Mission Driven Education: Joy, Discovery, and Community

March 7, 2025
This Snapshot was authored by Jennifer Gresens, Head of School
At Parker, we believe our mission should capture the very essence of what makes our community unique – our joy, our curiosity, and our commitment to nurturing confident, compassionate citizens. Over the past several months, we embarked on a thoughtful, collaborative process to revise our mission statement, and we’re excited to share that journey with you.
Step 1: Laying the Foundation
Our journey began in the fall of 2024 as we prepared to begin a new strategic planning process for our school. The first step was to examine our current mission – ensuring it remained relevant and aligned with our programming.
Faculty and administrators gathered to review our mission, compare it with those of similar schools, and kick off a brainstorming session. Working in smaller groups, we identified what resonated with us, what needed to change, and what was missing.
From there, we formed a dedicated “Mission Review Task Force” – a group of volunteers who delved into the work of creating a first draft. By reflecting on Parker’s philosophy, culture, and programming, this team ensured that our new mission would include the key phrases and ideas that truly capture who we are:
Joy and discoveryActive learningDedicated teachers and studentsCommunityDeep intellectual engagementConfidenceCompassionate citizenshipConnection to natureThink critically
After much deliberation and many meetings later, the mission review team presented a draft that set the tone for what was to come:
“Joy and discovery are at the heart of a Parker education. Active learning unites our community in deep intellectual engagement that nurtures confidence, compassionate citizenship, and a connection to nature. Parker inspires students to think critically and participate meaningfully with their world.”
Step 2: Enriching Through Collaboration
The next step involved presenting this draft to our Board of Trustees for further consideration and review. Our Board members then gathered to work through the draft, with clear guidance to weave these key elements and phrases into our new mission. Four distinct groups offered their ideas, each contributing unique perspectives while keeping our core values at the forefront. For instance, one group highlighted how experiential learning unites our diverse community, while another emphasized critical and creative thinking through project-based learning. Each proposal enriched the conversation and deepened our shared vision for Parker.
Step 3: Crafting the Final Mission
A dedicated mission team then synthesized these ideas into two refined versions, each carefully balancing our key phrases and the spirit of our community. After much reflection, our new mission was chosen:
“Joy and discovery unite our community in deep intellectual engagement that nurtures confidence, compassionate citizenship, and a connection to nature. Through relevant and responsive project-based learning, Parker inspires students to think creatively and engage meaningfully with their world.”
This final mission statement is a testament to the collective thought, care, and collaboration that went into every step of the process. It reflects our commitment not only to academic excellence, but also to fostering a nurturing and innovative environment where every member of our community can thrive. Together, we continue to build a legacy of joy, discovery, and deep intellectual engagement. We are tremendously grateful for the thoughtfulness and dedication of our faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees who dedicated their time, ideas, and insights to this process. Our new mission is a true achievement and a beautiful reflection of our shared dedication to Parker.