2023-2024 Francis Parker School Viewbook

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DISCOVER PARKER

FRANCIS PARKER SCHOOL VIEWBOOK
2023-2024
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Parker isn't just a school.

It's a home for students who test intellectual horizons, practice new abilities, and plug into the world around them.

It's a community that takes action and celebrates identities.

It's a place where high expectations fuel personal evolution, and failure is an opportunity to try again.

It's a launchpad for enduring friendships and lifelong passions. It's where confidence meets resilience, curiosity becomes discovery, and dreams fuel the journey as far as the mind can see.

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AT PARKER, WE BELIEVE that when we ignite imaginations, challenge assumptions, and collaborate with diverse minds... magic happens.

Dear families,

Since 1912, Francis Parker School has been a community where generations of students have thrived, creating a legacy of excellence that continues to grow today.

At the core of a Parker education are six values: Students First, Academic Excellence, Inclusive Community, Strength of Character, Global Perspective, and No Limit to Better. These values prepare our students to become independent thinkers and compassionate contributors to our world, guide our faculty and staff as we provide the highest quality education for our students, and propel us all to pursue excellence.

As you read the pages that follow, you will learn how these values define Parker through our curricula, our culture, our achievements, and our lived experiences. I hold each of Parker's values close to my heart; I hope they resonate with you as well.

Undoubtedly, there is no greater gift we can give our children than the gift of education. And at Parker, we understand the significance of discovering the right school for your child.

We invite you to explore this viewbook and visit us on one of our two beautiful campuses to see if the true spirit and magic of the Parker community speaks to your family.

Warm regards,

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OUR CORE VALUES

These values guide our community as we evolve, take on new challenges, and continue to provide the highest quality education to our students:

STUDENTS FIRST

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

STRENGTH OF CHARACTER

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

NO LIMIT TO BETTER

OUR MISSION & VISION

MISSION

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.

VISION

Our vision is to create engaging learning environments that nurture curiosity and prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to embrace purposeful opportunities and live joyful lives.

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Our students are at the heart of every program and every decision. Parker provides the appropriate structure and guidance for each stage of the student experience with the end goal of graduating individuals who are self-reliant and lifelong learners.

What does our student-first learning environment look like?

SMALL CLASS SIZES: Students thrive when they are seen, known, and belong. This informs our commitment to small class sizes. With fewer children in each classroom, students have the space to take risks, try something new, and step into leadership roles. Our average class size is 16 students, and we have a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Similarly, many of our Lower School classrooms include an associate teacher for added support.

STUDENT-DIRECTED LEARNING: We encourage our students to view the world through a critical lens framed by their own individual curiosity. This builds a sense of self-advocacy in each child so they can take ownership of their academic journey. As a result, our students become proactive, self-confident, and self-directed.

A FOCUS ON REFLECTION: Taking time to evaluate processes and outcomes is an integral part of the Parker curriculum. This reflection helps our students understand how to approach complex problems and navigate challenges as they move through Parker and beyond.

STUDENTS FIRST
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WHEN STUDENTS COME FIRST, EVERY CHILD FEELS VALUED, CARED FOR, AND PRIMED FOR GROWTH.

STUDENT SUCCESS & WELLNESS

When students have the confidence, energy, and support from their teachers and peers to take on the school week, they learn to successfully navigate adolescence and beyond. Behind every Parker student is an incredible team, comprised of classroom teachers, advisors, deans, learning specialists, and healthcare professionals, including a clinical counselor in each division, a school nurse, and a school psychologist. Our faculty and staff know students personally and are excited to see them grow and succeed.

ADVISORS (MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL)

Every student belongs to a small faculty-led advisory group, which meet several days per week to foster community and ensure each student is known and valued. Faculty guide students through lessons on the core values of community, lifelong learning, whole-child education, collaboration, and global citizenship. If a student needs academic or social support, advisors also serve as the first resource for a student and their parents/guardians.

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.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Learning Specialists assist students with the formation and refinement of learning strategies. Support is tailored to students’ individual needs in small group sessions or one-on-one. Staff collaborates with classroom teachers to provide support strategies and accommodations for students with mild learning issues associated with diagnosed medical conditions.

COUNSELORS

Licensed counselors in the Lower, Middle, and Upper School divisions teach classroom lessons, provide short-term individual support, and consult with families and teachers.

STUDENTS FIRST
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LEARNING AT PARKER IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN OUR FACULTY AND STUDENTS.

Expert faculty develop courses that move students first through foundational knowledge and then forward "as far as the mind can see."

LOWER SCHOOL

JK to Grade 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.

NO BORING DAYS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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

UPPER SCHOOL

Students in Grades 9 to 12 thrive in a nurturing learning environment that promotes high academic standards and provides opportunities to identify and grow individual passions and strengths.

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 visual and performing arts, world language, and physical education courses taught by experts in these fields. Examples of our specialist, elective, and advanced classes include:

LOWER SCHOOL

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

Science

Art Design

Digital Design

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Intro to Programming

2D and 3D Art

Woodworking

UPPER SCHOOL

Strings

Band

Chorus

Multivariate Calculus and Linear Algebra

Advanced Robotics Programming

Engineering Honors

Orchestra Honors

Pep Band

Guitar Ensemble

Drama

Library Music P.E.

World Language (Spanish or Mandarin)

Ceramics

Think, Tinker, Make

Yearbook

Robotics

Percussion

Guitar

Drama

Dance

Journalism (Scribe Magazine)

French Literature and Culture

Social Justice

Theater

Dance

AP Music Theory

Woodworking

Ceramics

Photography

Yearbook

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
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OUR CURRICULUM

Francis Parker School's academic and co-curricular 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 dives into their areas of strength and curiosity.

60 AP AND HONORS COURSES OFFERED IN THE UPPER SCHOOL

68% OF PARKER FACULTY HOLD ADVANCED DEGREES

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
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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 students perform for their families in J. Crivello Hall during Spring Arts Night.

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WE ARE A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY THAT CELEBRATES DIFFERENT IDENTITIES, BACKGROUNDS, AND EXPERIENCES.

Parker is deeply committed to building a school community that is global in perspective, diverse in composition, and reflective of our world. We are the first school in San Diego with a dedicated Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Our flagship framework Belonging at Parker expands our DEIB work across the entire school.

MORE THAN

70 ZIP CODES ARE REPRESENTED IN PARKER'S STUDENT BODY

BELONGING AT PARKER

Belonging at Parker is a school-wide commitment to creating a community in which each person is given the opportunity to develop a healthy sense of self and empathy towards one another. We courageously lean into difficult conversations and continuously reflect on our practices to prioritize cultural competency in our curriculum, programs, policies, and strategic goals.

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
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Belonging at Parker looks like...

ACADEMICS AND CO-CURRICULARS

JK to Grade 12 students can engage with DEIB through co-curricular student groups like Belonging Lab in the Lower School, Advocacy Room in the Middle School, and Equity Council in the Upper School. Upper School students can also select academic electives like Social Justice and Class, Race, and Gender in the United States and Ethnic Studies.

DAY OF UNDERSTANDING

A nine-year tradition, the Upper School Day of Understanding includes over 25 workshops run by Parker students, faculty, staff, and outside presenters; a keynote speaker; and film and documentary viewings.

LANGUAGE, CULTURE, AND IDENTITY WEEK

In the spring, the Lower School celebrates Language, Culture, and Identity Week (pictured on the left), where students, families, and friends share their globally diverse backgrounds through cultural performances, interactive lessons, and an international food festival.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

On professional development days, the DEIB team leads trainings on topics like racial literacy and cultural linguistic responsiveness. These trainings provide faculty and staff with the tools and resources to cultivate joy and belonging, and to think critically about cultural frameworks, behaviors, and biases.

AFFINITY AND ALLIANCE GROUPS

Affinity and Alliance Groups at Parker provide support for students as they explore identity development and bolster a feeling of belonging in our community. These groups include:

NIA - Black, African, Multiracial, and Transracial Adoptee students

SPEAK - First-generation, college-bound Latino students

LGBTQ+

ASU - Asian Student Union

LIFE SKILLS CLASSES

The Life Skills program for Grades 4 to 9 makes space for students to explore how their individual identities and backgrounds are woven into the greater fabric of national and world history. Introductions to topics like identity, allyship, and self-advocacy help students begin to engage in current cultural and political discourse.

MECCA - Middle Eastern Culture Club & Association

LASO - Latin American Student Association

GSA - Gender Sexuality Alliance

JTEEN - Jewish Teen Education and Engagement Network

Christian Club

Feminist Club

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
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COLONEL FRANCIS PARKER SAID IT BEST: “THE END AND AIM OF ALL EDUCATION IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER.”

Our namesake, the pioneer of progressive education, believed that education should include the complete development of the student—mental, physical, and moral.

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.

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.

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.

GRADE LEVEL THEMES

JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE 1: IDENTITY

Self-Awareness

Self-Acceptance

Mindfulness

Flexible Thinking

GRADES 2 TO 3: AWARENESS

Social-Awareness

Empathy

Perspective Taking

Cultural Competence

Critical Thinking

GRADES 4 TO 5: ACTION

Self-Regulation

Self-Efficacy

Teamwork

Resilience

Engagement

Responsibility

STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School faculty and staff provide character education learning experiences during weekly advisory meetings, community gatherings, week-long life skills workshops and within content area classrooms. These learning experiences enable students to understand, internalize and act on Parker’s core values.

Each grade level is centered around a theme: SelfAwareness (Grade 6), Community Awareness (Grade 7), and Global Awareness (Grade 8).

SAMPLE OF LIFE SKILLS TOPICS

Human Development

Wellness in a Digital World

Drug and Alcohol Awareness

Bus Evacuation / Campus Safety Drills

Nutrition

Sustainability at Parker (and at Home)

Mental Health

Stress Reduction

Healthy Relationships

Stereotypes and Generalizations

UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School students have the opportunity to continue their life skills studies through electives and extracurriculars. Similarly, community engagement is a hallmark of the Upper School experience. Each year, students volunteer with nonprofit organizations locally, nationally, and abroad.

Other elective courses 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, includes opportunities throughout the Southern California/Baja California region to explore relevant social justice topics firsthand.

37 PARKER STUDENTS RECEIVED THE PRESIDENT'S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD IN 2022-2023

STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
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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 individual 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

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
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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 choice of learning Spanish, Mandarin, or French. 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, Culture, and Identity 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 week-long 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, Central America, or South America.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
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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—when Lower School students bring their pets on campus for a day of fun—Parker students make memories that last a lifetime.

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EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER

We believe that learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. We weave activities, projects, and events—like the Middle School Renaissance Faire, pictured here—into the fabric of the academic year. This approach brings Academic Excellence to life on our two campuses.

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AS AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, WE HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY TO DREAM BIG AND DO MORE.

At Parker, we nurture and encourage each student’s innate gifts and strengths. We also believe in the power of a growth mindset— that new talents can be identified and 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.

Read more about our commitment to continuous improvement in our Strategic Direction document, The Pursuit of Excellence, at www.francisparker.org/strategicdirection

STUDENT CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Student clubs and activities at Parker allow our students to further strengthen their skills and passions. These groups include:

LOWER SCHOOL

The Belonging Lab

Student Council

Squires (Admissions Student Ambassadors)

School Safety Patrol (Grade 5)

History Day

Chess Club

Mathletes

+ many more

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Robotics-First Lego League

Quiz Bowl

History Day

Mathletes

Library Ambassadors

Drama Club

National Junior Honors Society

Associated Student Body (ASB)

+ many more

UPPER SCHOOL

Associated Student Body (ASB)

Robotics Team

Drama Club

Academic League

Bema Literary Magazine

Mock Trial

History Day

Yearbook

+ many more

NO LIMIT TO BETTER
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FACILITIES

Parker’s two campuses include five acres in Mission Hills and 22 acres in Linda Vista. Surrounded by lush canyons and scenic views, our campuses prioritize student safety, encourage activity, and allow our students to stay focused.

Through several key development projects, we have furthered our vibrant community life and prioritized student learning and wellness. Bright, updated, and open classrooms, playgrounds, high-tech design labs, student meeting spaces, and fully-stocked libraries help students learn and grow joyfully everyday.

Continuing with the School’s commitment to provide the best environment possible for our students, Parker broke ground on the Parker Forward project in 2022. Upon completion, Middle and Upper School students will gain an expanded Student Life Center, on-campus pool and aquatic center (depicted below), and a second gymnasium.

COLLEGE COUNSELING

Parker's college counselors work with each Upper School student beginning in Grade 9 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 essay 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 everything they will achieve beyond Parker.

NO LIMIT TO BETTER
Left: The Considine Library on the Mission Hills Campus serves as a library, classroom, presentation space, and more for students in the Lower School.
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Right: The upcoming Douglas Aquatic Center, part of the Parker Forward project, is scheduled to open in 2024 on the Linda Vista Campus.

HEALTHY MINDS + HEALTHY BODIES

Health and fitness literacy are an essential part of a Parker student’s education. Lower, Middle, and Upper School students participate in physical education (P.E.) each week and gain an appreciation for competitive sports, lifelong activity, and wellness practices.

LOWER SCHOOL

Lower School students gain a love of movement and an understanding of new sports and fitness activities. All Lower School grades participate in P.E. for 30 to 40 minutes four times a week and are exposed to a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, flag football, dance, softball, running, lacrosse, tumbling, and ultimate frisbee.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Every spring, Grade 6 students participate in the Ikidarod, a race down the length of Mission Beach. Teams work together to pull a sled over the sand, gaining Teamwork Points as they go.

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, strength and conditioning, 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.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
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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. Student athletes benefit physically and emotionally by participating and competing in sports and 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 all-gender interscholastic sports teams, and compete against other schools for the first time. The Middle School athletics program sets up students for success as they transition into varsity sports in the Upper School. Middle School sport offerings include:

Cross Country Flag Football Golf Lacrosse Volleyball Basketball Softball Tennis Soccer Baseball Track and Field

UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Let's go, Lancers! Upper School students have the opportunity to play on one of Parker's 27 CIF and club sports teams. With the assistance of a full-time strength and conditioning coach and two athletic trainers, student athletes build power and resilience aligned with the demands of their sport during the competitive seasons and during off-season preparation.

FALL

Cheer

Cross Country Dance

Football

Girls Golf

Sailing

Boys Beach 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 Beach Volleyball

Softball

Surfing

Boys Tennis Track & Field

Boys Volleyball

ATHLETICS
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LANCERS FOR LIFE

Once you become a Lancer, you will always have a community to call home. 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.

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TRANSPORTATION

To support geographic diversity in our community and for the convenience of our families, Parker offers morning, afternoon, and evening (Late Bus) transportation services through our in-house fleet of buses and drivers.

Transportation services are available for a modest additional cost. For more information about transportation options and pricing, visit www.francisparker.org/transportation.

WHAT AREAS DO PARKER BUSES SERVE?*

TRANSPORTATION
Carmel Valley College Area Coronado Del Mar Del Sur Downtown San Diego Eastlake Encinitas Kensington La Jolla La Mesa Liberty Station National City Point Loma Poway Rancho Bernardo Scripps Ranch
Beach University City
Solana
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*Parker’s transportation fees, schedule, and bus stops are subject to change each school year.

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 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.

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM

Parker’s Extended Day Program provides students fun, guided, and open offerings after school that are aligned with the School's mission, such as:

à Discovering famous artists and creating similar works

à S.T.E.M. opportunities like science experiments and math games

à Enrichment courses: cooking, music, sports, robotics, and more

à Building social connections and teaching teamwork

à Academic support with the LevelUp Program (Middle School Only)

à Design challenges

à Trivia quizzes and contests

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 to 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

ENRICHMENT COURSES

In addition to the Extended Day Program, Parker offers a variety of enrichment classes that build skills in performing, visual, and culinary arts; sports and movement; and S.T.E.M. subjects.

Parker’s own faculty members partner with local community programs to engage students in structured activities that encourage their creativity while developing ability or exploring new interests. Class fees vary depending on staffing needs and materials.

INTEGRATIVE PROGRAMS
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PARKER IS A COMMUNITY FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. HERE, FAMILIES CONNECT, BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS, AND GET INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL.

PARENTS ASSOCIATION

All guardians of enrolled students become members of Parker’s Parents Association (PA). The PA’s main goals include: facilitating and enhancing communication between families and the School; promoting fellowship within the school community through student, parent, and family activities; assisting in fundraising for the school; and providing parent education regarding social issues that affect our students.

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 generosity of our families, the Parker experience is enhanced for every child.

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

PARENT INVOLVEMENT
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Parker provides numerous opportunities for families to connect throughout the year, such as Halloween and Homecoming in the fall, the Gala and grade-level Promotions (pictured) in the spring, and new family parties in the summer.

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

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THE PARKER DIFFERENCE 32

Instruction from the highest quality faculty: two-thirds 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 physical education.

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.

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 to 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.

24% OF PARKER STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

$7,025,000 ALLOCATED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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For more information about financial assistance, visit www.francisparker.org/financial-assistance. THE VALUE OF A PARKER EDUCATION
What does a Parker education include?

Admissions applications will be available on Parker’s website beginning Sept. 15, 2023.

1 2 3

4

5

Create an account in Ravenna, our online admissions portal, at www.francisparker.org/discover Submit your Family Information Form and non-refundable application fee (or applicable fee waiver). Schedule your admissions assessment or ISEE to be taken before Feb. 1, 2024. Complete the Parent Statement (all grades) and Student Questionnaire (Grades 6 to 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, 2024 File completion deadline

Feb. 1, 2024 Financial assistance application deadline

Mar. 8, 2024 Admissions decisions released through Ravenna

HOW TO APPLY
STEPS TO APPLY
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HERE. BE YOU. BELONG.

Francis Parker School is composed of big thinkers, changemakers, 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. Each chapter is 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/discover

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BE

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/discover or scan the QR code.

Questions? Contact:

LOWER SCHOOL

Erika Assadi

Associate Director of Lower School Admissions, Head of Horizons at Parker eassadi@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

/FrancisParkerSchool @francisparkersc

Lower
4201
San
619
Linda
Middle/Upper School 6501 Linda
Road San Diego, CA
858
569-7900
Mission Hills Campus
School
Randolph Street
Diego, CA 92103
/ 298-9110
Vista Campus
Vista
92111
/
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