Message from the Principal

Welcome to Parkside Elementary School, home of the Pirates! My name is Chris Smith and I am proud to be the principal here at Parkside. We are delighted you have taken the time to visit our website and learn more about our school community. Whether you are a current family, a prospective family, or a community member, we hope this overview provides a glimpse into what makes Parkside such a special place to learn and grow. At Parkside, we are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where every child is valued, challenged, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. We are proud of our students, staff, and families, and we invite you to discover the many opportunities that make Parkside Elementary an exceptional place to call home.

Today, Parkside serves a little over 700 students representing a rich diversity of cultures and backgrounds. More than 14 languages are spoken as students' first languages, creating a vibrant multicultural learning environment. During the 2025-2026 school year, the student population consisted of 57% White, 24% Hispanic, 10.5% Asian, 6.4% Multiracial, and 1.8% Black students. 

Parkside is proud to provide a rigorous, student-centered educational experience for every learner. Self-Contained High Ability classrooms in grades 4–6 serve qualifying students from throughout Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. In every classroom, students engage in active, hands-on learning experiences aligned with Indiana Academic Standards. Through the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teachers intentionally design instruction to meet the unique strengths and needs of every learner while maintaining high expectations for academic growth.  For example, our 3rd grade State Reading Assessment, IREAD, scores have risen over the past 3 years to over a 96% passing rate.  
Students also benefit from a comprehensive related arts program that includes STEM, visual arts, vocal music, instrumental music, physical education, and library services. These experiences foster creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking while supporting the development of the whole child. 

Learning extends well beyond the classroom through an outstanding variety of extracurricular opportunities. Parkside has earned a reputation for excellence with its nationally and state-recognized academic teams, including State Champion Spell Bowl and Math Bowl teams, Science Bowl, VEX Robotics, and Odyssey of the Mind teams. Students may also participate in orchestra beginning in second grade, sixth-grade band, choir, basketball, cross-country, cheerleading, dance, chess club, soccer club, volleyball club, as well as numerous leadership opportunities that encourage teamwork, responsibility, and personal growth. 

At Parkside Elementary, we believe that understanding and responding to the needs of our students, families, staff, and community is essential to achieving excellence. Together, we strive to ensure that every Pirate is challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their personal best. 

Chris Smith,
Principal, Parkside Elementary