2022-2023 Francis Parker School Viewbook

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 into 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 the 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 endure even the most trying of circumstances, like those our community has faced throughout the pandemic. Investing in those relationships and truly connecting with one another define 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:

STUDENTS FIRST ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY STRENGTH OF CHARACTER GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE NO LIMIT TO BETTER

These ideals are a guiding force for our community as we evolve, take on new challenges, and continue to provide the highest quality education for our students.

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

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: Parker's average class size is 16 students for Junior Kindergarten, 21 students for Senior Kindergarten through Grade 5, 16 students for Middle School, and 17 students for Upper School.

Lower School classrooms also include an associate teacher, which preserves a low student-to-teacher ratio.

STUDENT-DIRECTED LEARNING: We teach our students how to take ownership of their learning and encourage them 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.

WE BELIEVE LEARNING IS A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS

STUDENT CLUBS &

LOWER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER

LOWER 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.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

The curriculum for Grades 6-8 supports adolescent development through learning approaches that build social, emotional, and metacognitive skills, so students joyfully and successfully enter young adulthood.

UPPER SCHOOL

Students in Grades 9-12 thrive in a nurturing learning environment that promotes high academic standards, while also providing opportunities to identify and grow 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 with small class sizes that allow teachers to cultivate students' individual strengths. The core curriculum balances academic pursuits with 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

In addition to language arts, social studies, and math, students rotate through daily offerings of:

Science Art Design Drama Library Mandarin Spanish Music P.E.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Intro to Programming 2D and 3D Art Woodworking Ceramics Think, Tinker, Make Digital Animation Yearbook Robotics Strings Band Chorus Percussion Guitar Drama Dance

UPPER SCHOOL

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

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

At Parker, students are known, valued, and respected. Small class sizes allow our faculty to engage students at a deeper level. School psychologists at each division, grade-level deans, advisors, and learning specialists all help ensure that every student receives the individual support and attention they need to thrive.

THE ARC

The Gooding Family Academic Resource Center (ARC) assists Grades 3 through 12 students with the formation and refinement of learning strategies. Academic support is tailored to each student's individual needs by experienced teachers in both small group sessions or one-on-one tutoring. ARC staff regularly meets with classroom teachers to maintain a deep understanding of the curriculum, and they provide parents with frequent updates on their 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, school psychologists, and parents about academics and a student's social and emotional well-being.

ADVISORS (MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL)

Every student belongs to a faculty-led advisory group with 12 to 16 of their peers. These small groups foster community and ensure each student is known and valued. Advisories meet several days per week, and faculty guide students through lessons that center on the core values of community, lifelong learning, whole-child education, collaboration, and global citizenship. If a student needs academic or social support, their advisor serves as the first resource for the student and their parents/guardians.

MASTERPIECES SHOULD BE PERFORMED IN INSPIRING SPACES

We believe students should have state-of-the-art learning environments that allow them to explore their passions and become masters of their craft. Here, Middle School guitar students perform for their families in J. Crivello Hall at the Middle and Upper School Campus.

WE’RE COMMITTED TO CREATING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY THAT UNDERSTANDS, CELEBRATES, AND SUPPORTS DIFFERENT IDENTITIES.

We're dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion in 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. The think, act, reflect model teaches students to intellectually explore complicated issues before they attempt to take action. Thoughtful consideration of the needs and assets of different communities strengthens the bonds between the School and the larger community, and leads to lifelong learning.

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.

MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS

We believe our 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.

Middle School students participate in our Life Skills program where they 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 meaningful 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.

LANCERS FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE ACTION PLAN

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 2.0 of the Plan was released in July 2021. It provides an in-depth look at our progress and the important work still ahead. Read both plans at: www.francisparker.org/equity-and-justice.

THE OFFICE OF DEIB

In commitment to furthering our DEIB efforts, Parker hired additional experts in the field who could improve our curricular and intrapersonal framework, and hold the School accountable for the goals set forth in Lancers for Equity and Justice.

Parker's Office of DEIB now includes a director of DEIB, two associate directors of DEIB that manage Parker's three divisions, a Lower School culturally responsive literary specialist, and a Latino program coordinator.

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

ZIP CODES ARE REPRESENTED IN PARKER’S STUDENT BODY

NIA - Nurture, Inspire, Achieve Black, African American, Multiracial, and Transracial Adoptees 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

STRENGTH OF CHARACTER

COLONEL 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.

Parker students learn to recognize how their actions impact the school community. To encourage positive contributions, the School teaches a character education program and uses the acronym STRIVE (right) to remind students to demonstrate kind and respectful behavior.

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

The seeds of self-responsibility and civic duty are planted at a young age with the emphasis on becoming good citizens and helping our youngest students learn to critically consider the world around them.

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. Students dedicate two years to each social and emotional skill within the model (right).

GRADE LEVEL THEMES

JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1: IDENTITY

Self-Awareness Self-Acceptance Mindfulness Flexible Thinking

GRADES 2 – 3: AWARENESS

Social-Awareness Empathy

Perspective Taking Cultural Competence Critical Thinking

GRADES 4 – 5: ACTION

Self-Regulation Self-Efficacy Teamwork Resilience Engagement Responsibility

MIDDLE SCHOOL

During weekly advisory meetings, students study a wide array of social-emotional topics. Each grade level is centered around a theme (right) that allows students to grow both inside and outside of the classroom.

GRADE-LEVEL THEMES

GRADE 6: Self-Awareness

GRADE 7: Community Awareness

GRADE 8: Global Awareness

SAMPLE OF LIFE SKILLS TOPICS

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

UPPER SCHOOL

Community engagement is a hallmark of the Parker Upper School experience. Each year, students volunteer with non-profit organizations locally, nationally, 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.

UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPLETE UPWARDS OF

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HOURS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR.

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.

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.

GLOBAL

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.

GLOBALLY COMPETENT STUDENTS:

à Understand community

à Make connections between local and global communities

à Know geography (people and places)

à Are open to other cultures

à Can communicate in another language

à Have knowledge of current events

à Have the ability to problem solve

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 Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5, and Mandarin is offered from Senior Kindergarten 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 graduation, students 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 included 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.

A LOT OF LEARNING, A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC

At Parker, we say the phrase "no boring days" with pride. With beloved traditions like the annual Mona White Pet Day at the Lower School, Parker students make memories that last a lifetime.

NO LIMIT TO BETTER

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.

AS AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, WE HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO CONTINUE DREAMING BIG AND DOING MORE.

CURRICULUM

Francis Parker School's academic and cocurricular programs are held accountable by an independently-governed board of trustees and are routinely accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the 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.

AGILITY

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, medical advisory committee, Board of Trustees, and leadership team, Parker has been able to provide a safe and full academic experience for its students.

FACILITIES

Parker's two campuses include five acres in Mission Hills and 22 acres in Linda Vista, and are surrounded by lush canyons and scenic views. Our campuses are ideal settings for students to feel safe, sustain their focus, and be active throughout the day.

From 2000 to 2010, 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 an aquatic complex adjacent to the current Field House and second gymnasium by 2024.

Throughout all of these developments, we have minimized our carbon footprint through 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.

NO LIMIT TO BETTER

The Parker Forward project, which is set to open in 2024, features a new aquatic center, athletics center, and spaces dedicated to student health and wellness.

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

Lower School students gain a joyful love of movement and an understanding of new sports and fitness activities. 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.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Through the combination of individual and team activities, Middle School students experience 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.

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.

PARKER STUDENTS WORK HARD IN THE CLASSROOM AND PLAY HARD ON THE FIELD.

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 interscholastic sports teams, and compete against other schools for the first time. The Middle School athletics program is a great learning incubator for students who want to continue their pursuit of athletics at the varsity level. Middle School sport offerings include:

Flag football Golf Lacrosse

Cross country

Volleyball Basketball Softball Tennis Soccer 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 two athletic trainers, 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

Cheer

Cross Country Dance Football

Girls Golf Sailing

Boys Sand Volleyball

Surfing

Girls Tennis Girls Volleyball

Boys Water Polo

WINTER

Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Cheer Dance Boys Rugby Sailing Boys Soccer Girls Soccer Surfing Girls Water Polo

SPRING Baseball Boys Golf Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Sailing Girls Sand Volleyball Softball Surfing Boys Tennis Track & Field Boys Volleyball

#LANCERFORLIFE

Parker Lancers work hard on and off the field, show courage when faced with challenges, compete with honor and integrity, and always have each other's backs. Once you become a Lancer, you will always have a community to call home.

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. Bus stops are conveniently located across San Diego County.

For the 2022-2023 school year, the bus transportation service will be available in the morning and afternoon.

For Home-to-School service, the annual fee is $1,700 per student or $2,700 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 $900 per student.

WHAT AREAS DO PARKER BUSES SERVE?*

Carmel Valley Coronado

*Parker’s transportation fees, schedule, and bus stops are subject to change each school year.

Del Mar-Solana Beach Del Sur Downtown San Diego Eastlake-Chula Vista Encinitas

Escondido Imperial Beach Kensington La Jolla La Mesa-Mt. Helix National City Point Loma Poway Rancho Bernardo Rancho Santa Fe Scripps Ranch University City

DIVISION OF INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMS

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 CAMPUS 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:

à Art projects inspired by popular world artists

à Interactive science experiments

à Design challenges

à Soccer, flag football, basketball, or kickball games

à Trivia

à 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 students from rising Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 to participate in opportunities across a variety of interests.

à Educational Skill Building

à Performing and Visual Arts

à Science, Math, and Beyond

à Sports and Movement

à World Language

Summer program course offerings are typically announced the end of January at www.francisparker.org/summer, with registration beginning in February.

LINDA VISTA EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS

Parker’s Extended Day program allows students in Grades 6 through 8 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.

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. Learn more about philanthropy at Parker by visiting www.francisparker.org/giving

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.

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.

THIS IS WHERE GO-GETTERS GET GOING.

We shepherd students to become curious, honest, kind, and hardworking people who, as they forge their way through adulthood, leave their community better than how they found it.

Through the cross-disciplinary learning that builds connections between classrooms, Parker students discover who they are, their strengths, and how their different interests and passions converge. With this knowledge, they develop the skills they need to adapt and succeed in an ever-changing world.

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 learn and grow through the enriched learning experience that comes with small class sizes and 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.

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: We implement 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.

Parker students receive financial assistance

allocated for financial assistance

need-based award

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

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.

HOW TO

STEPS TO APPLY

Admissions applications will be available on Parker’s website beginning Oct. 1, 2022.

1 2 3

Create an account in Ravenna (online admissions portal).

Submit your Family Information Form and non-refundable application fee.

Schedule your admissions assessment to be taken between Oct. and Feb. 1, 2023.

Complete the Parent Statement (all grades) and Student Questionnaire (Grades 6-12).

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, 2023 File completion deadline (priority consideration)

Feb. 1, 2023 Financial assistance application deadline (priority consideration)

March 10, 2023 Admissions decisions released

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

UPPER SCHOOL

Shannon Caraveo

Associate Director of Upper School Admissions scaraveo@francisparker.org

Mission Hills Campus

Lower School

4201 Randolph Street San Diego, CA 92103 619 / 298-9110

Linda Vista Campus

Middle/Upper School 6501 Linda Vista Road San Diego, CA 92111 858 / 569-7900