About Francis Parker School
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.
Francis W. Parker School is a private, co-educational institution in Chicago, Illinois, serving students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Founded in 1901, the school emphasizes progressive education, community engagement, and responsible citizenship. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, it offers a diverse and inclusive environment for its students.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
For more than a century, we’ve been guided by a simple, yet powerful, idea: that school should be a “ Model Home .” This means creating a community where students feel known, supported and challenged to think not just critically, but creatively. It’s an education that is about more than just subjects; it's about the whole student.
What Makes Francis Parker School Special
- Financial aid & scholarships offered
- 126+ years of heritage (est. 1900)
- Small student-to-teacher ratio for personalized learning
Academics
Curriculum
Francis Parker School offers Progressive curriculum.
Academic Environment
Languages of Instruction
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
2 programsClubs & Activities
1 programsCampus & Facilities
Francis Parker School sits on a 6 Acres-acre campus with Library and Technology.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
$45,570
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Interview
- Entrance exam
- Other
Community & Culture
Francis W. Parker School cultivates a warm, intellectually engaged community guided by the concept of a "Model Home"—where students feel known, supported, and challenged to think both critically and creatively. The school draws 940 students from 63 different zip codes across Chicagoland, creating a diverse tapestry of perspectives on its six-acre urban campus. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, educators connect deeply with each child. The community emphasizes civic engagement and social justice, with recent activities ranging from poetry slams and choral performances to wildlife conservation efforts and Black History Month celebrations, reflecting a culture that values both artistic expression and purposeful action in the world.
Diversity & Inclusion
Francis W. Parker School maintains a dedicated focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, with a dedicated section on its website addressing these commitments. The school's mission emphasizes educating students "to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community." The 2023–24 student body reflects this commitment, with 46% of students self-identifying as students of color across multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds. The school's admission policy explicitly states it does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, family composition, or national and ethnic origin, and it offers financial assistance to remove barriers to access for families of divers
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement details are not prominently featured on the website. The site mentions parent/guardian meetings as part of the admission process and references parents attending classroom reading celebrations and school events, but does not describe specific volunteer opportunities, parent committees, or ongoing engagement structures.
Accreditations & Recognition
Contact Francis Parker School
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Francis Parker School
Francis Parker School serves students in grades Nursery-12.
Still have questions? Our AI consultants have answers