Partners Program
Through the Partners Program at Park, Upper and Middle School students establish friendships with Lower School students of color* in weekly meetings and Partners-wide events. The program was started in 1997 with eight pairings and has grown to now include about 15% of the student body.
The Partners Program is a mentorship and community-building initiative designed specifically for students of color in Pre-K through 5th grade. The program reflects The Park School’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and multicultural education by creating opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and celebrate their identities.
The program recognizes that students from historically marginalized and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups may, at times, experience isolation or feel underrepresented within school communities. Through intentional mentorship and peer connection, the Partners Program seeks to create an affirming environment where students feel seen, valued, and supported.
Each participating younger student is paired with an older student mentor (an 8th Grader or an Upper School student) who commits to meeting weekly for 30 minutes throughout the school year. Partners spend time together through activities such as sharing lunch, attending school events, and participating in organized gatherings. These relationships provide younger students with guidance, encouragement, and a trusted connection within the school community while offering older students opportunities to develop leadership skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of mentorship.
The program is open to students who identify as people of color, including those who identify as African American, Latino/Hispanic American, Asian American, South Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern American, Multiracial, or Pacific Islander, consistent with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) definition. By bringing together students across grade levels, the program fosters a supportive network that promotes confidence, belonging, and cross-age friendships.
*Person/People of Color — NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) considers ‘People of Color’ as individuals who are permanent residents or U.S. citizens and belong to one of the following racial/ethnic groups: African American, Latino/Hispanic American, Asian American/South Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern American, Multiracial American, and Pacific Islander.
Apply to the Partners Program
Partners Program Events
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partners Kick-off Celebration | 09/21/2026 | Noon–1:30 p.m. | Lower School Playground |
| Partners Breakfast Club | 10/01/2026 | 7:30–8 a.m. | Lower School Multipurpose Room |
| Partners Thanksgiving | 11/03/2026 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Cafeteria |
| Partners Breakfast Club | 12/03/2026 | 7:30–8 a.m. | Lower School Multipurpose Room |
| Partners Breakfast Club | 01/14/2027 | 7:30–8 a.m. | Lower School Multipurpose Room |
| Partners Breakfast Club | 02/04/2027 | 7:30–8 a.m. | Lower School Multipurpose Room |
| Partners Breakfast Club | 04/01/2027 | 7:30–8 a.m. | Lower School Multipurpose Room |
| Partners Breakfast Club | 05/06/2027 | 7:30–8 a.m. | Lower School Multipurpose Room |
| End of Year Partners Pool Party! | 06/03/2027 | 3:30-5 p.m. | Athletic Center Pool/Ries Conference Room |
