FRANCIS PARKER SCHOOL VIEWBOOK 2021-2022
WHY PARKER?
OUR ANTHEM AT PARKER WE BELIEVE when imaginations are ignited, assumptions are challenged, and divergent minds collaborate… magic happens. Parker isn't just a school. It's a home to students who hunger to test their intellectual horizons, to wield new abilities, and to plug in to the world around them. It's a community that takes action, and celebrates identities. It's where high expectations fuel personal evolution, and failure is seen as an opportunity to try again. It's a launching pad for “aha” moments, enduring friendships, and lifelong passions. It's where bravery is forged, curiosity becomes discovery, and dreams fuel the journey
as far as the mind can see.
Dear Families, Founded in 1912, Parker enjoys a long history as one of the finest independent schools, whose reputation for excellence in all areas continues to grow. From the beginning the mission of Parker has been to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world. To that end, we are committed to graduating students who embody those qualities essential for academic success and personal fulfillment— intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, passion for learning, ethical responsibility, self-reliance, community engagement, and global competence—by offering a balanced, challenging, and integrated Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 educational program in academics, athletics, and the arts, all set in a vibrant and diverse school environment. Above all else, Parker is a community. At Parker, nothing matters more than the relationships we share with one another. These relationships can endure even the most trying of circumstances, like those we have faced throughout the pandemic as a School community. It is the investment in those relationships—truly connecting with one another—that defines all things Parker. Parker's Viewbook is a window into the heart, soul, and mind of our people and our purpose. We invite you to explore our diverse offering of academic and co-curricular programs and resources, and to learn more about how Parker's community and curriculum launch students into fulfilling, successful futures. Thank you for your interest in Francis Parker School, and we look forward to connecting with you soon. Be well,
Kevin Yaley, Ph.D. Head of School
OUR CORE VALUES
OUR MISSION
Throughout the next pages you'll learn about Parker's Core Values:
The mission of Francis Parker School is to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.
STUDENTS FIRST ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY STRENGTH OF CHARACTER GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE NO LIMIT TO BETTER These ideals are a guiding force for all in our community as we evolve, take on new challenges, and continue to provide the highest quality education for our students.
STUDENTS FIRST
AT PARKER WE BELIEVE LEARNING IS A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS between faculty and students. Our faculty commit to knowing each child and leading classrooms where decisions are guided by what is best for students' learning and well-being. When students are first, every child feels valued, cared for, and primed for growth.
What does a students-first learning environment look like? SMALL CLASS SIZES: At Parker our average class sizes are 16 students in Junior Kindergarten, 21 students for Senior Kindergarten through Grade 5, 16 students for Middle School, and 17 students for Upper School. Thanks to our investment in faculty, Lower School classrooms have associate teachers, which allows the student-teacher ratio to remain low.
STUDENT-DIRECTED LEARNING: Students are taught how to take ownership of their learning and are encouraged to collaborate with classmates on projects and assignments that are both culturally and socially relevant. They become self-confident, self-directed, and proactive.
A FOCUS ON REFLECTION: Taking time to reflect is an integral part of the Parker curriculum and helps students understand how to tackle complex problems and improve their approaches to learning as they move through Upper School and beyond.
STUDENTS FIRST STUDENT CLUBS & INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES LOWER SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL
Student Council Squires (Admissions Student Ambassadors) School Safety Patrol (Grade 5)
Robotics—First Lego League Girls Who Code Quiz Bowl Mathletes Drama Club Associated Student Body (ASB) + many more
Associated Student Body (ASB) Robotics Drama Club Student Government Academic League BEMA Literary Magazine Mock Trial History Day Yearbook + many more
A C A D E M I C E XC E L L E N C E
LOWER SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL
Grades JK-5 foster the development and education of the whole child. We strive for our students to become not only independent thinkers but also creative dreamers, compassionate leaders, and brave doers.
Grades 6-8 curriculum faces adolescent development head-on by creating approaches to learning that engage the social, emotional, and metacognitive dimensions of Middle School so students joyfully and successfully enter young adulthood.
Grades 9-12 students thrive in a nurturing learning environment that not only promotes high academic standards, but also provides opportunities to identify individual passions and strengths.
By the time Parker students walk across the commencement stage, they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to successfully navigate college and beyond.
NO BORING DAYS Parker's academic program provides a structured, caring community where small class sizes allow teachers to cultivate students' individual strengths so they exceed expectations. The core curriculum is enriched by equal class time dedicated to visual and performing arts, world language, and physical education. Examples of our specialist, elective, and advanced classes include:
LOWER SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
In addition to language arts, social studies, and math, students rotate through daily offerings of:
Intro to Programming 2D and 3D Art Woodworking Ceramics Think, Tinker, Make Digital Animation Yearbook Robotics
Science Art Design
Drama Library Mandarin
Spanish Music P.E.
UPPER SCHOOL Strings Band Chorus Percussion Guitar Drama Dance
Multivariate Calculus and Linear Algebra
Advanced Robotics Programming Engineering Honors Journalism (Scribe Magazine) Global Studies and Statecraft Social Justice Theater Dance
Orchestra Honors Pep Band Guitar Ensemble Woodworking Ceramics 2D and 3D Art Photography Yearbook
At Parker, students are known, valued, and respected. Small class sizes allow our faculty to engage students at a deeper level. Dedicated faculty office hours and numerous staff positions like grade-level deans, advisors, and learning specialists help ensure that students receive the individual support and attention they need to thrive.
ARC Led by the School's full-time clinical psychologist, The Gooding Family Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides multi-faceted resources for students in Grades 3 through 12 who want to maximize their learning experience by acquiring new tools and refining skills. Students receive targeted academic support tailored to their individual needs from experienced teachers in small group sessions or one-on-one tutoring. ARC maintains excellent communication with classroom teachers and parents to ensure understanding of curricular requirements and awareness of each student's progress.
GRADE-LEVEL DEANS (MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL) Grade-level deans oversee the student experience for each grade level. Deans act as a central point of communication between students, teachers, and parents about academics and a student's social and emotional well-being.
ADVISORS (MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL) To help students succeed, each student is placed in an advisory group. Each advisory group is led by a faculty member and consists of 12 to 16 students with the common goal of creating a community where students are individually known and valued. In weekly meetings, lessons center on the core values of community, lifelong learning, whole-child education, collaboration, and global citizenship. If a student is struggling academically or socially, their advisor is the first point of contact for the student and their guardians.
A C A D E M I C E XC E L L E N C E
STUDENT SUPPORT
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
WE’RE COMMITTED TO CREATING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS, CELEBRATES, AND SUPPORTS DIFFERENT IDENTITIES. Our goal is for a culture of inclusion to permeate our classrooms and student spaces. Our curriculum and learning environments are intentionally diverse so every student is seen, known, and valued.
THINK, ACT, REFLECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Parker’s community engagement program aims to enhance students’ awareness of societal and community needs. Using the think, act, reflect model, it teaches students to intellectually explore complicated issues before they attempt to go out and do good. Thoughtful consideration of the needs and assets of different communities strengthen the bonds between the School and the larger community and lead to lifelong learning.
MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS We believe community includes more than just Parker students and families. Our neighbors are friends, and we cherish learning from and engaging with them and the wider San Diego region. On a monthly basis, we curate a list of community engagement opportunities, which help families broaden their perspectives, forge vital connections, and develop a lifelong commitment to the larger ecosystem.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING (DEIB) CURRICULUM Through regular classroom discussions and lessons from our Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Lower School students gain critical exposure to a variety of lived experiences and identities. During our Life Skills program, which runs in Grades 6 to 9, students explore how their individual identities and backgrounds are woven into the greater fabric of our nation's and world's histories. Introductions to topics like race, gender, stereotypes, and biases help students begin to engage in current cultural and political discourse. Upper School students engage in deep discussions about race, gender, class, and culture during their classes, advisory, Life Skills courses, and in electives such as Social Justice and Race and Gender: This is US.
Over the past decade, Parker has made strides in advancing critical work around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, including establishing a Diversity Committee of the Board of Trustees, undergoing a community-wide assessment of inclusivity and multiculturalism, and addressing deficiencies and biases embedded in the JK through Grade 12 curriculum. In 2020, Parker released the Lancers for Equity and Justice Action Plan, which lays out specific goals and action items to address and improve DEIB across leadership structures, curriculum and programming, and the recruitment, hiring, and retention of employees. Through the exceptional efforts of the DEIB office, Version 2.O of the Plan was released in July 2021. It provides an in-depth look at the progress from the last year and the important work still ahead. Read both plans at www.francisparker.org/equity-and-justice.
INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
LANCERS FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE ACTION PLAN
THE OFFICE OF DEIB When forming the first version of the Lancers for Equity and Justice Action Plan, Parker understood that the critical and ubiquitous nature of the DEIB work ahead could only be achieved through devoting financial and human resources to the creation of the DEIB team. Parker's Office of DEIB now includes a director of DEIB, two associate directors of DEIB that manage Parker's three divisions, and a Lower School culturally responsive literary specialist.
Parker's community is enriched from the support and work from our DEIB experts in the field.
UPPER SCHOOL AFFINITY GROUPS AND CLUBS
GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY MORE THAN
80
ZIP CODES ARE REPRESENTED IN PARKER’S STUDENT BODY
NIA - Nurture, Inspire, Achieve Black, African American, Multiracial, and Transracial Adoptee SPEAK - Shaping Peer Empowerment; Advocating Knowledge First-generation college bound Latin@/x/e* Gender Sexuality Alliance Girls Who Code Feminist Club Latin American Student Organization (LASO) Asian American Culture Club UMOJA SPECTRUM Christian Club
ST R E N GT H O F C H A R AC T E R
COL. FRANCIS PARKER SAID IT BEST: “THE END AND AIM OF ALL EDUCATION IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER.” The world needs brave changemakers who can creatively tackle problems while also positively collaborating with others.
Social and emotional skills provide a foundation for student learning. Identity development and the understanding of self in relation to one's community are the cornerstone of character development. All Parker students use the acronym STRIVE (right), which articulates the values upon which Parker's character education program is built. A foundation of respecting others, one's space, and one's belongings gives students tools to positively impact their environment and relationships.
Seek always to do your best. Treat people and property with respect. Revere the truth. Invest in your future. Value School rules, your heritage, and personal responsibility. Enrich the world for all.
LOWER SCHOOL
GRADE BAND THEMES
The seeds of self-responsibility and civic duty are planted at a very young age with the emphasis on becoming good citizens and helping the youngest students learn the difference between right and wrong.
JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1: IDENTITY
Parker's Lower School uses the Ways of Being model for its character education program. Ways of Being paints a picture of the whole social and emotional learner, describing the attitudes, skills, and behaviors that exist within a person who is socially and emotionally competent. Each grade band focuses on different social and emotional skills and lessons (right).
Self-Awareness Self-Acceptance
Mindfulness Flexible Thinking
GRADES 2 – 3: AWARENESS Social-Awareness Cultural Competence Empathy Critical Thinking Perspective Taking GRADES 4 – 5: ACTION Self-Regulation Self-Efficacy Teamwork
Resilience Engagement Responsibility
Students make meaningful connections to the Middle School's grade-level themes (right) that allow them to archive and reflect on academic and social-emotional growth. During advisory time and Life Skills weeks, students take deep-dives into a wide array of social-emotional topics.
GRADE-LEVEL THEMES GRADE 6: Self-Awareness GRADE 7: Community Awareness GRADE 8: Global Awareness
Communication (Peer Group Advocacy) Stress Reduction Stereotypes and Biases Alcohol and Drug Awareness Leadership Positive Self Image Gender, Race, and Class Human Development Community Relationships and Expectations
ST R E N GT H O F C H A R AC T E R
SAMPLE OF LIFE SKILLS TOPICS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL Community engagement is a hallmark of a Parker student's Upper School experience. Each year, students volunteer with a wide variety of non-profit organizations locally, domestically, and abroad. Upper School offers elective courses that encourage students to acquire a deeper understanding of complex social issues and develop the skill set needed to take an active role in promoting change within the School community and beyond. Social Justice, a popular social studies elective, focuses on topics ranging from the AIDS pandemic in Africa to homelessness in San Diego, and includes hands-on outings throughout Southern California to explore relevant social justice topics.
Parker juniors and seniors present at the Interim Week LaunchPad program at the University of California, San Diego Rady School of Management. The course culminates with student groups pitching new product ideas to a panel of CEOs, educators, and entrepreneurs who provide real-world expertise and candid criticism.
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPLETE UPWARDS OF
14,500 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HOURS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.
G LO B A L P E R S P E C T I V E
THE WORLD IS MORE INTERCONNECTED AND INTERDEPENDENT THAN EVER. Global perspective opens our students' eyes to the complex interplay among cultures and societies and enables them to appreciate individuals and their unique qualities.
At Parker, we know that our students must develop global perspective to understand how their interactions affect those around them. Knowledge of the world and global competency promotes habits of critical thinking, effective collaboration, innovation, and empathy. By building awareness of cultural influences on individuals' behavior and world events, students are better equipped to become good citizens of their local and broader communities.
WE BELIEVE THAT A STUDENT WHO IS GLOBALLY COMPETENT SHOULD: à à à à
Understand community Make connections between local and global communities Know geography (people and places) Be open to other cultures
à Be able to communicate in another language à Have knowledge of current events à Have the ability to problem solve
G LO B A L P E R S P E C T I V E
WORLD LANGUAGE The opportunity to reach beyond borders and become global citizens starts in the Lower School during world language classes. Spanish is offered from JK to Grade 5, and Mandarin is offered from SK to Grade 5. Middle and Upper School students have the opportunity to learn Spanish, Mandarin, or French. Parker's world language program adheres to guidelines set by The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. By the time Parker students graduate, they should reach an advanced level of communication and cultural competence.
GLOBAL CURRICULUM In addition to language cultivation, Parker promotes global literacy by introducing students to the histories and complex relationships between today's nations and societies, promoting awareness and appreciation of all cultures. DIVERSITY OF HUMANITIES CURRICULUM During Language and Culture Week, Lower and Middle School students hear presentations, watch performances, and taste cuisine from around the globe. As a capstone project, all Grade 8 students spend their entire school year preparing for a weeklong learning trip. Previous destinations have ncluded China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, France, and New Zealand. Upper School students deepen their global awareness through community engagement and on-campus programming throughout the year. Annually, students participate in Day of Understanding, a full day of interactive diversity workshops that broaden perspectives and enhance understanding of topics like race, class, origin, learning differences, and physical disability. Upper School students may also participate in two-week, experiential learning excursions in Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America.
In the spring, Lower School celebrates Language and Culture Week, where friends of Parker share their globallydiverse backgrounds through cultural performances, interactive lessons, and an international food festival.
N O L I M I T TO B E T T E R
At Parker, we nurture and encourage each student’s innate gifts and strengths, but we also believe in the power of a “growth mindset”—that anyone’s talents can be developed through hard work, smart preparation, and effective collaboration with others.
We apply this same principle to our School's growth and governance. When our leadership, faculty, and staff are all committed to a growth mindset, our entire community is empowered to innovate and achieve greater goals.
THE BEAUTY OF BEING A LONG-STANDING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IS OUR ABILITY TO DREAM BIG AND DO MORE. CURRICULUM
AGILITY
Francis Parker School's academic and co-curricular programs are held accountable by an independentlygoverned board of trustees, and are routinely accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Our rigorous academic program not only exceeds learning requirements set by CAIS as well as state standards, but also maintains flexibility for students to explore a wide variety of interests, and take deep curricular dives into their areas of strengths.
Parker's ability to adapt and evolve has never been more apparent than during the last two years when faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to investments in technology, protective equipment, and on-site testing, as well as the expertise, alignment, and dedication of our faculty, staff, board of trustees, and leadership team, Parker has been able to provide a safe and full academic experience for its students.
Parker's two campuses—five acres in Mission Hills and 22 acres in Linda Vista, both surrounded by lush canyons and scenic views—are ideal settings for students to feel safe, sustain their focus, and be active throughout the day. During the first decade of the 21st century, Parker dedicated $70 million to the maintenance and development of the School, including the construction of 15 new buildings that include two libraries and dedicated spaces for science, visual arts, and music. More recently, Parker has focused on furthering our vibrant community life and prioritizing student wellness. In 2019, Parker opened a 14,000square-foot Student Life Center with a commercial kitchen and dining hall on the ground floor and an outdoor terrace, multipurpose rooms, and conference room on the second floor. Each spacious meeting room is outfitted with video walls, serving as launch pads for student collaboration and the development of meaningful ideas. Looking toward the future, Parker will continue to focus on the health, fitness, and overall wellness of its students. The Linda Vista master plan includes the expansion of the Student Life Center, which will add a aquatic complex adjacent to the current Field House and second gymnasium. Throughout all of these developments, Parker has taken care to minimize its carbon footprint with initiatives including the installation of solar paneling, electric vehicle charging ports, refillable water bottle stations, and composting bins. Parker earned national recognition for its sustainability efforts in 2019 and 2020 by being named a Gold Level Green Ribbon School by the California Department of Education.
The Linda Vista Campus Student Life Center.
N O L I M I T TO B E T T E R
FACILITIES
P H Y S I C A L E D U C AT I O N
HEALTHY MINDS + HEALTHY BODIES Health and fitness literacy are an essential part of a Parker student’s education. Lower, Middle, and Upper School students spend weekly time participating in physical education (P.E.) and gain an appreciation for competitive sports, lifelong activity, and wellness practices.
LOWER SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The physical education department at the Lower School strives to instill in students a joyful love of movement, understanding of new sports and fitness activities, and development of self-reflective and teambuilding skills. All Lower School grades participate in P.E. four times a week, for 30-40 minutes (depending on the grade), and are exposed to a variety of sports and their respective rules, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football, softball, running, lacrosse, tumbling, dance, and bocce ball.
Through the combination of individual and team activities, Middle School students are introduced to a variety of sports and develop the fundamental skills needed for Upper School athletics and beyond. Middle School students spend an equal amount of time in physical education, core subjects, arts, and elective classes. This amounts to an average of 200 minutes of physical activity every week.
UPPER SCHOOL Upper School students complete their P.E. credits by participating in one of Parker's junior varsity or varsity athletic teams, or exploring new fitness interests in one of our unique P.E. class offerings, including yoga, fitness for life, sports medicine, pilates, and student athletic training. Students may also choose to enroll in our independent P.E. course, which allows advanced study in activities not normally offered in the on-site P.E. program, such as martial arts, ice skating, rowing, or equestrian classes. The Upper School P.E. program aims to educate students in a range of lifelong fitness activities and help them develop an interest in joyful movement and health concepts.
We believe that athletics is an integral and valuable component of our students’ overall educational experience. We know that studentathletes not only benefit physically and emotionally by participating and competing in sports, but also develop critical skills like teamwork, resilience, and leadership that promote success throughout their lives.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS In the Middle School, students have the opportunity to join boys, girls, and coed inter-scholastic sports teams, and compete against other schools for the first time. Our Middle School is a great coaching and teaching incubator for students who may want to continue their pursuit of athletics at the varsity level. Middle School sport offerings include: Cross country
Golf
Volleyball
Softball
Soccer
Flag football
Lacrosse
Basketball
Tennis
Cheer
Baseball
UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS Let's go, Lancers! Upper School students have the opportunity to play on one of Parker's 20+ CIF sports. With the assistance of a full-time strength and conditioning coach and an athletic trainer, student-athletes build power and resilience according to the demands of their sport and achieve optimal performance at specific, critical times during the competitive season.
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
Cheer Cross Country Dance Football Girls Golf Sailing Boys Sand Volleyball Surfing Girls Tennis Girls Volleyball Boys Water Polo
Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Cheer Dance Boys Rugby Sailing Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Surfing Girls Water Polo
Baseball Boys Golf Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Sailing Girls Sand Volleyball Softball Surfing Boys Tennis Track & Field Boys Volleyball
AT H L E T I C S
PARKER STUDENTS WORK HARD IN THE CLASSROOM AND PLAY HARD ON THE FIELD.
A D D I T I O N A L PA R K E R PROGRAMS
COLLEGE COUNSELING Parker's college counselors invest significant time working with each Upper School student to prepare and guide them through the college application process. Throughout the year, College Counseling offers numerous opportunities for students to prepare for the road to higher education, including application and test preparation workshops, a yearly college fair, and annual visits from close to 200 college admissions representatives. The individualized attention Parker provides each student empowers them to recognize their emerging personal priorities and to take ownership of understanding what they need as they look forward to life beyond Parker.
TRANSPORTATION Simplify your morning and afternoon routines by using Parker's transportation services. Our service makes it a breeze to get to and from school. Bus stops are conveniently located across San Diego County. For the 2021-2022 school year, the bus transportation service will be available in the morning and afternoon. For Home-to-School service, the annual fee is $1,500 per student or $2,400 per family.* A Late Bus service is also included at no additional cost. There is no discount offered for one-way transportation. For Late Bus service only, the annual fee is $895 per student.
*Parker’s transportation fees, schedule, and bus stops are subject to change each school year.
WHAT AREAS DO PARKER BUSES SERVE?* Carmel Valley
Escondido
Poway
Coronado
Imperial Beach
Rancho Bernardo
Del Mar-Solana Beach
Kensington
Rancho Santa Fe
Del Sur
La Jolla
Scripps Ranch
Downtown San Diego
La Mesa-Mt. Helix
University City
Eastlake-Chula Vista
National City
Encinitas
Point Loma
Parker’s Division of Integrative Programs provides opportunities that enhance the overall student experience before, during, and after the school day. The Division of Integrative Programs creates academic and enrichment programs, launches and tests new program initiatives, and works alongside Lower, Middle, and Upper School leadership to support each student’s academic, social, and emotional needs. MISSION HILLS (EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS)
LINDA VISTA (EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS)
Parker’s Extended Day program provides students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5 with fun, guided, and open options that are aligned to Parker’s school mission. Sample activities include:
Parker’s Extended Day program provides Parker students in Grades 6 through 12 the ability to end their academic day in a relaxed setting. The afternoon program includes the opportunity to work on homework assignments, enjoy personal reading and writing, and connect with friends.
à à à à à à
Art projects inspired by popular world artists Interactive science experiments Design challenges Soccer, flag football, basketball, or kickball games Trivia Fun Friday movie showings, free play, and more ...
The afternoon program also includes time to work on homework assignments, enjoy personal reading or writing, and connect with friends. SUMMER AT PARKER Explore new passions, sharpen skills, and get a jump start on the new school year! Parker welcomes all students from rising Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 to participate in a multitude of opportunities with course themes including: à à à à à
Educational Skill Building Performing and Visual Arts Science, Math, and Beyond Sports and Movement World Language
Summer program course offering previews will typically go live at the end of January at www.francisparker.org/summer, with registration beginning in February.
E X T E N D E D D AY PROGRAMS
DIVISION OF INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMS
PA R E N T I N V O LV E M E N T
PARKER IS MORE THAN A PLACE OF ROBUST LEARNING FOR STUDENTS— IT’S ALSO A HOME BASE FOR FAMILIES TO CONNECT, BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS, AND GET INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL.
PARENTS ASSOCIATION All guardians become members of Parker's Parents Association (PA) whose mission is to: promote fellowship within the School community by coordinating and supporting activities; arrange parent education opportunities regarding issues that affect our students; raise funds that enable Parker’s mission; facilitate communication between families and the School; and provide a volunteer organization that reinforces the PA mission and vision. The PA hosts regular events including summer welcome parties for new families, parent education events, and guest speaker opportunities. The PA also leads Parker's two largest fundraisers: the Day of Giving, which supports faculty professional development and the Gala, which supports student financial assistance.
PHILANTHROPY Every student's education is financed by both tuition and annual giving support. Each year, about 10% of the operating budget comes from philanthropy, endowment income, and summer programs. Because of the support of our families, the Parker experience is distinctive for every child. Every family is encouraged to support Parker. Learn more about philanthropy at Parker by visiting www.francisparker.org/giving.
From Homecoming in the fall (seen here), to the Gala in the spring, and new-family parties in the summer, Parker hosts numerous events and opportunities for all of our JK-12 families to connect throughout the year.
F I N A N C I A L A S S I S TA N C E
THE VALUE OF A PARKER EDUCATION A Parker education includes: Instruction from the highest quality faculty: 90+ members of our faculty have advanced degrees, and the average teaching experience of our faculty is 16 years. Individual attention for each student: Parker students not only enjoy the enriched learning experience that comes with small class sizes, but also have continuous access to associate teachers, learning specialists, grade-level deans, advisors, college counselors, and other administrative support. Programming that enhances the core curriculum: Parker curriculum includes a vibrant offering of classes that devotes daily time to art, music, design, drama, language, and P.E.
25%
of Parker students receive financial assistance
$6,900,000 allocated for financial assistance
Beautiful learning spaces: Bright, colorful, and open classrooms, playgrounds, high-tech design labs, student meeting spaces, and fully-stocked libraries help students learn and grow joyfully. A strong emphasis on character education: includes a robust community engagement program and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging curriculum from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. A balanced, nutritious lunch: Parker students enjoy hot entrees, fresh salad, fruit and soup bars, and a wide variety of side dishes. Lunch is included in the cost of tuition and is served fresh every school day.
My parents' dream for me was to have a lifetime of unlimited opportunities, and education has been the bridge to realizing their dream. I can honestly say that every second I was at Parker, I felt inspired. I know that the countless hours studying for exams and exhausting energy on the field was a platform for me to achieve more than I knew was possible.” — Parker alumnus '10, Yale University '14
$21,400
average need-based award
CLOSING THE GAP We know that choosing Parker for your child's education is a major investment. We're here to help. Our financial assistance program helps families bridge the gap between the cost of a Parker education and what they can be reasonably expected to pay.
For information on how to apply for financial assistance, please visit www.francisparker.org/financial-assistance.
H O W T O A P P LY
STEPS TO APPLY Admissions applications will be available on Parker’s website beginning Oct. 1, 2021. 1
Create an account in Ravenna (online admissions portal).
2
Submit your Family Information Form and non-refundable application fee.
3
Schedule your admissions assessment to be taken between October and February 1, 2022.
4
Complete the Parent Statement (all grades) and Student Questionnaire (Grades 6-12).
5
Schedule the applicant/family interview.
6
Submit all supporting documentation listed in Ravenna.
7
If applicable, complete your financial assistance application.
IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES Feb. 1, 2022 File completion deadline (priority consideration) Feb. 1, 2022 Financial assistance application deadline (priority consideration) March 11, 2022 Admissions decisions posted in Ravenna March 23, 2022 Enrollment contracts due
BE HERE. BE YOU. BELONG. Francis Parker School is composed of big thinkers, changemakers, task masters, creative dreamers, and brave leaders. Our diverse community is a living laboratory for breaking barriers and breakthrough moments, authentic relationships, and lifelong memories. We believe that school is more than a means to an end. It’s a book filled with tales of resilience, teamwork, and problem solving. It’s an intellectual and personal journey that stretches far beyond the classroom and commencement stage. Begin your family’s story by visiting us at www.francisparker.org/admissions.
The mission of Francis Parker School is to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world. To learn more, visit www.francisparker.org
Questions? Contact: LOWER SCHOOL LaDreda Lewis Associate Director of Lower School Admissions llewis@francisparker.org MIDDLE SCHOOL Kelly Tedrow Associate Director of Middle School Admissions ktedrow@francisparker.org
Mission Hills Campus Lower School 4201 Randolph Street San Diego, CA 92103 619 / 298-9110
UPPER SCHOOL/ALL DIVISIONS Chris Sanders Director of Admissions and Financial Assistance csanders@francisparker.org
Linda Vista Campus Middle/Upper School 6501 Linda Vista Road San Diego, CA 92111 858 / 569-7900