Francis W Parker School

An amazing school. I was initially a bit suspicious about the concept of progressive education -- having enrolled and excelled at a highly competitive "academic pressure-cooker" of a high school myself (and enjoying that experience) -- and found the Parker community a bit too warm-and-fuzzy for my taste. But I can see how it has transformed my child from a shy and reserved person to a vibrant, animated, creative thinker. She loves school and her friends, and she has made very deep connections with her teachers. College placement appears to be excellent (and, trust me, I'm picky about this). The students themselves are very polite, respectful, confident and seem to possess an unusually high emotional intelligence which carries through into their learning. All in all, a great school -- and I'm not easily impressed. Pros: Strong emphasis on writing and public speaking (most schools wrongly assume public speaking should be "extra curricular" -- Parker is the only school in the city to get this right) Cons: pressure to donate, the occasional trust fund parent trying to the soften the curriculum (attempts are unsuccessful, thanks to the rise in # of "tiger parents" in lower school)
—Submitted by a parent

It's interesting reading the past two reviews. I graduated from Parker several years back. I was an ok student -- mostly Bs in a mixture of regular and advanced classes. I did not get into any IVY's, but I did get waitlisted at Northwestern. Hope that helps. And, yes, those boarding schools that were mentioned are more selective, but that may be because they attract a national/international audience.

To the reviewer below me: any relatively capable kid at Parker who is even remotely focused on their academics *IS* heading to an Ivy League level college *IF* that is the path they want to take. I personally- did want to go Ivy League. Despite the fact that I was focused on sports more than academics (I had only a 3.3 GPA), I got into an Ivy (my SAT's were only 1440). Anyone who at least does their HW and can get B's in advanced classes (which is easy), will get into Ivy League if they want. If the student in question is not smart enough to get a decent score on their SATs then they SHOULD NOT go Ivy League because they will not enjoy themselves. Parker affords ambitious students to maintain a balance in their lives and STILL get into top Universities.

Our daughter is enrolled in the Lower School. Unlike most kids who got in based on alumni and sibling connections, she got in based on merit. The school grounds are nice and the teaching quality is very good. However, there ought to be more diversity. And, the quality of the students, while strong, could reach the exceptional level of Exeter/Andover/Groton-types if FWP could make more room for merit-based enrollment. The vast majority of these kids (unlike the student body of those East Coast private schools) are not heading to Ivy League-calliber colleges.
—Submitted by a parent

a great k-12 school. although it lacks diversity, it has a very progressive atmosphere. Teachers and students have great relationships throughout your Francis Parker experience. I have teachers I remember from lower school that I still know and say hi to. Parker also does a great job with combining the high school, middle school, and lower school. Parker also has a lovely assembly every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday where all students are brought together to see a speaker or student put on what we call a Morning Ex. Overall Parker has a very unique teaching style that can create, not only intelligent students, but great people.
—Submitted by a student

As a parent of a couple Parker children I too agree that the education is good - but is it worth $25,00 a year per child with a need to give $2500 more per child (donation) annually - NO! The pressure to give give give is insane. And the demands to do do in this rough economy is disturbing. The tuition soars each year minimum of 6% with the care or end in sight. The principal has no concerns about where parents will find this extra money to pay.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a child at Parker, new parents have a right to a more balanced view of the school than the brochure-postings placed previously. Yes, the education is great but not the best - I have visited other private schools to check out the competition - others are good too. Parker also comes at a price. Parents have to constantly 'jump hoops' to stay part of the 'community'. There is a constant pressure to be active in the 'community', to constantly donate to various fund-raising efforts. Every week, there are requests for donations. There is also the indoctrination of both kids and parents that I find mildly disturbing - that there is nowhere like Parker, no where is as good, no where as wonderful. An almost mindless ra-ra-ra of self-congratulation that we have attained nirvana. Come on - we all need to get real.
—Submitted by a parent

i love my school. it is a great open,relaxed atmosphere. the classes are great, the teachers are fun. And i am truly excited to going to school and learning.
—Submitted by a student

Throughout their time at Parker my children have been challenged to maximize their potential. Academic discipline coupled with engagement in the curricula motivates them to achieve a depth of understanding far exceeding grade level expectations. Not insignificant to their education is the daily work of the Parker community in building character and citizenship in students. Alumni remain engaged and open worlds to current students. Faculty is accessible and accomplished. They really know who your child is and how they learn! My children have become skilled communicators and agile thinkers at Parker. Parents are a strong presence. Volunteer opportunities abound. As a parent, that is how you see firsthand the Parker educational values at work! Outstanding!
—Submitted by a parent

My child was a student at this school for more than two years. In my opinoin the school was focused on issues they could not control. As an example, some feel that a child should not have a television in his/her bedroom. Well that decision is the decision of the parent not school administrators. The school attempts to control what happens outside of 330 W. Webster and it is not their right or decision to make. The schools focus should be on educating the child especially when the child is a good kid that is not disruptive or malice.
—Submitted by a parent