Location – Parkside School, Hubstr. 6, 8942 Oberrieden
Website – https://www.parksideschool.ch/en/contact
Contact – 044 720 4268
Parkside School Switzerland, founded in 2007 by Gabriele Zeindler, stands out as a beacon of early childhood education that combines a robust bilingual curriculum with a nurturing and inclusive environment. This institution has grown significantly since its inception, starting with a handful of children and educators and expanding to accommodate over 110 children with a dedicated staff of 40. Situated in the scenic locales of Oberrieden and Thalwil, Parkside School offers a blend of modern educational philosophies and traditional values, making it a unique nursery and pre-school in the country.
History and Mission
Parkside School was born out of Gabriele Zeindler’s vision to create an educational institution that supports families, particularly working women, by providing a conducive environment for children to learn and grow. With her background in law and the financial industry, Zeindler brought a structured yet flexible approach to early childhood education. The school’s mission is to offer a place where children can thrive in a bilingual setting, fostering independence, confidence, and a love for learning. This vision has been pivotal in attracting both international and local families who seek a high-quality bilingual education for their children.
Infrastructural Facilities
Parkside School operates from two close-knit locations, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance the learning experience. The Thalwil location boasts an on-site kitchen where staff members prepare meals for the children, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and well-being. Meanwhile, the Oberrieden facility utilizes a catering service and is nestled near a forest, providing ample opportunities for nature-based activities.
Both locations feature arts and crafts rooms, spacious play areas, and well-maintained gardens, ensuring that children spend considerable time outdoors. The school’s infrastructure supports a variety of activities that cater to the developmental needs of children, from sensory play to physical exercise. The emphasis on a safe and nurturing environment is evident in the careful planning and design of the school’s facilities.
Key Differentiators
Several factors set Parkside School apart from other nurseries and pre-schools in Switzerland:
1. Bilingual Education: The school offers a bilingual curriculum in German and English, which is a significant draw for international families and Swiss families desiring bilingual proficiency for their children.
2. Non-Violent, Caring Education: Parkside School maintains a strict policy against violence, focusing instead on a loving and caring educational approach. Children are encouraged to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them, fostering resilience and self-confidence.
3. Montessori Principles: The school’s educational philosophy is heavily influenced by Maria Montessori’s principles, emphasizing independence, self-motivation, and hands-on learning. Children are involved in daily tasks like folding laundry, preparing snacks, and other chores, which help them develop a sense of responsibility and belonging.
4. Excellent Child-Teacher Ratio: With a high child-to-teacher ratio, Parkside School ensures that each child receives adequate attention and care, which is crucial for their development.
5. Settling-In Process: New children are given ample time to settle in according to their specific needs, ensuring a smooth transition into the school environment.
6. Age-Specific Groups: Children are grouped according to their age, allowing them to interact with peers at similar developmental stages and receive age-appropriate care and education.
7. Music and Language Lessons: The school offers music lessons and German as a Second Language courses, preparing children for public school and fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
Ensuring a Safe and Nurturing Environment
Safety and comfort are paramount at Parkside School. The institution has meticulously designed its groups based on age, including a baby group (3 to 24 months), mixed-age groups (3-36 months and 18-36 months), pre-school groups (3-4.5 years), and kindergartens, one of which follows the Montessori method. This age-based grouping helps children build reliable relationships with their caregivers and peers, creating a sense of security and belonging.
Rituals play a significant role in providing stability and comfort. Whether it’s welcoming a new child, celebrating birthdays, or saying good-bye, these rituals are integral to the school’s culture, helping children navigate their emotional and social world with confidence.
Unique Teaching Methods
Parkside School’s approach to teaching is deeply rooted in Montessori principles, which emphasize practical life skills and self-directed learning. Children at Parkside are encouraged to participate in everyday tasks, from preparing meals to tidying up, which instills a sense of responsibility and achievement. These activities are not merely chores but are seen as opportunities for learning and growth.
Social skills are another critical focus area. Children learn to interact politely, negotiate rules, and work as part of a group. The school emphasizes kindness and respect, teaching children to appreciate diversity and work harmoniously with others. This approach helps children build self-confidence and learn the value of making and learning from mistakes.
Balancing Technology and Traditional Learning
While technology is an integral part of modern life, Parkside School believes in limiting its use in early childhood education. Recognizing that many children are already exposed to significant amounts of technology at home, the school prefers to engage them in real-world activities during school hours. However, technology is used judiciously, such as in the Montessori kindergarten, where software helps track each child’s progress with learning materials.
Beyond the Classroom Walls
Nature plays a central role in the curriculum at Parkside School. Weekly forest days allow children to explore and learn in a natural setting, fostering a connection with the environment. These outings are more than just playtime; they include activities like cooking and even napping in the forest, providing a holistic outdoor experience.
Both school locations have gardens, and children spend a significant amount of time outdoors, whether in the gardens, at nearby playgrounds, soccer fields, or even by Lake Zurich. These outdoor activities are designed to enhance physical development, encourage curiosity, and foster a love for nature.
A Celebration of Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core values at Parkside School. The institution prides itself on an open and communicative culture among staff and students. Regular meetings and feedback sessions ensure that any issues are promptly addressed, fostering a harmonious and inclusive environment.
Children are taught to be accepting and respectful of differences, whether in abilities, backgrounds, or experiences. This inclusive ethos is modeled by the staff, who come from various cultural backgrounds and bring a wealth of experiences to the classroom.
A Collaborative Learning Journey
Parkside School values the role of parents in the educational journey of their children. Regular parent-teacher conferences are held to share observations and discuss the child’s progress. Additionally, daily interactions during drop-off and pick-up times provide opportunities for brief but meaningful exchanges.
The school also hosts seasonal events like summer parties and winter gatherings, where parents can familiarize themselves with the school’s environment and socialize with other families. This sense of community is vital in creating a supportive network for both children and parents.
Special Programs and Extracurricular Activities
As a full-day school, Parkside offers a variety of activities and programs designed to enrich the children’s experience. These include excursions to museums, parks, and farms, which provide practical learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. While most activities are included in the school day, German as a Second Language is offered as an additional course, supporting children who need to improve their language skills.
Future Growth and Improvement
While Parkside School does not plan to expand in size, its focus remains on maintaining and enhancing the quality of education and care provided. This includes continuous professional development for staff, maintaining high standards of safety and health, and ensuring a nurturing and stimulating environment for children.
As a member of Kibesuiss, the association for daycares in Switzerland, and with certifications from the Canton Zurich and the Association Montessori Switzerland, Parkside School is committed to excellence. The school also trains apprentices, contributing to the professional development of future caregivers and teachers.
More Than a School – A Stepping Stone to Success
Parkside School Switzerland is more than just a nursery and pre-school; it is a community where children are nurtured to become confident, independent, and respectful individuals. With a strong emphasis on bilingual education, Montessori principles, and a caring, inclusive environment, Parkside School provides a solid foundation for early childhood development. By focusing on high-quality standards and fostering a love for learning, the school continues to be a preferred choice for families seeking a holistic and enriching educational experience for their children.