Community and Support

At Parker Academy, community comes first. Students, families, and staff build meaningful relationships through shared experiences, school events, service projects, and daily life together. We believe connection, belonging, and shared responsibility are essential to student growth — academically, socially, and emotionally.

Fostering Community at Parker Academy

When students and families join Parker Academy, they become part of a community that supports, celebrates, and shows up for one another. We believe that learning happens best when students and families feel connected — not just to teachers, but to each other and to the school as a whole.

Throughout the year, Parker hosts community events that bring families together, including family barbecues, Parent Nights Out, Nights of the Arts, and potluck dinners. Parents are encouraged to be involved in planning and participating in field trips, school events, and special projects, and our active Parent Committee plays an important role in shaping the life of the school.

We also recognize that supporting a student with learning differences or neurodivergent needs can be both meaningful and challenging. At Parker, families are not expected to navigate this alone. We prioritize frequent communication between parents, teachers, and administrators, and we create opportunities for parents to connect with one another, share experiences, and build relationships of their own. You may hear from us on a hard day — and you will definitely hear from us when your student has a success, takes a risk, or does something wonderful.

team of students at Rock n' Race

Community at Parker extends into daily school life as well. Students take shared responsibility for caring for our environment and each other, whether that’s helping build the greenhouse, tending the school garden, setting up or cleaning up after events, or pitching in on school projects. We also share our space with Jasper, our school dog, along with a bearded dragon, turtles, and a snake — all of whom help create a warm, lively, and uniquely Parker environment.

Community service is an important part of this work. Each week, students dedicate time to service projects that foster connection beyond our school walls. Through partnerships with organizations such as Darbster Dog Rescue, local nursing homes, the NH Veterans Home, Friends of Forgotten Children, and local food pantries, students learn the value of contributing their time, energy, and care to others. These experiences help students build empathy, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

gardening work

At Parker Academy, community is not a program — it’s the foundation. It’s how students learn to belong, to contribute, and to see themselves as capable, valued members of something larger than themselves.

Community Accepted Norms of Parker

  1. We use the Parker Handshake and respect personal space.
  2. We use kind and appropriate language 
  3. We drink water 
  4. We take care of our school 
  5. We are phone free and present 
  6. We actively listen and respond respectfully

Our son has made so much progress with his academics and social skills since attending Parker Academy. We love the small class size and opportunities to participate in community service. The teachers and staff are an extension of our family, they are the most caring and supportive group of individuals. The best placement for our son!

Questions? Contact us today to schedule a tour or meeting with one of our team members.

Thank You!

Thank you for contacting us today. We will be in touch soon.