Project Overview

The new 40,000 sqft Francis W. Parker Lower School features a link/bridge that was constructed to tie into the existing facility. Fast Track summer construction was implemented to assure the school would be open for the start of the fall session. In addition, the construction site was very challenging due to nearby residence homes and local storefronts. It was of the utmost concern to keep students, parents, staff and pedestrians safe throughout the construction process.

Approach

Throughout the Lower School Years, Francis W Parker emphasizes appropriate interactions by helping children use problem solving and negotiating skills to work through the tension inherent in being an individual within a community of other learners. The FWP school believes that the Lower School offers an exceptional nurturing environment for intellectual, emotional and physical growth. It embodies the ideals of progressive education: learning by doing and working cooperatively. Its aim is to foster the child’s individual growth, delight in discovery, sense of personal responsibility and ability to work in a group.

Using both structured and exploratory methods, the Lower School teachers support and facilitate Parker’s mission of educating students “to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a democratic society and global community.”