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Admissions

REQUIREMENTS

The Lower School application process varies by grade. Please be sure to follow the information for the specific grade that you are interested in for your child.

Age Requirement

Students applying to Junior Kindergarten must be 4-years-old by July 31, 2021 and students applying to Senior Kindergarten must be 5-years-old by July 31, 2021.  The July 31, 2021 age requirement holds true for applicants for Grades 1 through 5.

Preliminary Application
Complete and submit your child's application through Ravenna by clicking here. If you already have a Ravenna account, you may simply log into your account.
 
Once the application has been submitted, you will have access to the additional required forms. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
 
Parent/Guardian Interview

Schedule an interview through your Ravenna account. Your child’s entire file does not need to be complete before scheduling the interview.

Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1:

For JK, SK, and Grade 1 applicants, the interview includes a readiness assessment. We ask you to schedule interviews during the months of November, December, and January to allow your student the most amount of time to develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Grades 2-5:

During the interview, applicants are required to complete a virtual reading exercise which will take approximately 15-20 minutes.  This exercise assists in measuring your student’s reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

 

Applicant Video Snapshot

For Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and Grade 1 only

In January 2021, families will be asked to capture a snapshot of their student in video format. Ordinarily, we have the opportunity to meet applicants on campus, however, due to the unique nature of the school year, our Admissions Committee wants to be sure to get to know your child as much as possible. You will receive instructions on the video snapshot in January.

Writing Exercise and Group Meet

For Grades 2-5 only

Grades 2-5 applicants will meet other applicants via Zoom for a fun group activity followed by a 20-minute virtual writing exercise. This activity provides insight into your student's ability to craft a logical, organized, and comprehensive response to a prompt. To prepare, students should have ready a piece of lined paper and pencil. Further preparation instructions will be sent before the event.

 

Math Assessment

For Grades 4-5 only

Grades 4 and 5 applicants will complete a virtual math assessment to provide insight into their analytic skill, number sense and familiarity with mathematical concepts.

Admissions Assessment

Historically, Parker has required applicants to submit results from the ISEE or SSAT as assessment performance has been a reliable measure of a student's readiness for our academic program. However, due to economic hardship, limited access to testing facilities, potential exposure to COVID-19, and other confounding factors, Parker will not require or accept ISEE or SSAT results for Fall 2021. 

 

File Completion

For priority consideration, submit the following documents through Ravenna by February 1, 2021:

  • Applicant Information Form
  • Teacher Recommendation(s)
  • Administrator Recommendation
  • Parent Questionnaire
  • JK/SK/Grade 1 Video Snapshot submitted in January (*details will be shared in early January)

Please mail to Parker's Admissions Office (6501 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111) the following documents by February 1, 2021:

  • Birth Certificate 
  • Child's Transcript           

Request that the registrar at your child’s school mail your child’s transcript directly to Parker’s Admissions Office before February 1, 2021.

REQUIREMENTS

Please see the steps below for the Middle School application process. 

Preliminary Application
Complete and submit your child's application through Ravenna by clicking here. If you already have a Ravenna account, you may simply log into your account.
 
Once the application has been submitted, you will have access to the additional required forms. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
 
Family Interview

Schedule an interview through your Ravenna account. Your child’s entire file does not need to be complete before scheduling the interview. 

Admissions Assessment

Historically, Parker has required applicants to submit results from the ISEE or SSAT as assessment performance has been a reliable measure of a student's readiness for our academic program. However, due to economic hardship, limited access to testing facilities, potential exposure to COVID-19, and other confounding factors, Parker will not require or accept ISEE or SSAT results for Fall 2021.

Parker does request that families submit any standardized testing (e.g. CAASPP, STAR, CTP, WISC, etc.) taken in previous years at the child's current school.

 

Writing Assessment

Applicants will complete a 30-minute virtual writing exercise. This activity provides insight into your child’s ability to craft a logical, organized and comprehensive response to a prompt. Students may register after completing the applicant interview.

 

Math Assessment

Applicants will complete a virtual math assessment to provide insight into their analytical skill and familiarity with mathematical concepts.

File Completion

For priority consideration, submit the following documents through Ravenna by February 1, 2021:

  • Applicant Information Form
  • Administrator, English Teacher and Mathematics Teacher Recommendations; after December 1, 2020
  • Student Questionnaire
  • Parent Questionnaire

Request that the registrar at your child’s school submit your child’s transcript including:

  • Report cards (prior two years and the first marking period of the current year)
  • All standardized testing from the last three years

Documents may be uploaded here or mailed directly to Parker’s Admissions Office (6501 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111) before February 1, 2021.

Character Skills Snapshot
Parker’s hallmark character education programs originated from Colonel Francis Wayland Parker’s belief that schools have a responsibility to help students become good citizens with integrity, resilience, and social awareness. In his words, “The needs of the society determine the work of the school…the supreme need of society is good citizenship…ideal citizenship demands of the individual the highest degree of knowledge, power and skill.”
 

Grades and test scores only provide a partial picture of your student. Thus, we create multiple opportunities for students to reveal their personality and character. The Character Skills Snapshot (CSS) is a newly designed assessment tool that can help the Admissions Committee gain additional information on each applicant and highlight areas where we can help applicants grow if they enroll at Parker.

The Character Skills Snapshot (CSS) is optional for Fall 2021. If families wish to submit the CSS to provide greater insight into their child's character, Parker will accept the results if received by February 1, 2021.

Please click here for more information and to register for the CSS.

REQUIREMENTS

Please see the steps below for the Upper School application process. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Chris Sanders, Director of Admissions.

Preliminary Application
Complete and submit your child's application through Ravenna by clicking here. If you already have a Ravenna account, you may simply log into your account.
 
Once the application has been submitted, you will have access to the additional required forms. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
 
Applicant Interview

Schedule an interview through your Ravenna account. Your child’s entire file does not need to be complete before scheduling the interview. 

Admissions Assessment

Historically, Parker has required applicants to submit results from the ISEE or SSAT as assessment performance has been a reliable measure of a student's readiness for our academic program. However, due to economic hardship, limited access to testing facilities, potential exposure to COVID-19, and other confounding factors, Parker will not require or accept ISEE or SSAT results for Fall 2021.

Parker does request that families submit any standardized testing (e.g. CAASPP, STAR, CTP, WISC, etc.) taken in previous years at the child's current school.

 

Writing Assessment

Applicants will complete a 30-minute virtual writing exercise. This activity provides insight into your child’s ability to craft a logical, organized, and comprehensive response to a prompt. Students may register after completing the applicant interview.

 

Math Assessment

Applicants will complete a virtual math assessment to provide insight into their analytical skill and familiarity with mathematical concepts.

File Completion

For priority consideration, submit the following documents through Ravenna by February 1, 2021:

  • Applicant Information Form
  • Administrator, English Teacher and Mathematics Teacher Recommendations  - after December 1, 2020
  • Student Questionnaire
  • Parent Questionnaire

Request that the registrar at your child’s school submit your child’s transcript including:

  • Report cards (prior two years and the first marking period of the current year)
  • All standardized testing from the last three years

Documents may be uploaded here or mailed directly to Parker’s Admissions Office (6501 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111) before February 1, 2021.

Character Skills Snapshot
Parker’s hallmark character education programs originated from Colonel Francis Wayland Parker’s belief that schools have a responsibility to help students become good citizens with integrity, resilience, and social awareness. In his words, “The needs of the society determine the work of the school…the supreme need of society is good citizenship…ideal citizenship demands of the individual the highest degree of knowledge, power and skill.”
 

Grades and test scores only provide a partial picture of your student. Thus, we create multiple opportunities for students to reveal their personality and character. The Character Skills Snapshot (CSS) is a newly designed assessment tool that can help the Admissions Committee gain additional information on each applicant and highlight areas where we can help applicants grow if they enroll at Parker.

The Character Skills Snapshot (CSS) is optional for Fall 2021. If families wish to submit the CSS to provide greater insight into their child's character, Parker will accept the results if received by February 1, 2021.

Please click here for more information and to register for the CSS.

Welcome to Parker, where

every student is known and valued,

classrooms and are alive with wonder and discovery,

 theaters, design labs, art workshops, and fields breed new passions and strengths,

and every child can dream as far as the mind can see.

Thank you for your interest in learning more about Francis Parker School.

At Parker, our students are known for their joyful desire to learn, grow, and master their passions; the positive relationships they build with their peers, teachers, and community; and their ability to creatively tackle problems and effectively collaborate.

Our website contains valuable information about Parker. In this section, we have included material on the application process, tuition, financial assistance and transportation. However, the best way for you to gain insight into Parker’s unique role within the San Diego community is to visit. We look forward to seeing you on campus in the fall!

Everyday when I drop my daughter off at school I feel like there's another parent who's paying attention to her moral compass, her emotional well-being, and her passion for learning.

- Parker Parent

APPLYING TO PARKER

OCTOBER


Start application on Ravenna

OCT. -  JAN.


Schedule interview and visit campus

OCT. -  JAN.


Schedule assessment test

FEBRUARY 1


All application materials due

MARCH 13


Decisions released

START THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

LOWER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
UPPER SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
  • Admissions FAQs
  • Tuition
  • Financial Assistance
  • International Students

2019-2020 ADMISSIONS EVENTS

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PARKER ADMISSIONS TEAM

Jacqueline Wilson

Director of Enrollment

858 / 874-3380

jwilson@francisparker.org

Theresa Tran

Associate Director of Lower School Admissions

619 / 516-8501

ttran@francisparker.org

Kelly Tedrow

Associate Director of Middle School Admissions

858 / 427-1717

ktedrow@francisparker.org

Chris Sanders

Associate Director of Upper School Admissions

858 / 427-1715

csanders@francisparker.org

Marsha Gygax

Assistant to the Head of School and Admissions

858 / 569-7900 x 4107

mgygax@francisparker.org

ready to join us?

APPLY NOW
RSVP for Admissions Events
Read the 2020-2021 Viewbook

REQUIREMENTS

The Lower School application process varies by grade. Please be sure to follow the information for the specific grade that you are interested in for your child.

Age Requirement

Students applying to Junior Kindergarten must be 4-years-old by July 31, 2021 and students applying to Senior Kindergarten must be 5-years-old by July 31, 2021.  The July 31, 2021 age requirement holds true for applicants for Grades 1 through 5.

Preliminary Application
Complete and submit your child's application through Ravenna by clicking here. If you already have a Ravenna account, you may simply log into your account.
 
Once the application has been submitted, you will have access to the additional required forms. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
 
Parent/Guardian Interview

Schedule an interview through your Ravenna account. Your child’s entire file does not need to be complete before scheduling the interview.

Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1:

For JK, SK, and Grade 1 applicants, the interview includes a readiness assessment. We ask you to schedule interviews during the months of November, December, and January to allow your student the most amount of time to develop academically, socially, and emotionally.

Grades 2-5:

During the interview, applicants are required to complete a virtual reading exercise which will take approximately 15-20 minutes.  This exercise assists in measuring your student’s reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

 

Applicant Video Snapshot

For Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and Grade 1 only

In January 2021, families will be asked to capture a snapshot of their student in video format. Ordinarily, we have the opportunity to meet applicants on campus, however, due to the unique nature of the school year, our Admissions Committee wants to be sure to get to know your child as much as possible. You will receive instructions on the video snapshot in January.

Writing Exercise and Group Meet

For Grades 2-5 only

Grades 2-5 applicants will meet other applicants via Zoom for a fun group activity followed by a 20-minute virtual writing exercise. This activity provides insight into your student's ability to craft a logical, organized, and comprehensive response to a prompt. To prepare, students should have ready a piece of lined paper and pencil. Further preparation instructions will be sent before the event.

 

Math Assessment

For Grades 4-5 only

Grades 4 and 5 applicants will complete a virtual math assessment to provide insight into their analytic skill, number sense and familiarity with mathematical concepts.

Admissions Assessment

Historically, Parker has required applicants to submit results from the ISEE or SSAT as assessment performance has been a reliable measure of a student's readiness for our academic program. However, due to economic hardship, limited access to testing facilities, potential exposure to COVID-19, and other confounding factors, Parker will not require or accept ISEE or SSAT results for Fall 2021. 

 

File Completion

For priority consideration, submit the following documents through Ravenna by February 1, 2021:

  • Applicant Information Form
  • Teacher Recommendation(s)
  • Administrator Recommendation
  • Parent Questionnaire
  • JK/SK/Grade 1 Video Snapshot submitted in January (*details will be shared in early January)

Please mail to Parker's Admissions Office (6501 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111) the following documents by February 1, 2021:

  • Birth Certificate 
  • Child's Transcript           

Request that the registrar at your child’s school mail your child’s transcript directly to Parker’s Admissions Office before February 1, 2021.

Francis Parker School is a proud member of:

Work has three layers, learn those layers and grow your future like other billioniares.

Francis Parker School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 from across San Diego County. Parker's mission is to 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.

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Non-Discrimination Statement

Francis Parker School values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty, and staff from different backgrounds. All employment decisions are made without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, creed, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.  

Copyright ©2021 Francis Parker School. All rights reserved.