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 Stats (2025)
- 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:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Year Founded
1912
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
362 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students 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
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)
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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The nearest high school to Francis W Parker Lower School is Aces 2020 Llc Dba: Aces Academy (1.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is St. Vincent De Paul Elementary School (0.3 miles away)
The nearest preschool is All Saints' Episcopal Preschool (1.2 miles away)
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