Francis Parker School
Independent, non-sectarian JK-12 school across two San Diego campuses
Francis Parker School is an independent, non-sectarian college-preparatory school founded in 1912, serving approximately 1,200-1,300 students from Junior Kindergarten through grade 12 across two San Diego campuses: Mission Hills (JK-5) and Linda Vista (6-12). With an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 16, Parker distributes about $8.25 million in financial aid annually to roughly 25% of students.
Quick answers
Tuition, selectivity, and admissions overview
Francis Parker School is one of the schools families often compare in the San Diego private high school search. This summary brings together tuition, acceptance-rate context, deadlines, testing, and local guardian considerations before the full profile below.
Data context
Tuition, testing, and application dates follow school-published sources.
Suggested next step
Confirm grade-level availability first, then decide whether to complete materials now or plan for the next cycle.
2027–28 applications are open
$30,300 - $49,100 (2026-27, by grade)
For a real annual budget, compare tuition with housing, guardianship, insurance, transportation, school breaks, and activity costs.
Admissions assessment; ISEE for Grades 2-12
Day school; students must live locally with a parent or legal guardian
Compare with
Schools families often compare with Francis Parker School
The Bishop's School
La Jolla, California
Tuition $52,500 (2026-27)
View school profile →Cathedral Catholic High School
San Diego, California
Tuition $22,637 (2026-27 annual-plan total: $22,137 tuition + $500 deposit)
View school profile →Pacific Ridge School
Carlsbad, California
Tuition $47,250 (2026-27 tuition)
View school profile →Fit guidance
Is Francis Parker the right fit?
Parker is strong for families planning a long-term San Diego pathway, but it should be evaluated carefully if the student needs boarding, late-entry flexibility, or a lower-cost option.
Strong fit for
Families seeking a non-sectarian JK-12 pathway
The two-campus model works well for students who may grow within one independent school community from elementary through high school.
Students who benefit from small classes and broad resources
Parker combines an 11:1 student-teacher ratio with a large enough JK-12 program to support academics, arts, athletics, and college counseling.
Families comparing top San Diego day schools
Parker is often compared with Bishop's and La Jolla Country Day for academically ambitious students who want a secular private school environment.
Think carefully if
Students who need a school-run boarding program
Parker is a day school. International students must live locally with a parent or legal guardian rather than in an on-campus dormitory.
Families relying on a published acceptance rate
The school does not publish an official admissions acceptance rate, so selectivity should be discussed using grade-level entry points and current applicant context.
Short-window applicants entering crowded grades
The largest entry points are JK, grade 6, and grade 9. Other grades may depend heavily on available space.
EdComm can help families compare Parker against Bishop's, La Jolla Country Day, Pacific Ridge, Cathedral Catholic, and public-school alternatives before committing to an application strategy.
Mission
“Francis Parker School is a coeducational, non-sectarian, college-preparatory day school whose mission is to create and inspire a diverse community of independent thinkers whose academic excellence, global perspective, and strength of character prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world.
”
Key Information
Grades
Junior Kindergarten - Grade 12
Language Requirement
Admissions assessment; ISEE for Grades 2-12
Cost of Attendance
$30,300 - $49,100 (2026-27, by grade)
Accommodation
Day school; students must live locally with a parent or legal guardian
Admission Information
2027–28 Upper School admission
Open
•2027-02-01
2027–28 Upper School applications are due February 1, 2027; decisions are March 10 and enrollment is due March 24. Check division-specific pages for other grades.
New-family financial assistance
2026-09-15
•2027-02-01
Submit separately from admission, with the financial documents requested by the school.
Application Requirements
- Admissions assessment; ISEE for Grades 2-12
- Recommendation letters
- Student may choose a small-group academic discussion or one-on-one interview
- Academic transcripts
- $125 application fee (valid 2 years; waived for financial aid applicants)
Why Choose Francis Parker School?
Two Purpose-Built Campuses for JK-12
Founded in 1912, Parker is one of San Diego's oldest independent schools and runs two campuses by design: Mission Hills serves Junior Kindergarten through grade 5, and Linda Vista serves grades 6-12. Each campus is tailored to the developmental stage of its students rather than fitting all ages into a single building.
11:1 Ratio Across ~1,300 Students
With approximately 1,200-1,300 students across both campuses, Francis Parker maintains an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 16. Roughly 67% of faculty hold advanced degrees, supporting a non-sectarian college-preparatory program without the size constraints of much smaller schools.
Substantial Need-Based Financial Aid
Francis Parker distributes about $8.25 million in financial aid each year — among the largest aid budgets of any San Diego independent school. Approximately 25% of students receive aid, and the $125 application fee is waived for families applying for assistance.
Life at Francis Parker School
Two Campuses, One Independent JK-12 Community
Francis Parker is non-sectarian and coeducational, serving roughly 1,200-1,300 students across two purpose-built San Diego campuses: Mission Hills for Junior Kindergarten through grade 5, and Linda Vista for grades 6-12. The split campus structure tunes facilities and pace to each developmental stage while preserving a single JK-12 program identity.
~1,300 Students, 11:1 Ratio
Two campuses combined, with an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and average class size of 16
JK-12 in San Diego
Junior Kindergarten through grade 12 in a non-sectarian, coeducational independent program
~$8.25M in Annual Aid
Roughly 25% of students receive financial aid; $125 application fee is waived for aid applicants
Campus Life at Francis Parker School
Two San Diego campuses supporting JK-12 academics, college counseling, arts, athletics, and student life
Mission Hills Lower School
Junior Kindergarten through grade 5 campus designed for younger learners
Middle School Discovery
Grade 6-8 learning with discovery weeks and out-of-classroom experiences
Linda Vista Upper School
Grades 9-12 college-preparatory program on the Linda Vista campus
Classroom Learning
Small classes and close student-teacher interaction across the JK-12 program
College Counseling
Dedicated counseling helps students plan next steps beyond Parker
Arts & Innovation
Performing arts, visual arts, design, and creative work across divisions
Athletics
Lancer athletics and student wellness support the whole-child program
Francis Parker School By The Numbers
Discover the impressive statistics that make our school exceptional
Data verified on
Academic Program
Francis Parker runs a non-sectarian, coeducational, college-preparatory program from Junior Kindergarten through grade 12 across two purpose-built San Diego campuses. With an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 16, the program emphasizes academic depth, global perspective, and character.
Junior Kindergarten through grade 12, two-campus structure
Mission Hills campus serves JK-5; Linda Vista campus serves 6-12
11:1 student-to-teacher ratio with average class size of 16
Approximately 67% of faculty hold advanced degrees
Admissions assessment required; ISEE for Grades 2-12
Non-sectarian and coeducational
Data sources
The figures below are sourced from each school's official public records, verified periodically: Data verified on
- Francis Parker School — Home (Official)
- Francis Parker School — Admissions Home (Official)
- Francis Parker School — Progressive Education (Official)
- Francis Parker School — Arts & Innovation (Official)
- Francis Parker School — Lower School Admissions (Official)
- Francis Parker School — Middle School Admissions (Official)
- Francis Parker School — College Counseling (Official)
- Francis Parker School — Athletics (Official)
- PrivateSchoolReview: Francis Parker School Profile
- Wikipedia: Francis Parker School (San Diego)
- Parker: Upper School admissions
- Parker: Tuition
- Parker: FAQs
Further reading
If you're considering Francis Parker School, also read
San Diego's Big Three: how Francis Parker compares to Bishop's and LJCDS
Side-by-side look at the three top SD independent schools. Parker's positioning across academics, athletics, and admissions.
Full cost of US private high school for a Chinese family
Tuition, guardianship, fees, transportation — total cost beyond Parker's published K-12 tuition range.
When to apply to Francis Parker: San Diego private school admissions timeline
Parker runs a structured admissions cycle with December-February deadlines and interview windows.
Top private high schools in San Diego: where Francis Parker fits
Non-sectarian K-12 independent school in Linda Vista and Mission Hills. Parker's positioning among SD's elite private options.
Legal guardianship for international students at San Diego day schools
Parker is a day school. International families without local relatives must plan guardianship in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Francis Parker School's admissions acceptance rate?
The school does not publish an admissions acceptance rate.
How much does Francis Parker School cost for 2026-27?
2026–27 tuition is $30,300 for JK, $37,700 for K–5, $46,200 for grades 6–8, and $49,100 for grades 9–12. Upper School families should also budget about $500 for uniforms, variable Global Education Trips in grades 11–12, and $300 for senior activities. Lunch and required learning materials are included.
How many students attend Francis Parker School?
Approximately 1,200-1,300 students across two campuses: Mission Hills (Junior Kindergarten through grade 5) and Linda Vista (grades 6-12). Reported counts vary slightly across sources (1,313 PrivateSchoolReview, 1,237 Wikipedia, ~1,200 school site).
What is the student-teacher ratio at Francis Parker?
Approximately 11:1, with around 123 classroom teachers (PrivateSchoolReview) and an average class size of 16. About 67% of faculty hold advanced degrees.
When is Parker’s 2027–28 Upper School deadline?
2027–28 Upper School applications are due February 1, 2027; decisions are March 10 and enrollment is due March 24. Check division-specific pages for other grades.
Does Francis Parker School offer financial aid?
Yes. Approximately 25% of students receive financial aid, and the school distributes about $8.25 million in aid each year. The $125 application fee is waived for families applying for financial aid.
Is Francis Parker School a religious school?
No. Francis Parker is a non-sectarian independent K-12 school with no religious affiliation. Founded in 1912 on the educational philosophy of Colonel Francis W. Parker, the school's identity is built around progressive academics, inquiry-based learning, and student-centered pedagogy rather than a faith tradition.
Does Francis Parker School accept international students?
The school can issue I-20s to eligible students, who must live locally with a parent or legal guardian. Mission Hills serves JK–5 and Linda Vista grades 6–12. Upper School admissions requires ISEE, not an assumed SSAT alternative.
What standardized tests does Francis Parker School require?
The Upper School checklist specifies ISEE, academic records, English and math teacher evaluations, an administrator evaluation, questionnaires and a campus experience/interview. Other schools’ SSAT, PSAT or SAT substitution policies should not be assumed.
How does Francis Parker compare to The Bishop's School or LJCDS?
Parker serves JK–12: Mission Hills for JK–5 and Linda Vista for grades 6–12. Compare target grades, campuses, academics, religious setting and budget with Bishop’s and LJCDS, rather than unverified acceptance rates.