The F. W. Parker Elementary School, built in 1916 and renovated in 1995, was named for the first Superintendent of Schools in Quincy, Col. Francis W. Parker. A neighborhood school in the heart of North Quincy, Parker has students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 5. The professional staff of full-time classroom teachers and interventionists is highly educated and continues to take advantage of professional development opportunities. The faculty and staff are supplemented by additional part-time individuals in order to provide various support services.
The core curriculum includes up-to-date resource materials. Beyond the core academic areas, our students participate in physical education, music, art, and media classes. All third graders learn to read music by playing the recorder. All fourth and fifth graders are invited to learn to play an instrument and to join the school band, as well as the city-wide band. All fifth graders participate in chorus, and are a part of our Peer Leader program, which offers monthly leadership opportunities on a rotating basis, emphasizing social responsibility. Our school community participates in Project Wisdom, a character development program that teaches responsible behavior and good citizenship.
We have a strong School Council and a knowledgeable Assessment Team who lead the staff in annual goal-setting for continual school improvement as we strive to the meet the diverse needs of our students. In addition, our PTO raises funds to provide resources for enrichment and other projects.