Middle & Upper School Clubs
Students explore cultures, community service, and their own academic passions in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and academic teams. Faculty experts guide students who meet during and after school. In addition to the ASB (Associated Student Body) affiliated clubs listed below, Parker also offers a variety of community engagement clubs associated with the student-led Community Engagement Board on campus. These include the Alliance of Youth Advocates, Interact, Red Cross Club, Remote Medicine International, ReSurf, Robotics, SEPA (Student Environmental Protection Association), Students Helping Students Tutoring Club and UNICEF Club.
DRAMA CLUB
Mission Statement: We were formed to bring together students that share an interest and a passion for theater, whether it is performing on stage or working behind the scenes. The club provides a safe place for students to come together and share their enjoyment for the performing arts.
Through the theatrical arts, it is our aim to promote positive social interaction and a safe environment for learning. While we strive to foster a lifelong appreciation of the arts, we also acknowledge the educational power of theater. Theater has the capacity to bring about change, provide a cathartic experience, and unify a community.
As members of the Francis Parker Drama Club, we will learn to think creatively and critically. We will do our best to reap the benefits of this club by supporting each other, challenging ourselves, and striving to do our best–both on and off stage.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We bring together students from all different grades and social circles. Because of the coming together of multiple unique perspectives, students are able to learn from each other and then use their experiences to create art that can be shared with the entire Parker community. While each student is independent and unique in their craft and theater process, everyone in the club works closely to create a shared product that can inspire, teach, and change the audiences who observe it. Our club is not only about putting on great performances but developing well-rounded individuals.

ROBOTICS: TEAM 2485
Team 2485, better known as W.A.R. Lords (We Are Robot Lords), is one of the most popular Upper School clubs, with a string of regional and national awards to its credit and a crew of loyal professional mentors and corporate sponsors As part of our FIRST® involvement, Team 2485 is dedicated to spreading their message throughout San Diego and preparing students for the rest of their lives in STEM-related fields.
ALL CLUBS
Academic League
Alliance of Youth Advocates
Amnesty International
Mission Statement: The goal of Amnesty International is similar to the goal of the global studies trips. This club will help to bring more global awareness in San Diego which pushes students into being one step closer into becoming global citizens. Amnesty International hopes to provide and introduce a diverse group of viewpoints and cultures.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: The goal of Amnesty International is similar to the goal of the global studies trips. This club will help to bring more global awareness in San Diego which pushes students into being one step closer into becoming global citizens. Amnesty International hopes to provide and introduce a diverse group of viewpoints and cultures.
Asian American Culture Club
The AACC's mission is to introduce Parker students to a variety of Asian cultures through outreach events, opportunities to experience popular Asian media, and to create a learning environment where we celebrate each others’ similarities and differences.
Bema
Mission Statement: We are the literary magazine of Francis Parker School. Our magazine contains a range of student work, including poetry, prose, paintings, music, and photography submitted throughout the year, which is then reviewed and selected by our staff.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Much like Francis Parker school, through our magazine, we strive 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."
Chamber Music Club
Mission Statement: The Chamber Music Club, promotes, practices, plays, and performs works of chamber music (defined any piece of music composed for a smaller group of people). Furthermore, we explore and discuss in an inclusive environment.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We support the Francis Parker vision by supporting individual talent and potential, creative thinking at a musical setting, work ethic, and responsibility among a team of people. Above all, we will work to support the arts and represent part of the music community at Parker.
Chinese Honors Society
Mission Statement: We hope to provide new opportunities for exploration of the Chinese culture while fostering a greater understanding of the Chinese language.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: By fostering a greater understanding of a foreign culture, we will encourage diversity and develop worldly minds. The future holds opportunities for many people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate. In order to do that effectively, understanding of different cultures is a necessity.
Jazz Band Club
Mission Statement: We aspire to create a club in which we play and perform funky and sassy jazz.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club creates an inclusive environment where students of jazz can innovate and perfect their skills with a diverse selection of jazz music.
Christian Club
Mission Statement: We are a group of Christians and Non-Christians that meet and can freely talk about how the scripture relates to the world today.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We will support the mission statement by providing a place where Christians and Non-Christians can come together and share their ideas about what it means to be a Christian in today’s world. It is our goal to increase diversity within our school community.
Club Med
Mission Statement: Our mission is to educate the Parker community about all things medicine and its importance within our world.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: The Parker mission statement stresses the significance of making a meaningful difference in the world. With organizations like Doctors Without Borders as well as research universities, medicine has an impact on nearly every citizen in the world. We hope to make a meaningful difference within our community here at Parker.
Debate Team
Mission Statement: We aim to provide Parker students with an opportunity to explore parliamentary debate and develop valuable skills such as analyzing an issue from all points of view and presenting a logical argument using relevant evidence.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Through participation with our team, students gain valuable skills that will help them thrive in any Parker class and in the future. Parliamentary debate emphasizes the value of analyzing an issue,, presenting a logical argument using relevant evidence, and choosing intellectual language. These are invaluable traits for any Parker student to possess.
Engineering and Design Club
Mission Statement: We aspire to provide students an opportunity to collaborate on engineering projects that can then be used at Parker for other students.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our mission statement reflects Parker's mission statement to create "independent thinkers." As a club, we hope that students will be able to individually design and create projects that will then have a larger impact on the Parker community.
Feminist Club
Mission Statement: We aim to create a positive environment for discussion of issues related to gender and identity, and to empower all students to make a meaningful difference through global awareness, thoughtful discussion, and community engagement.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Part of the mission of Parker is to inspire a group of diverse, independent, globally-minded individuals. We specifically foster these ideals as students come together to discuss global issues, to engage in community service, and to promote intersectional feminism. By seeking to make positive change on campus, we empower Parker students to make a meaningful difference in the world starting with their own community.
Flag Club
Mission Statement: We hope to inspire a yearning for the knowledge of world flags in and around the Parker community.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: A large part of the Parker mission statement revolves around global learning, and a big part of global learning is world flags. By educating the community about flags, we cement our role as a major contributor to the Parker mission statement.
French Honors Society
Games Club
GSA
Mission Statement: Our mission is to work towards a healthy, safe, and fulfilling environment for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity through education, support, social action, and advocacy. We believe that schools can be truly safe only when every student is assured of access to an education without fear of intolerance, harassment, or violence.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Education, support, and social action are all that needs to be said about our group.
History Day
Mission Statement: We aspire to gain a stronger appreciation for research and deeper understanding of the modern world through the dedicated, project-based study of the past.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: The cornerstone of our goal for the History Day Team is independence. All year, we are working on independent projects – there are no grades or teachers telling you that you must complete a project, just passion and dedication to learn something new. These skills of independence and self-motivation will undoubtedly remain with us for years to come. But more than just learning how to work, we encourage students to grow in ways that a traditional classroom may not always allow. As we dig into the archives of the past, we learn more about why things are the way that they are today. "Who owns Antarctica?" for example, is not a question that really makes sense without historical context. And so as we uncover stories about the people of the past, we learn more about ourselves.
Improv
Mission Statement: Our club's mission is to teach, practice, and compete in comedic, short-form improv. We want to promote an environment in which our team can do well in competition between other San Diego schools in our league, whilst making improv accessible and fun.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Improv is one of the things that seemingly does not fit in with Parker's academically rigorous reality, but in order to inspire a truly diverse group of independent thinkers, clubs such as us need to exist in order to support each person's passion and way of thinking.
Indian Culture Club
Jane Austen Club
Mission Statement: We plan to embrace and inspire an affinity for the works of Jane Austen and to foster an understanding of the societal struggles in Georgian-Era Britain.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club will support the mission of Francis Parker in that it will broaden students' cultural experience by giving them a new area of culture they possibly haven't explored before. Additionally, quite a few of the issues raised in the Jane Austen novels (such as class issues and gender roles) are issues that are still relevant today, and connecting issues in the novel to issues today could raise awareness in students, preparing them to make a difference in the world.
Jewish Club
Mission Statement: Our club creates powerful and inspirational programming, intriguing the minds and souls of the affiliated and non-affiliated Francis Parker teen to the known and unknown wonders of Judaism.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We will support the diversity of the school by inspiring our participants to think critically and independently about modern issues. We also will educate them in the timeless moral principles of the Bible to foster a more aware and responsible view of the world.
Karmin Club
Mission Statement: Our club is dedicated to the appreciation and analysis of the musical body of work of the alt-pop band Karmin.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We will support Francis Parker's mission statement by encouraging students to think critically about music and appreciating the culture associated with it.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We will support the diversity of the school by inspiring our participants to think critically and independently about modern issues. We also will educate them in the timeless moral principles of the Bible to foster a more aware and responsible view of the world.
Kiva Club
Mission Statement: We hope to raise the funds to support Kiva, a global organization which makes micro loans to people in developing nations trying to better their lives.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: In our school's mission statement it states, "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." Our club gives Parker students an opportunity to raise funds and contribute to Kiva, giving Parker students a direct way to contribute and connect with individual people while helping the development our global society.
Latin American Culture Club
Mission Statement: We hope to educate and inspire students to embrace Latin American culture and recognize its prominence in today’s society through food, music, and presentations. We also work to benefit those in need in Latin American countries by spreading awareness and donating proceeds to worthy organizations.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: One of Parker's biggest founding pillars is the aspect of global awareness, something we prioritize. We financially support a 7 year-old boy in Bolivia named Roger and educate our members on a different Latin American country every meeting.
Lean
Mission Statement: We will serve as a support system for the women on campus. The goal of the club is to create a space for women to support one another through shared experiences and action-based activities that will take place on and off the Parker campus.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club will specifically support the mission statement of our school by creating an all-inclusive environment that supports equality and gender diversity on the Upper and Middle school campuses.
Lending Paw
Mission Statement: Our mission is to raise money and awareness for animals at the San Diego Humane Society, and what one can do to help the creatures that exhibit nothing but love and compassion to humans.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club will direct its focus toward building character that prepares oneself for making a meaningful difference in the world. Many clubs and academic endeavors on campus are in existence to better oneself and one’s community. The human to animal relationship is something that is yet to have been explored. Especially since the San Diego Humane Society is an integral part of the Linda Vista and San Diego community, it seems fitting to share proceeds of this club with our animal loving neighbors down the hill. Animals give us so much; the unconditional love we receive from our pets is uncomparable. It is important that we try to help them how we can.
Marine Biology Club
Mission Statement: We aspire to bring students interested about marine biology and the ocean together as well as to encourage the student body to learn about ocean biology and conservation.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club will support the mission statement by creating citizens that will interact responsibly with the ocean environment. We hope to encourage students to go into the fields of oceanography and marine biology and become leaders in the fight for the protection of our oceans.
Math Team
Mission Statement: Our mission is to foster an enjoyment and appreciation of logic and mathematics in a diverse set of minds through the challenges and collaborative opportunities presented by our international competitions.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Just like our school, we are committed to education. By encouraging the use of logic to solve complex problems, we hope to create a community of independent thinkers within the Parker community. In particular, our participation in Arete Math, an online math competition, encourages our members to work independently and solve these complex problems which may seem daunting at first. We have the secondary goal of hoping to inspire academic excellence in students' academic classes as they see how powerful and rewarding rational thinking can be.
Middle Eastern Culture Club
Mission Statement: We hope to celebrate and learn about the different Middle Eastern groups politically, economically, and socially.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: By teaching other students about the Middle Eastern culture and its history, we are opening room for intellectual, diverse conversation.
Military History Club
Mission Statement: We plan to teach students about the history of the US through military actions in the name of both peace and war.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: By studying military history in ways that are otherwise impossible in the classroom setting, students in our club will have a better understanding for the experiences and struggles of people around the world, which will result in creating a more aware group of global citizens.
Mock Trial
Mission Statement: Our goal is to foster understanding and respect for the American legal system and for the rule of law. Our club seeks to develop high school students into better citizens by familiarizing them with our Constitution and Bill of Rights through academic competition while enhancing students’ ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work as a team.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Parker encourages their students to be independent thinkers. Our competitions are based off of fictional court cases that students will have to learn and memorize and in the process will learn about Constitutional law and the Bill of Rights. Additionally, our competitions take place at the San Diego Downtown Courthouse in front of an actual judge. In these competitions, members will have to work together on either the defense or prosecution side to develop the best arguments to win the case. In doing so, we hope to enhance the globality and intellectuality of our members.
Model UN
Mission Statement: Our club inspires a love for geopolitical discourse and encourages global citizenship.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We believe strongly in the power of diversity and global citizenship.
Percussion Club
Mission Statement: Our mission is to study and learn how to play various styles of percussion and gain experience with using a wide variety of percussion instruments. We then plant to perform them in order to show what we have learned.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We will help students gain a global perspective by studying styles of music from around the world, and we will help members think independently by teaching solo percussion techniques as well as group ones.
Photo Club
Mission Statement: Our goal is to expand the knowledge of photography to the Parker community.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We will be creating an inclusive community by informing members on photography exhibits and competitions within San Diego.
Public Forum Debate Club
Mission Statement: We hope to enrich the social, intellectual and academic lives of students through Public Forum Debate at the Middle and Upper School levels.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Engaging in Public Forum Debate provides our members with the opportunity to represent our school by striving for academic excellence, by thinking critically, speaking persuasively, and communicating confidently while debating complex topics that are relevant to our global community.
Science Demo Club
Mission Statement: We’re a Francis Parker club dedicated to bringing our own excitement for and value of science to the San Diego community.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We want to expand science excitement and in turn, diversity throughout our Parker community. We hope that every school and class we visit will be moved by what we are doing. In order to achieve those goals, we will be striving to hold events every 2-4 weeks.
Science Olympiad
Mission Statement: Our mission is to increase male, female and minority interest in science, help create a technologically-literate youth, and provide recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: From September to February, we will be working tirelessly on our group competition events. These include both test-taking and engineering competitions. Through participation in these events, students learn the power of scientific literacy, which helps encourage study in the laboratory sciences. It also helps teach students skills which will help them in college and beyond.
Spectrum
Mission Statement: We aspire to create an environment that allows for the discussion of current events and issues related to diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, we hope to celebrate diversity while ensuring the existence of open-mindedness and acceptance within the school community.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: By organizing workshops that aim to engage the student body in discussions, by bringing guest speakers, and by starting conversations about pressing issues, we will create a diverse, inclusive community.
Spikeball Club
Mission Statement: Students of all walks of life gather to play spikeball together on the lawn every day.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Creating a community of students who have a common interest and bond over the love of Spikeball.
Improv
Mission Statement: Our club's mission is to teach, practice, and compete in comedic, short-form improv. We want to promote an environment in which our team can do well in competition between other San Diego schools in our league, whilst making improv accessible and fun.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Improv is one of the things that seemingly does not fit in with Parker's academically rigorous reality, but in order to inspire a truly diverse group of independent thinkers, clubs such as us need to exist in order to support each person's passion and way of thinking.
Technical Theater Club
Mission Statement: Our club supports class and club theatre productions at Parker while educating students about technical theatre.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: A fantastic theatre piece demonstrating the values of diversity, academic excellence, global perspective and strength of character loses a lot of its meaning without light to see it with. We will offer both the technical support needed to make theatre work and offer technical theatre skills for students that prepare them for their future in almost any career.
Rowing Club
Mission Statement: We hope to raise an interest in rowing with the goal of ultimately establishing it as a recognized team sport at Parker.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club supports the mission statement of our school by creating and inspiring strength of character in the rowers at Parker.
Umoja
Mission Statement: We will meet to discuss African American culture along with making other connections to other cultures. We will talk about issues across the country and share our thoughts.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: We will support the mission statement by having as many meetings as our schedule will allow us while trying to keep everyone engaged in our strive for a more inclusive community.
Young Democrats
Mission Statement: We seek to engage the Parker community in democratic ideas by looking critically at local, regional, and national events. We will provide a space for students to develop ideas about governments at all levels, and encourage students to take up an active role in their communities.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club provides a space for the engagement of ideas and empowers its members to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Young Republicans
Mission Statement: We hope to promote and strengthen the ideals of the Republican Party in our Parker community. Furthermore, we want to promote civics and critical thinking in our political dialogue.
Mission in Conjunction with Parker: Our club supports the formation of the minds of strong thinkers and doers just like the mission statement.