, the child receives the full benefits: the cultivation of deep concentration, true independence, and complete mastery of skills. Diluting these foundational principles for a "blended" model risks diminishing the very outcomes that modern neuroscience has repeatedly validated, making the commitment to a whole, balanced, and transformative Montessori experience essential for maximizing a child's cognitive and social development. Integrating these non-negotiable elements is why studies have consistently shown that children in authentic Montessori programs display academic and social skills superior to peers in traditional preschools or blended early childhood programs.
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What makes us
Rooted in community, Parkside Community Montessori was founded on shared principles and a deep understanding of the growing need for family-focused early education programs. Our vision was born out of a commitment to creating a space where children, families, and educators come together to foster growth, connection, and a love of learning.
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Compassionate and inspiring caregivers
Our teachers cultivate wonder and awe every day, celebrating the joy of discovery and the excitement of learning.
A welcoming and equitable community
Our school is an inclusive community where children are valued, supported, and empowered to learn and grow in an environment of respect and belonging.
Outdoor space for experiential learning and collaborative play
Our spacious outdoor environment provides endless opportunities for children to explore, discover, and learn.
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