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Parker
Who We Are
Francis Parker School is a values-driven, independent, progressive coeducational day school
in San Diego for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Leading with Values
Preparing students to make a meaningful difference in the world is the cornerstone of a Parker education. Our mission, vision, and core values prioritize the student experience, which means all School decisions are guided by what is best for children. Parker’s programs provide 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.
Within a learning environment where all students are seen, known, and valued, we offer courses that move students first through foundational knowledge and then forward “as far as the mind can see.” Students experience innovative and advanced courses that inspire them to think and achieve beyond their initial expectations. We partner with families to meet students’ needs and guide their academic journey.
We ask all members of the Parker community to become attuned to the systems – cultural, political, and economic – that create diverse backgrounds and perspectives throughout the world. Students learn from a globally-focused curriculum and gain direct experience of the world through age-appropriate experiential education, service-learning, and guided international travel.
We seek to develop students who understand and value behaviors that are true and good. We expect all community members to model upstanding citizenship, appropriately express their beliefs, and understand their responsibilities as members of the larger community. We provide opportunities for students to explore and strengthen these characteristics and expectations for themselves.
We strive to create 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 to cultivate an environment of inclusion and belonging. We continuously reflect on our practices to prioritize cultural competency in our curriculum, program, policies, and strategic goals.
True to our progressive legacy, we reflect on and iterate all aspects of school life to ensure that the Parker experience is distinct and serves the needs of our evolving community. There is no limit to what we can dream, do, and try. By evaluating and innovating our practice, we model the habits of lifelong learning.
Educating Global Citizens
Est.
1912
For over 100 years, Francis Parker School has cultivated the best in our graduates. Hear what some of our alumni have to say about their experience.
Dr. Cedric Garland ’60
Medical Researcher
Sometimes people ask me, “What was the most important part of your education?” and I always say it was the years I spent on Randolph Street. It’s a grand institution, and I’m very lucky to have been a student at Francis Parker School.
Andrew Rubin ’05
Media Producer
People in college thought it was so strange that I kept in touch with Parker teachers and considered them friends. No one else really had that experience. I don’t know any other school where you can list so many teachers and how much of an impact they made.
Julie Newman ’10
NASA Engineer
One of the activities during my time at Parker that had the most impact on where I am today was the time I spent preparing for and competing in Science Olympiad. It helped me develop the fundamental problem-solving abilities that I use every day as an engineer.