Is PARKSIDE SCHOOL a good school?

Published quality ratings aren't available for PARKSIDE SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square.

What grades does PARKSIDE SCHOOL serve?

PARKSIDE SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.

How do students get into PARKSIDE SCHOOL?

PARKSIDE SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.

Is PARKSIDE SCHOOL public, charter, or private?

PARKSIDE SCHOOL is a private school.

What neighborhood is PARKSIDE SCHOOL in?

PARKSIDE SCHOOL is in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square, Manhattan.

PARKSIDE SCHOOL

At a Glance

A Tiny, Intimate Learning Community on the Upper West Side

Best suited for

Families seeking an intimate, highly personalized education for their young children (pre-k through 5th grade) in a Manhattan neighborhood. Ideal for parents who value extremely small class sizes and close teacher-child relationships over athletic programs or a large student body. Works well for families who live in or near the Upper West Side and want their children in a neighborhood school with a progressive, nonsectarian philosophy.

What stands out

Tiny enrollment of just 77 students — this is an intimate, family-like environment
5.6:1 student-teacher ratio — exceptional individual attention
Serves pre-k through 5th grade — families can keep younger children in one school community
Nonsectarian — no religious affiliation, open to all families
Upper West Side location in Manhattan's most family-dense neighborhood
Nearly 20% multiracial student population — reflects modern family diversity

Things to consider

Very small school — limited sports teams, extracurricular options, and social breadth
At 77 total students, the grade cohorts are tiny — may feel too small for some children
Private school tuition in Manhattan is a significant financial commitment
No religious affiliation for families seeking faith-based education
As a combined (elementary) school, there's no middle or high school pathway

IdentityAs A Nonsectarian School, Parkside Doesn'T Align With Any Religious Tradition And Appears To Emphasize A Progressive, Child-Centered Approach. The Tiny Scale Suggests A Philosophy Built Around Individualized Attention, Close Relationships, And Developmental Readiness Rather Than Standardized Outcomes.

A nonsectarian progressive school with a 5.6:1 student-teacher ratio — this is small and personal in a way most schools can't match. With only 77 students across pre-k through 5th grade, teachers genuinely know every child.

CommunityModerate

The student body is predominantly white (57%) with meaningful multiracial representation (nearly 20%). The diversity index of 0.76 is solid — this isn't an insular bubble. About a quarter of students are students of color, creating a moderately diverse community.

NeighborhoodUpper West Side-Lincoln Square

The Upper West Side-Lincoln Square is one of Manhattan's most family-friendly neighborhoods, with the highest possible family density rating. Tree-lined streets, access to Central Park, and a mix of brownstones and pre-war buildings create a classic Manhattan residential feel.

As a Manhattan neighborhood, this is highly walkable with easy access to transit, but parking and traffic can be challenging for commuters from outside the immediate area.

Notable Programs

Orton-Gillingham-based reading programSpeech and language therapyOccupational therapySocial work servicesArts program (art, music, drama)

What Parents Are Saying

Parents report transformative experiences with significant progress in speech, reading, and confidence; teachers and therapists described as dedicated, kind, and patient; strong communication and community involvement; substantial arts and movement programs that help develop social skills

Synthesized from public parent reviews · Apr 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PARKSIDE SCHOOL a good school?: Published quality ratings aren't available for PARKSIDE SCHOOL yet on Motley. It's a private school serving grades Pre-K to 5 in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square.
What grades does PARKSIDE SCHOOL serve?: PARKSIDE SCHOOL serves grades Pre-K to 5.
How do students get into PARKSIDE SCHOOL?: PARKSIDE SCHOOL runs its own private admissions process — typically an application, a visit, and sometimes testing.
Is PARKSIDE SCHOOL public, charter, or private?: PARKSIDE SCHOOL is a private school.
What neighborhood is PARKSIDE SCHOOL in?: PARKSIDE SCHOOL is in Upper West Side-Lincoln Square, Manhattan.

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