Discover Park Street School
Learn more about our History, Mission, Philosophy and Core Values here.
Our Mission
Strategically located in historic Beacon Hill, Park Street School is a neighborhood school that seeks to unite children of diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds from Greater Boston in a nurturing school of the highest academic standards. Through an engaging, content-rich curriculum, we strive to empower and equip each child with a love of learning, a passion for truth, a heart for others, and an understanding of God’s love and grace for us in Jesus Christ.
Core Values
At our core, we believe each child is a unique person created by God. It’s our privilege to work alongside parents to build a fundamental framework for their children. Our community is a place where children are loved – and know they are loved. In this caring environment, our children encounter a wealth of experiences and acquire knowledge that will help them reach the potential of who God has made them to be. At Park Street School, we are committed to providing a high-quality education with values – as expressed in our school’s crest – of “character, truth and excellence.”
A Foundational Experience
With any building, its foundation – the structure and the materials poured into it – is crucial. The same can be said of the education of children. Pouring love, acceptance and knowledge into our students develops a strong framework for life.
At an early age, children are innately inquisitive and inherently receptive. They love to learn. Thus, Park Street School is grounded in a content-rich education. Acquiring a significant body of knowledge early is an indispensable prerequisite for developing critical thinking skills. Here at our school, from the moment children walk through our doors, they encounter many topics which are revisited and expanded on in subsequent grades in order to broaden their base of working knowledge. Central to the Park Street School experience is how the students engage in active learning in varied, innovative ways.
Each child’s formation of character is equally significant. To respect his or her peers, to think before acting, to show compassion and generosity, to reveal fortitude in making right choices and to reach beyond him- or herself are key. Woven into our daily schedules are opportunities for our students to grow on many levels – academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Secure in a sense of community both within the classroom as well as in our immediate neighborhood and city, we want each of our children to realize that his or her contribution to the world matters. Engaging in our culture and world, we seize the opportunity to lead our children out to explore the city of Boston both as our classroom and our playground.
History of Park Street School
One Hundred Years Earlier
When the state-of-the-art “new fireproof building” opened its doors as The Brimmer School at 67 Brimmer Street in 1914, it was “designed with special regard to ventilation, lighting, and fire protection” and included a library, gymnasium, stage, and rooftop playground, along with the expected “recitation rooms.”
Park Street Kids Is Born
Most programs start in response to a need. Long waiting lists at preschools in downtown Boston provided convincing evidence there was demand for a high-quality preschool. A group of mothers met and dreamed, and Park Street Kids was born - officially incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the fall of 1999.
Four Faculty, 36 Students and One Director
Thanks to the generous financial support of Park Street Church and a private donor, space within Park Street Church was renovated. A safe and innovative learning environment was created, wonderful staff were hired, and a talented Board of Trustees was assembled. In September of 2000, 36 children joined four teachers and one director, and our little school began, dedicated to the moral, spiritual, and educational development of preschool-age children in Boston. Today, approximately 125 students enjoy the Preschool.
Success + a Bit of Faith = Expansion!
As a result of its success as well as recognition of the need expressed by community leaders and families, a decision was made in the fall of 2002 to offer an elementary school to the community. It would be called "Park Street School." Purchasing a school building in the Beacon Hill neighborhood solidified our commitment to our Boston community.
A Landmark School - Elementary Students Return to 67 Brimmer
For nearly 100 years, the building at 67 Brimmer Street has been a landmark at the corner of Brimmer and Chestnut Streets. Home to schools and colleges since the Brimmer School left Beacon Hill, the building has remained an historic symbol of Boston’s rich educational history. In September of 2005, Grades 1-3 and Kindergarten moved into the newly renovated building. Today, our elementary school serves more than 200 students through sixth grade.
Our First Graduating Class
Park Street School/Park Street Kids now offered a continuous, academic program with a content-rich curriculum with integration of the arts, science, technology and literature for Toddlers through Grade 6. On Friday, June 8, Park Street School held its first graduation for the Class of 2009’s seven students.
Celebrating 10 Years
In 2010, a milestone of 10 years marked our continuing growth! We celebrated with an All-School Thanksgiving Chapel, an All-School service project (A Walk-a-Thon through the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden to raise money for Haiti), and a Block Party at the end of the year. Becoming known for its high academic standards, innovative learning and character development, Park Street School was fully immersed in preparing students to enter into competitive secondary schools.
Kindergarten at the Advent
With both campuses full, a decision was made to add more space for students. In the fall of 2011, the Kindergarten class moved into a bright and warm, newly renovated space (approximately 1,850 square feet) at 26-28 Brimmer Street in the Church of the Advent, just a block away from the elementary school – or the “big school.”
John Zvara – Our Man of Faith
In the Spring of 2013, Park Street School/Park Street Kids honored our first President and Chairman of the Board, John Zvara, as he stepped down to become our first Emeritus President. A man of faith, determination and a love for numbers, John Zvara was honored as the driving force behind Park Street School/Park Street Kids’ development and growth.
Rebranding Initiative – A New Name
In 2016-2017, a survey was conducted with a variety of constituents, including current families. With much positive and fruitful feedback, several initiatives were set forth, one of which was the rebranding of the school, bringing particular clarity to its name. In the spring of 2018, the Board of Trustees voted to simplify the school’s name from Park Street School/Park Street Kids to Park Street School.
Park Street School
In 2018, the name of Park Street Kids was officially retired and both Preschool and Elementary Schools became known as Park Street School, complete with a new logo!
Celebrating 20 Years!
With great joy, Park Street School will celebrate 20 years as a wonderful school of academic excellence, character education and community. With the support of our community, we remain confident that our school will provide an outstanding academic elementary education with a Christian foundation to children throughout the Boston area for years to come.Meet the Park Street School Faculty
Park Street School’s staff and faculty bring broad experience and professional expertise to their roles. Nurturing and exceptionally talented, each team member is dedicated to seeing every child thrive and become the person he or she is meant to be.