Our programs are designed for the child, with personal well being our prime concern. We promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth in a safe, structured learning environment. We feel that mutual respect, knowledge of reasonable limitations and freedom within these limits are the factors that will maintain the high standards we strive to attain. Our goal is to guide your child and offer the experiences that will help develop the child into a confident, competent adult. Equally important is our goal to meet the child's creative needs and talents through art, music, dance, language development, and computer experiences. Personal abilities, creativity and self-expectations become almost unlimited as a child grows and develops a "positive self image".
Our History
In 1957, Barbara Jacobs established what was to become Parkdale Private School. The Barbara Jacobs School was located in the home of Berry and Barbara Jacobs at 321 Virginian Drive in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1961, Nancy Umstot, with four years childcare experience, answered an ad to become a playground supervisor. She was soon teaching and driving the bus. By 1968 the school had expanded to four campuses around Tidewater and Mrs.Umstot was asked by Barbara Jacobs to move into the office. Nancy became the book-keeper and traveling problem solver for all the campuses. During the next eight years, Nancy continued as administrator and in May 1976 bought the school on Virginian Drive, naming it for the lane, which separated the building from the playground. In 1988, Mrs.Umstot sold the school to Kathy and Felix Falkner. Prior to coming to Parkdale, Mrs.Falkner worked for the department of social services. She worked for 13 of her 20 years there as a licensing specialist. Parkdale was one of the schools she monitored. A new building was added in 1992, bringing the student population to 175, ranging in ages from 6 weeks to 12 years. In 1993, modern playground equipment was installed and in 1997, Mr.Falkner installed a network computer system.
