Robert C. Parker School

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Robert C. Parker School An independent, progressive school teaching pre-K to 8th grade through student-centered, experiential learning.

We are an independent school for children of all genders from toddlers to pre-school through 8th grade, 10 minutes from downtown Albany. Celebrating more than 30 years of progressive education in a thoughtful and challenging learning environment that inspires curiosity, confidence, and community.

This week, Parker’s 8th grade journeyed through peak fall foliage and blustery rains to enjoy two days of outdoor advent...
10/15/2026

This week, Parker’s 8th grade journeyed through peak fall foliage and blustery rains to enjoy two days of outdoor adventures and connection at the North Country School! Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, North Country School is philosophically and methodologically aligned with Parker in providing a hands-on, naturally immersive education that fosters joy, purpose, and belonging. Our Parker students were thrilled to jump right in and help with mucking stalls, baling hay, gathering eggs, cuddling sheep, canoeing, hiking, and building a science platform in the woods. We were inspired by North Country’s commitment to both depth and playfulness in crafting learning experiences for middle grade students, and we return affirmed and invigorated in our efforts to do the same at Parker. Thank you for hosting us, North Country School! You’re welcome at Parker any time! ❤️🌎🌱

Parker 8th graders experience authentic leadership through teaching and mentorship during their capstone year. This week...
10/07/2026

Parker 8th graders experience authentic leadership through teaching and mentorship during their capstone year. This week, they showcased their confidence and capabilities by leading our 3rd and 4th graders through A Day in the Life of the Hudson River. Contributing to this statewide study to promote clean water gives our students practice in stewardship and advocacy, igniting a love for the environment that we foster daily here on campus. 🐟❤️🌎

Parker families…stay tuned to this week’s Snapshot for a more in-depth analysis of our day and a link to photos!

A tremendous THANK YOU! to our community for joining us on this gorgeous fall Saturday as we worked in service to our be...
10/04/2026

A tremendous THANK YOU! to our community for joining us on this gorgeous fall Saturday as we worked in service to our beloved 77-acre campus and grounds. Our gardens and playgrounds are weeded, trails cleared, windows sparkling, and firewood is split and stacked for winter gatherings. We are fresh and ready to welcome our NYSAIS accreditation team in just a few short weeks! ❤️🌱🌎

Today, we celebrated our alliance with Dr. Jane Goodall’s legacy as a naturalist and conservationist by walking the walk...
10/02/2026

Today, we celebrated our alliance with Dr. Jane Goodall’s legacy as a naturalist and conservationist by walking the walk as our entire community took part in a Hike for Hope. Jane Goodall championed the idea that humans thrive when immersed in the freedom, beauty, curiosity, and resourcefulness that nature provides. That is why Parker students engage with nature every day, offering a dynamic and unique learning experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Oh honey, honey💛🐝🍯 Our first honey harvest is here! Parker middle schoolers have been bee-keeping for over a year, and t...
09/30/2026

Oh honey, honey💛🐝🍯 Our first honey harvest is here! Parker middle schoolers have been bee-keeping for over a year, and this week they finally enjoyed the sweet rewards of their hard work! Together, this crew persevered and problem-solved through hive collapse, a swarmed queen, and even a bear attack! Nature is not always linear, but it does thrive with patience and tending — just like children☺️❤️🌎

Baby Hikes are BACK!!! Beginning NEXT THURSDAY, Parker is thrilled to offer FREE guided hikes designed for caregivers an...
09/23/2026

Baby Hikes are BACK!!! Beginning NEXT THURSDAY, Parker is thrilled to offer FREE guided hikes designed for caregivers and babies who are young enough to be carried. These hikes will be 1.5 - 2.5 mile explorations through our woods and fields, moving at an easy adult pace. We plan to hike for about an hour, and we recommend you bring an infant carrier, robust hiking shoes (our trails can be muddy), insect repellent, water, and weather appropriate gear. Families are welcome to stay and enjoy our grounds at the conclusion.

Join us for any or all of the dates! Sign up at the link in our profile!!! Guided sign-up instructions via screenshot in the comments:) 🌱🌎❤️

“The woods are open!” These four words are the music to a Parker kids’ ears. Our students have the opportunity to play i...
09/22/2026

“The woods are open!” These four words are the music to a Parker kids’ ears. Our students have the opportunity to play in our expansive woods almost every day at recess. Unstructured play in nature involves risk, which allows our students to build critical assessment skills, physical confidence, emotional resilience, and test their limits safely. With nature providing the space and materials, Parker kids invent their own games, negotiate with peers, and figure out creative solutions to dynamic problems.

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What kind of kid jumps in a cold lake at sunrise, meets difficult tasks with a sparkle in their eye, and extends themsel...
09/18/2026

What kind of kid jumps in a cold lake at sunrise, meets difficult tasks with a sparkle in their eye, and extends themselves with compassion to ensure others feel safe and seen? These are Parker kids. We see these qualities in our students every day at school. However, Camp Chingachgook gives our students the gift of seeing these qualities in themselves. Far from home, in a beautiful natural environment where challenges and discomfort abound, adults step back and let students work through problem-solving, connection, and emotional vulnerability. In this safe space and given the autonomy to flourish, Parker students show us that they are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves and each other. With integrity, empathy, and abundant joy — our middle schoolers are thriving. ❤️🏕️🌎

PreK is IN the building! 🙌🥳 Today we welcomed our youngest learners into the building, and we were dazzled by their brav...
09/09/2026

PreK is IN the building! 🙌🥳 Today we welcomed our youngest learners into the building, and we were dazzled by their bravery, spirit, and s***k in navigating their new communities. So excited for the year ahead…❤️🌎🌱

Hot summer days already have us anticipating a cool start to fall! Whether your little one is new to school or your olde...
06/30/2026

Hot summer days already have us anticipating a cool start to fall! Whether your little one is new to school or your older child needs a change, Parker’s engaging and innovative project-based education responds to children’s curiosities and interests to foster active learning that students love. Parker kids learn by DOING the actual work with their hands, bodies, and brains, not passively sitting in front of a screen. Our 77-acre campus provides the perfect habitat for children to explore, take risks, and solve problems, fostering confidence and self-awareness while deepening their bonds with nature.

We are still accepting applications for limited openings in PreK-8th grade this fall. Give us a call or come visit our campus to see what Parker is all about! (*Admissions link in profile)

Address

4254 NY-43
Wynantskill, NY
12198

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:45pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:45pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:45pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:45pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:45pm

Telephone

+15182863449

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