Robert C. Parker 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 students to experience, not just learn by rote memorization.
Why Parker?
We believe there’s no limit to how far a Parker education can take your child. We believe that successful learners are confident, caring and creative, capable of defining their own place in the world.
We are an independent school for boys and girls 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.
Inspiring Curiosity and a Passion for Learning
Attitudes and dispositions about learning are established when students are young. By giving students individual attention from caring adults, engaging hands-on projects, and time to play and connect with peers, our graduates leave Parker prepared for high school because they know themselves as learners.
Read about how Parker's program inspires innovation
Nurturing Confidence and Community
Students who learn in the same school from preK to grade 8 have a strong sense of community. Parker students take on new leadership and responsibilities as they advance through the grades. They are well known and this fosters a sense of confidence and leadership in each one.
Read about spring Shows of Work
Cultivating Purposeful Action
We believe that by giving students a chance to take action as they learn about the world, they will grow into adults who take responsibility for their communities. We know that our graduates will be among the most highly educated members of society, and their active participation will contribute to a better world.
Read about STEM projects that show our students in action!
ParkerMission
Robert C. Parker School 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.
ParkerPrepares
Success in life is about more than just taking tests.
Portrait of a Parker Graduate
Parker Graduates...
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Are confident in his or her independent thought and voice
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Possess self-knowledge and self-direction as a learner
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Are passionate about learning and committed to academic and intellectual integrity
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Are flexible, critical thinkers
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Communicate effectively and clearly
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Works collaboratively
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Demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility with respect, kindness, understanding, and engagement in a diverse world
Parker Snapshots
Learn more about Parker through our newsletters and blog posts below...
The Show Must Go On!
One of the most difficult things about our sudden school closure has been the loss of community traditions that we have come to treasure as milestones. This past Friday, April 3rd, would have marked our annual Shakespeare Night — a marvel of endearing and side-splitting performances by every grade in the school. However, the spirit …
The Importance of Carrying On
These past two weeks have been laden with processing the news from our governor that school is closed for the remainder of the year. Although this news is difficult on many levels, it is wise to acknowledge that we do our students and teachers a grave disservice in interpreting it at face value. While there …
Celebrating Our Youngest Learners
This past week, Parker’s PreK classrooms celebrated The Week of the Young Child, a nationally honored event amongst early childhood educators and the young children in their care. This week of acknowledgement was started by the NAEYC , and is held as much to honor the very young as it is to raise awareness about the importance …