“We believe that the best way to honor our past is with a clear and inspiring vision for our future. As we embrace this vision, we think about the hope and possibility it ignites. The fire for learning and the discovery we see in our students, the ways our teachers light the way forward, and the way our facilities and programs fuel growth – these are the things that drive us. It begins with a spark – that flash of possibility that inspires us all.”

— Scott Young, Head of School
Expanding Our Founding Vision

Park’s move to Goddard Avenue in 1971 was a transformative moment in the School’s history. Visionary Park leaders embraced the opportunity made possible by the Faulkner family, and moved the School from the previous facility on Kennard Road which had become insufficient for Park’s growing program and student body. Guided by that vision, those leaders created a campus purposely designed to support Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School education as defined by the standards of 1971. 

Student needs and academic programs are ever evolving, however, and the School has continued to evolve with them. Since the transformative move in 1971, Park added the West Building and the North Wing, created the After-School Program Building now home to Pre-K, and expanded the campus’s acreage. 

Today, we are proud to celebrate the successful completion of Phases I and II of The SPARK Campaign, which took place from 2018 to 2023 and raised $14.1M for the School. The projects funded during these phases include new student-centered classrooms and collaboration spaces for Early Childhood and Upper Division, a STEAM Corridor and Maker Wing, new outdoor play areas, indoor climbing walls and an outdoor ropes course, a state-of-the-art turf field for athletic play and competition, and endowed funds to support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and educational testing for students with learning differences. 

Now SPARK enters its boldest chapter. In Phase III, we shape our legacy for the next generation of Park students. 

Our vision is a campus designed with intention, where students are inspired to learn, to grow, and to thrive. With your partnership, we are not just transforming spaces—we are shaping the future.

The SPARK Campaign Inclusivity Promise

As Park approaches the critical work of capital fundraising, we do so at a time of unparalleled institutional commitment to inclusivity. We are very excited to see our vision for the future realized – and are just as excited about how we will realize this vision together, in a way that feels right for Park. Too often, capital campaigns are marked by exclusivity, focused on those with the capacity to make the biggest gifts, and kept quiet among the broader community until the very end. Importantly, our campaign will not be structured in that way. The SPARK Campaign will:

  • prioritize early and frequent communication with the full community.
  • abbreviate the traditional campaign “quiet phase” focused on securing early leadership support.
  • strive to provide more equitable access to leadership, information, and opportunities throughout the Campaign. 
  • form a large committee of campaign captains from diverse backgrounds within the Park parent, alumni, grandparent, parent of alumni, and faculty and staff communities to guide the campaign. 
  • be co-chaired by a group of racially and socio-economically diverse Park leaders.
  • recognize and celebrate the full scope of community engagement in the Campaign, including gifts of all sizes and volunteerism.

We expect this inclusivity promise to evolve over the course of the Campaign, and we appreciate your partnership as we trailblaze this new fundraising path together. Successful fundraising should be, above all else, a tremendous act of community building.

Phase III Campaign Committee

Davida Agyemang

James Benenson

Steve Boyd

Kelly Caiazzo

Dan Fu

Josh Leffler

Ana Muñoz

Tim Porter

Amanda Teo

Learn More

To learn more about The SPARK Campaign, please contact:

Shannon O’Leary
Director of Development
617-274-6141
olearys@parkschool.org

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Lauren Corvese
Associate Director of Development
617-274-6019
corvesel@parkschool.org