Devens charter school accepting applications

Applications are available at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School for students entering grade seven next fall.

The Parker School is a secondary school serving 385 students in grades 7-12. Located on Devens, the former military base, Parker is a regional public school that draws from 20 school districts and more than 40 towns.

An information program will be held at the school at 1 p.m. on Sundays, Jan. 11 and 25. Prospective students and their parents must attend an information session as part of the application process. Parker staff, current students and parents will answer questions about the academic program, extracurricular activities and student life.

The school expects to enroll 65 seventh graders for the 2009-10 academic year and will hold a lottery if the number of applicants exceeds available seats.

Call the school at (978)772-3293 for an application packet. Applications must be completed by Feb. 1.

Families are encouraged to visit the school's Web site at www.parker.org for more information about the school.