Parkside Montessori

Parkside Montessori is a K-8 public school serving 418 students in the San Mateo-Foster City district, notable for its Montessori approach and consistent academic improvement over the past decade.

This school stands out in several key areas when compared to nearby schools. It has shown remarkable growth, moving from a 2-star to a consistent 4-star rating and now ranks in the 78th percentile statewide, placing it well above some local schools like Sunnybrae Elementary or LEAD Elementary, though below top performers like Foster City Elementary. Its most exceptional metric is chronic absenteeism, at just 5.7%, which is less than a third of the district average and among the very best in the area, a trait it shares with the other Montessori school, North Shoreview Montessori. As a K-8 school, it also provides a notable advantage in middle school preparation, with strong test scores in 6th through 8th grades.

Interesting findings include that Parkside achieves these strong results efficiently, with per-student spending lower than some lower-performing schools. It is also very effective with economically disadvantaged students, ranking in the 87th percentile for that group. The school's performance improves dramatically in later grades, and it demonstrated resilience during the pandemic, maintaining its ranking and even improving its already excellent attendance. In summary, Parkside Montessori offers a balanced, engaging educational environment with particular strengths in student attendance, consistent improvement, and a successful middle school program.