Francis W Parker Lower School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025-26)

4201 Randolph
San Diego, CA 92103

At Francis Parker School, our mission is to provide a superior college preparatory education in a diverse, family-oriented environment that meets the academic, social, creative, emotional, and physical needs of the individual student.

Founded in 1912, and now with 1,200 students, Francis Parker School is San Diego's oldest and largest independent, non-denominational, coeducational day school.

Through a system of instruction in the academics, athletics, and arts that is grounded in excellence, Parker students are prepared to succeed at four-year colleges and universities appropriate to their individual goals.

This level of educational success is based on a foundation of shared values the importance of family; the uniqueness of each individual child; the ethical treatment of others and the world around us; a shared passion for learning between inspired teachers and motivated students.

Our mission is to provide a superior college-preparatory education in a diverse, family-oriented environment that meets the academic, social, creative, emotional and physical needs of the individual student.

Francis Parker School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 362 students
Acceptance rate: 25%
Average class size: 16 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

Francis W Parker Lower School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-6

Year Founded

1912

Last Day of School

Mon. May 25, 2026

Student Body

Total Students

362 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

Students by Grade

Francis W Parker Lower School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

22 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

16:1

National avg.: 13:1

Average Class Size

16 students

Number of AP Courses

60 courses

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Tuition Notes

Junior Kindergarten:$27,600 Senior Kindergarten to Grade 5:$34,350 Grades 6 to 8:$41,750 Grades 9 to 12:$44,300

Acceptance Rate

25%

National avg.: 81%

Application URL

Online Application

School Notes

School Motto: Students First

At Francis Parker School, our mission is to provide a superior college preparatory education in a diverse, family-oriented environment that meets the academic, social, creative, emotional, and physical needs of the individual student. Founded in 1912, and now with 1,200 students, Francis Parker School is San Diego's oldest and largest independent, non-denominational, coeducational day school. Through a system of instruction in the academics, athletics, and arts that is grounded in excellence, Parker students are prepared to succeed at four-year colleges and universities appropriate to their individual goals. This level of educational success is based on a foundation of shared values the importance of family; the uniqueness of each individual child; the ethical treatment of others and the world around us; a shared passion for learning between inspired teachers and motivated students. Our mission is to provide a superior college-preparatory education in a diverse, family-oriented environment that meets the academic, social, creative, emotional and physical needs of the individual student. Francis Parker School is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of Francis W Parker Lower School?

The acceptance rate of Francis W Parker Lower School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Francis W Parker Lower School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.

What is Francis W Parker Lower School's ranking?

Francis W Parker Lower School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Francis W Parker Lower School?

The application deadline for Francis W Parker Lower School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

In what neighborhood is Francis W Parker Lower School located?

Francis W Parker Lower School is located in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego, CA. There are 1 other private schools located in Mission Hills.

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