The Parkside School first opened its doors to one five-year old student in September 1986 in a rented six-room location on West 100th Street. By spring 1987, a second student was enrolled and the student body grew to 10 by the following year.

As the student body expanded, teachers and professional staff were added to serve its needs and soon our physical space was stretched to the limit. In July 1992, the school purchased two adjacent turn-of-the-century townhouses located on West 74th Street. The Parkside School opened the doors of its new home to 72 students in September 1992.