Curious
Thinkers
Caring
Citizens
Curious
Thinkers
Caring
Citizens
We are an independent school for children of all genders from toddlers to pre-school through 8th grade, 10 minutes from downtown Albany. Parker students cultivate critical thinking and purposeful action through a challenging learning process.
A Progressive School
Parker practices a progressive model of education. We begin with the student's own experiences and use active learning to promote deep thinking. We encourage independent thought and emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving.
Building Confidence, Purpose, and Curiosity
Parker engages each student in a thoughtful and challenging learning process that inspires curiosity and a passion to achieve, nurtures confidence and community, and cultivates purposeful action.
Explore Our Programs
Explore Our Programs
Why Parker
Love of Learning
Children are intrinsically eager to understand the world. Our progressive program takes advantage of these inquisitive years through project-based learning geared to each child’s individual level of development.
Innovative Education
Progressive education is laser focused on engaging each student. Teachers are given agency to use their expertise to create new experiences untethered by traditional curricula and state testing.
Also, students in grades K-8 are taught science by a specialist science teacher. The 3,200-square-foot Parker Discovery Center contains a state of the art science lab with direct access to the outdoors.
Student Leadership
As students mature we cultivate responsibility and leadership opportunities for them by connecting students across grade levels. For example, an eighth grader teaches lower school students about water quality during the annual Day in the Life of the Hudson trip.
Expansive Campus
Parker students explore an expansive 77-acres that includes forest trails, a tree-house classroom, butterfly garden, pond and meadows. Students are outdoors in all seasons and the campus is often the inspiration for learning such as gardening and composting, wildlife study, and engineering projects.
Graduate Success
Parker graduates are confident in their independent thought and voice and are passionate about learning. They are committed to academic and intellectual integrity and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility with respect, kindness, understanding, and engagement in a diverse world.
What People Say About Parker
“Parker is truly a special place. The expansive outdoor spaces for kids to play, the pond, stream, and acres of forests are magical. But what is truly outstanding is the learning going on inside the school.”
By the Numbers
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Year Parker School was founded0
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Student:Teacher Ratio at Parker School$0
Diversity Scholarships and Financial AidNews & Events
From Makers to Model Citizens
Spotlight on Rube Goldberg projects Here at Parker, we follow a progressive model of education designed to scaffold independence, motivation, and risk-taking in developmentally appropriate ways for each grade. Educators are constantly aiming to hit that sweet spot between teacher-directed instruction and student-led exploration. It is in this happy middle that our students find their…
Extra, Extra, Read All About It!!!
Elevating student voices has long been a priority and highlight of our education here at Parker. In particular, we have dedicated this year to seeking out more opportunities to share the perspectives and passions of our middle schoolers. This is an important step in fostering the ability to take a position, communicate factually, and cultivate…
Better Together: The Power of Community
It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to raise a school. This past Saturday, we basked in the abundance of community as Parker families, faculty, and friends gathered together for our Community Work Day. Community Work Day is an important event in the year of our school for one…
