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"The needs of society should determine the work of the school," is Parker's motto. second-grade unit on Japan. A Japanese instructor provides first-hand guid- ance on customs and history, and a portion of the classroom is set aside for the ancient tea ceremony. This sort of learning through experience is at the core of Colonel Parker's educational philosophy and forgoes merely study- ing a subject in favor of immersion. For years, Parker has been pegged as a right-brain institution. A glance at the yearbook is partial confirmation. Parker has produced such art-focused professionals as screenwriter David Mamet, actress Jennifer Beals, and actor Billy Zane. Haskell Wexler, a cinematographer, nabbed two Academy Awards for Bound for Glory (1976) and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), which starred the sparring duo Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Artist Joan Mitchell became a giant of the American Abstract Expressionist move- ment, and writer and illustrator Edward Gorey brought his brand of macabre humor to the smart set on both sides of the Atlantic. Throughout the 20th century and today Colonel Parker's legacy of progressive education is con- tinuing to have an impact on Chicago and the world. CULTURAL TIES THAT BIND I f Parker and Latin once occupied opposite ends of the intellectual spectrum, recent years have seen them make steady tracks toward the middle. As with most issues rumored to be starkly black and white, there's a substantial amount of gray setting the scene. These days, Latin publicizes its lower-school art programs—first-graders making Persian rugs, second-graders designing Day of the Dead skele- tons—next to its fourth-grade essays on social justice. At Parker, all eyes are on the Susan F. Berkowitz award, a $10,000 grant whose recipient is chosen by students in the Social Justice in the City class. Both schools have also embraced their city-school status by cannonballing into their vibrant urban neighborhoods. They are both founding members of High Jump, a program that provides academic guidance to low-income Chicago mid- dle-schoolers, preparing them for top college preparatory schools. "It's an excellent example of how independent schools see the bigger pic- ture," Frank says. "Our vision is for kids all over to get a better education." Dunn echoes this sentiment and eschews elitist stereotypes associated with pri- vate education. "Public schools have a tremendous amount to deal with in their struggle—some things we don't have," he explains. "We're not in competi- tion with each other." For the upcoming school year, Latin has increased its already hefty community service efforts by focus- ing on Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. Students will be volunteering and partnering with other schools to create reading programs for younger stu- dents. Over the years, Parker has also worked to bring more diversity to its student body. These days, 30 percent of students self-identify as being people of color (though Frank notes the number is 50 percent for the incoming junior kindergarten class.) So what's the verdict? The left-brain/right-brain reps certainly seem to be based on some grain of truth. But as both schools catapult into the 21st century, they have set their sights on providing bal- anced instruction to their scholars. Tuition buys an education, to be sure, but it means more. In The Latin School of Chicago and the Francis W. Parker School, students are being outfitted with the rud- ders to steer through rapidly shifting seas. MA Immersive, interactive education is Parker's hallmark. FRANCIS W. PARKER SCHOOL Founded: 1901 Motto: "Everything to help, nothing to hinder." Grades: Junior Kindergarten–12 Total Enrollment: 930 Students Receiving Financial Aid: 18 percent Reputation: Right-Brain Lower School (Junior Kindergarten–Grade 3) Tuition: $23,840–$25,490 Intermediate School (Grades 4 & 5) Tuition: $25,490 Middle School (Grades 6–8) Tuition: $29,110 Upper School (Grades 9–12) Tuition: $29,670 World-renowned artist John Kearney (a Parker parent) donated this horse sculpture. MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 113