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Our Philosophy

A high school student stands at a podium and speaks in front of the whole school

Our Mission

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.

Our Vision

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.

Our Core Values

Kindergarten students walk down the stairs to class

 

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.

A boy concentrates on a worksheet in class

 

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.

A group photo in Cambodian ruins

 

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.

A group of girls paints a "Welcome Volunteers" sign

 

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.

Students smile at the camera with halloween bags in their hands

 

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.

Students work on a project in the Design lab

 

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.”

Our Educational Philosophy

We believe that students learn best in an inclusive and interdependent community where they can thrive socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. We create learning environments that support and challenge students to build their knowledge through interconnected and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Our Philosophy in Action