About the Nonprofit
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Francis W. Parker School's mission is to educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.
We are deliberately composed of a diverse group of people committed to equity and inclusion throughout the school. We create learning experiences through curriculum and pedagogy that resonate with the many different identities that our community comprises, making us effective citizens who honor the dignity of every human being. We are an intimate and expansive school that affirms the ways students can flourish when they feel known, appreciated and supported by equitable access to the fullness of a Parker education. Our school thrives when we each can acquire and contribute to the creation of new knowledge and skills; explore our imaginations and different perspectives; share who we are becoming; and expect to be treated with respect and kindness when expressing our own ideas, popular or not, while also learning to confront behaviors that oppress, exclude or demean the humanity of others.
For the past 120 years, Parker has been committed to the belief that the most enriching educational moments occur when our school community is composed of individuals—parents, students and teachers—who bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds to the classroom and apply the lessons they’ve learned out in the world and through their own experience. Educational experiences can vary greatly; the pandemic has highlighted those disparities for all of us. This is why Parker is committed to building a robust financial assistance program, so that students regardless of their financial circumstances can access a Parker education. This year 25% of Parker students (more than 250 students) received financial assistance!
Financial assistance at Parker supports tuition expenses, but also meals, technology needs, college prep, travel support, extended day programming, and more! We do everything we can to ensure students are able to access all aspects of a Parker education.
MEALS
Parker provides financial assistance participants with funds in their cafeteria account so that they are able to purchase breakfast and lunch at our cafeteria. This ensures equitable access to warm, healthy food for all of our students.
TECHNOLOGY
For financial assistance participants in the Upper School, Parker provides laptops and calculators so that students are able to complete projects and coursework with the same resources as their peers.
COLLEGE PREP
Since preparing for college can be expensive, Parker also can cover costs related to college preparation for financial assistance participants, including but not limited to: ACT/SAT test prep and fees, college search and application costs, and even college visit travel expenses. We want to ensure all Parker students can find and select the right college for them.
TRAVEL
Parker has a number of grade-specific retreats, field trips, and club-related excursions (such as competitions, events, or conferences), that students participate in each year. Parker supports program participants in local, national, and even international travel opportunities.
EXTENDED DAY
To support working families who need care for their students after school hours, Parker provides funds to Financial Assistance program participants enrolled in extended day programs at a deeply discounted cost. This includes Parker PM extended day care and Parker P.L.U.S. enrichment courses throughout the year.
AND MORE!
The support does not stop there! Parker's financial assistance program also helps fund athletic equipment; private music classes; community events; tutoring and diagnostics; yearbook; homecoming and prom dances; etc. Through these Financial Assistance Programs, Parker ensures inclusivity and the promise that all Parker students can participate in the vibrant student life of the school!
