MISSION & VISION
Francis Parker School Mission Statement
The Francis Parker School mission 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.
Essential Qualities of a Parker Graduate
At Parker, we are committed to developing students:
- Who strive for academic excellence while maintaining social and emotional well-being and balance
- Who participate in the fundamental human conversation on what is right, fair, and good by developing the necessary skills, aptitude, and imagination
- Who think critically, write persuasively, and communicate confidently
- Who are familiar with the cultural, political, historical, scientific, ethical, and economic forces shaping their world
- Who possess the tools necessary to realize their individual talents and potential in their academic and professional lives
- Who embrace the larger world through meaningful, age-appropriate opportunities for experiential education
Parker's Core Values
Students First
Preparing students to make a meaningful difference in the world is the cornerstone of a Parker education. Our mission, vision, and core values collectively 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.
Academic Excellence
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.
Global Perspective
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.
Strength of Character
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.
Inclusive Community
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.
No Limit to Better
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. Striving beyond limits is the essence of a Parker education and fuels our journey “as far as the mind can see.”