Glossary of Terms

Annual Giving: Annual gifts advance Parker’s mission, support our culture of diversity and inclusion, ensure the best academic experience for each student, and help the School bridge the gap between tuition and cost of a Parker education . Tuition falls short of the true cost of a Parker education . Every student at Parker is subsidized, even students who do not receive financial assistance . The gap between tuition revenues and full annual cost is approximately $3,250 per student . Our goal is 100 percent parent giving participation .

Back to School Night: All parents are invited to their child’s classes to meet the faculty and experience a shortened version of a day-in-the-life of their student .

Day of Giving: The Tuesday following Thanksgiving has come to be recognized as a global celebration of generosity . Parker participates in this special day, with the PA's leadership (as part of the Gala) to raise support for teachers .

Dress Code: Parker maintains a commitment to standards of dress that are appropriate for the school day . The purpose of the dress code is to create a sense of community and equality among the student body; to ensure students’ comfort during the many activities they may participate in throughout the school day; to promote the equitable treatment of all students regardless of gender, race, religion, or economic standing; and to create a distraction-free academic environment . Financial Assistance: Parker provides aid to qualified families who submit financial information through School & Student Services (SSS) . SSS is a nationally recognized program used by independent schools nationwide to assess a family’s demonstrated financial need . The School awards financial assistance to 24 percent of the student body for a total of $6 .7 million annually in 2021-2022 . Even though many families at Parker make financial sacrifices to pay tuition, whether they receive financial assistance or not, it is crucial for every member of our community to participate in our annual giving campaign .

Gala: The PA’s annual fundraising event, which raises support for student financial assistance and Parker teachers (see “Day of Giving”) . The evening includes auctions, dinner, and entertainment .

Grandparent Council (GPC): Open to all grandparents of Parker students, the GPC hosts fun activities including Grandparent & Special Friends Days at the Lower School in the fall and at the Middle and Upper Schools in the spring . Visit francisparker .org/grandparents for more information .

Head of School New Parent Dinner:

A special evening event for new parents from all three divisions in the fall .

Homecoming: A fun-filled event for the entire Parker community featuring a home football game on the Linda Vista Campus .

Glossary of Terms

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Inter-campus Shuttle Service: A shuttle for Middle and Upper School students between Parker’s two campuses in the morning and in the afternoon at no additional cost .

Parker Portal: The online hub for the most up-to-date School information . Students and faculty may refer to it as "OnCampus .

Rebate Programs: An easy way to indirectly support Parker . There is no cost to you or the School . Simply register and shop with AmazonSmile or Ralphs . Visit the "Parents Association" resource board within the Parker Portal "Resources" tab for details .

Report on Philanthropy: Annual report which details gifts from parents, faculty and staff, grandparents, alumni, and parents of alumni to the School for the endowment and current priorities .

Senior Class Directory: Senior class parents receive a printable parent directory (via email) once their student graduates .

Smugmug: Online catalog of Parker photos from various student and parent activities and events . Community members can download photos or order prints by visiting http://francisparker .smugmug .com .

Student Fundraisers: Events such as bake sales, book drives, and collections raise support for School clubs or outside charitable organizations . Summer Program: Now in its 62nd year, the Program offers a variety of learning, grade-level "bridging," and advancement opportunities set in a fun and relaxed environment .

Transportation: Parker's bus service offers stops located across San Diego County . The School's bus fleet is equipped with the latest safety features, including well-padded, high-back seats and three-point lap/shoulder seat belts .