Strategic Plan

Tending Community

The Spark

At Parker, community is curriculum. Our model home is one of our greatest assets, and a strong, connected, community is an educational imperative—not an add-on. Th e composition of the Parker community continues to evolve, refl ecting the diversity of Chicago as the presence of traditionally underrepresented groups grows. As outlined in our Diversity Statement, Parker strives to ensure that students and families of all identities experience a deep sense of belonging and see the school as a place where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Th is commitment inspires us to strengthen belonging and deepen how current families and alumni connect to the life of the school. We place particular emphasis on socioeconomic inclusion—identifi ed through our community listening process as a clear area of opportunity—because belonging is not static, but something we must intentionally cultivate.

The Catalysts

List of 4 items.

  • Increase Access and Affordability

    • Reduce the economic, geographic, and logistical barriers to a Parker education through expanded outreach and community partnerships, assessment of transportation options, and increased financial assistance.
    • Enroll and retain a student body that reflects the vibrance and diversity of Chicago and a community that supports Parker’s Mission, Values and Vision.

  • Foster Belonging and Cohesion

    • Strengthen the social conditions and supports that ensure students from a range of backgrounds have meaningful access to all aspects of the Parker experience.
    • Proactively examine participation in academic, co-curricular, and community activities to identify access gaps.
    • Regularly measure students’ sense of belonging, acting on what we learn.
    • Develop additional internal practices that help all students deepen their sense of belonging, while recognizing that socioeconomic context may influence the starting point.

  • Acknowledge Socioeconomic Realities

    • Recognize that being part of an intentionally socioeconomically diverse community offers many benefits and also gives rise to challenges for which there are no easy answers.
    • Develop age-appropriate curricular exercises, advisory conversations, and facilitated dialogues that help students and adults explore socioeconomic and other identity-based differences as part of Parker’s broader work on identity, empathy, community, and belonging.

  • Bring the Fun

    • Activate connection. Create more opportunities to gather, celebrate, play and show up for one another.
    • Launch Parker University, an evening of workshops, classes, and community conversations to help families learn about Parker’s educational approach, understand its values, and partner with the school in shaping their child’s experience.
    • Design events and activities that spark connection, school spirit, and collective joy.

Why Light This Fire Now?

The pandemic, rapid technological change, and broader societal shift s have altered patterns of engagement and interaction, prompting us to re-knit the social fabric of the school. By deepening engagement, spreading warmth, and strengthening belonging, we can create new ways to come together that honor individuality while building shared purpose, joy, and connection across the Parker community. Fun is not a distraction from education, it is one of its most powerful tools

More Sparks

330 West Webster Avenue | Chicago, Illinois 60614 | 773.353.3000
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.