Parkside Community School is a long standing Montessori school serving preschool and elementary age children in Austin, Texas. The fundamental purpose of all Montessori education efforts is to create a more peaceful world through nurturing the spirit of the developing young child. This objective differs from traditional teaching for it requires children be made aware of their higher purpose over self-service or self-indulgence. This philosophy cultivates a respect and curiosity for the natural world and an understanding and acceptance of others through the virtues of love, humility, perseverance, adaptability, kindness and compassion. All Montessori classrooms encompass an age span of three years, allowing younger students to learn from older role models and older students to test and reinforce their knowledge by helping younger classmates. Working in one class for three years, children are able to develop a strong sense of community with classmates and teachers. This gives them a solid foundation on which to build their future interactions with others and the world.