Francis W Parker School
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Francis W. Parker School (Parker) educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a democratic society and global community.
- Income
- $56.2 million
- Spending
- $54.7 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- -4.7 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 80%
- Employees
- 436
- Volunteers
- 350
- Highest pay
- $1.0 million, principal
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 61 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 19% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 12% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 24 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2533 of 33 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $40.9 million spent. See Schedule OWe are deliberately composed of a diverse group of people so that we can learn how to honor the dignity and experience of every human being. Our commitment to inclusion and integration makes us an intimate and expansive school aiming for all to feel free and safe and able to acquire knowledge and skills, explore our imaginations, share who we are becoming and embrace the diversity of identities, passions and ideas that shape humanity. We pursue educational excellence and creativity in order to know the pleasures of learning and the value of contributing to the progress and improvement of society. We affirm students and their capacity to thrive when they feel known, understood and appreciated by teachers and classmates. We believe scholarship, character and confidence grow when we are open to new questions, perspectives and information; when we lead with respect, civility and curiosity as we make reasoned judgments; when we collaborate and when we persevere with integrity in the face of challenge. Our culture of trust and authenticity nurtures an abiding sense of purpose and joy that drives our work toward insight, understanding and accomplishment. We are responsive in our approaches to teaching and mentoring so that each person can grow in intellectual, aesthetic, emotional and moral life. We encourage all to be resourceful as we learn from one another through spirited, rigorous and reflective engagement in mathematics, languages, the humanities, sciences, arts, athletics and community service. Our vision is grounded in our relationships with one another, inspiring us to stretch beyond current achievements, points of view and disciplines. Our standards for inquiry reach from the classroom to life throughout the school, guiding each of us to do our best as we find meaning in what we learn. We hold that a Parker education is a privilege that carries responsibility. We call on all to participate with self-discipline, independence of mind and collaborative spirit. We expect each of us to come prepared to learn and to support Parker's approach to education, human development and community. Our purpose is to inspire our students to apply their skills, thoughts and values to make the world just, beautiful and interesting. The people of Francis W. Parker School educate students to connect reflection with action, wisdom with innovation, deeds with consequences, and character with citizenship. In these ways, Parker stands as a progressive school, dedicated to the growth and development of the whole person, on behalf of our democratic society and the wider world.
- $4.9 million spent. Parker also offers certain other auxiliary programs which are used to supplement the general education of the school in making certain that the mission of the school can be achieved by all students. These programs include the schools extended day program, food service and music lessons. All of the auxiliary programs are overseen by the administration of the school and are staffed with school employees or professionals in the field of study. The food service of the school is overseen by a third party provider which specializes in food preparation and service with direct oversight of the school.
- $445,000 spent. Parker offers a Summer Camp program in accordance with the schools' overall exempt mission. This camp offers a safe, nurturing recreational opportunity for children in the neighboring community. The staff for the camp is composed of Parker faculty and students or former students who adhere to the overall mission of the school to guarantee an enriching experience for all camp participants.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since May 1932.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.