Winifred Harelson Elementary School

Harelson is an excelling school that has a long tradition of strong academics (starting with the solid foundation provided by our kindergarten program thru our rigorous sixth grade program) and a wonderful arts program (from our extremely talend Art Teacher, Liz Caris, who finds and nurtures that artistic gene in every child to our musical program that get every child on stage at least one a year). Harelson teachers are passionate about education. Harelson teachers tailor their academic programs to meet the needs of each child and then nurture each to excell. Mr. Heinemann is a visible and hands on principal who within the first few weeks of school has learned the name of every one of the 500+ students and is well on his way to lerning the names of their parents. Harelson is a gem. We love Harelson and greately appreciate the dedication of its teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

As a Mom of a Harelson student we thought it was just another public school in our district map. Once my child started Kindergarten we realized what a wonderful school Harelson is, full of energy, positive teachers and administration that boost up children's moral & make them feel wanted, respected and eager to learn. They have done so much for my son it truly is an excelling school & I am proud to say my child attends Harelson Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

I've never seen, and can hardly imagine, a more dynamic learning environment for young people than that created at Harelson Elementary School by its outstanding principal, Andy Heinemann, his capable, attentive, responsive and professional staff, and by a teaching corps that defines excellence at every level in the classroom. Each day, it seems, these teachers marshal the resources of knowledge, experience, creativity, discipline, humor and good cheer to engender precisely the exceptional learning environment that has come to define Harelson. As parents, we are profoundly grateful that our children are able to attend Harelson and we have been gratified over the years by the amazing resourcefulness of this organization to optimize every opportunity - despite trying economic times - on behalf of the students and their teachers. At each grade level, the curriculum offers variety, consistency, intellectual and academic challenges; it rewards legitimate achievement, encourages effort and it nurtures our children's innate thirst for growth and knowledge. Families could pay a great deal more for elementary education by opting for private schools but they would be hard-pressed to find any school - public or private - that exceeds the standards set by Harelson. Year after year, Harelson continues to earn its ranking as an 'Excelling School,' and it is deserving of every benefit and all the additional support it can get.
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson has the best faculty and principal. They really care about our kids. My kids have attended other public schools in the past and they didn't compare to Harelson. Harelson has done an extremely well job with my eight year old and I am excited to see what they will have in store for my five year old when he starts next year. Keep up the good work Harelson!
—Submitted by a parent

Harrelson goes above and beyond to help their kids advance in education and social awareness. The teachers/administration/staff seem to TRULY care about the children and their success.

Harelson is the best elementary school our family has had experience with. The principal, Andy Heinemann, is very attentive. He gets to know his students and parents. I see him every time I'm at the school whether it's during school, at a band or music performance or any other function. It's so refreshing. We have had nothing but the best experiences with teachers. They clearly love their jobs at this school. I've seen great individualized instruction given to my kids no matter the number of students in the class. The school has so many opportunities for their students that other area schools don't have. Some I can think of are the 4th grade pit fire and going back in time for school, 5th grade camp, and 6th grade San Diego trip and Medieval Tea. I'm proud to say my children attend Harelson and will be sad to see the day that I no longer have a child there.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Harelson for 4 years. There is not a day that goes by that we are not pleasantly surprised by how much the 'Harelson' community goes above and beyond. From the principal on down. Everyone is involved and committed to Excellence. This school is definetly excellent by choice!
—Submitted by a parent

Haelson is truly an amazing school! Mr. Heinemann, every teacher, and every staff member is committed to our childrens education and well being. Harelson will do everything they can to make sure the children grow and succeed. We are proud to be a part of the 'Harelson Family'!
—Submitted by a parent

As a grandparent and former teacher, I see wonderful results and hear great praise for Harelson. The events I have been able to attend have very enthusiastic students and parents.

I love the interaction between the parents and the teachers and staff. The children are challenged with the core curriculum and stimulated with the art, music and physical eduation programs. Harelson executes with excellence and instills confidence in the parents and pride in the students.

Harelson involves it's students in more high-level activities with more hands-on teaching than I've seen anywhere else. Why couldn't I have gone to Harelson?

My son has attended three different schools and Harelson has been the best one. He has gotten the help that he needed from his teacher and other staff and has had a lot of support. He couldn't get all of this even from a private school (where I was paying so much for his education!). It is great to see the difference this school has made in my son's own self esteem, security, social growth and mental development. Everyone, from the kids, to the staff and parents are so supportive of all the children. The principal is great and is very committed to the success, in all levels, of every child. I promised my son that I would keep him in this school. He has improved so much, I am very happy and filled with such gratitude for all the help he has gotten. Harelson IS the best elementary school!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson is not just a school - it's a family. The faculty & Mr. Heinemann are so completely dedicated to the school, the students & their families. I could not ask for a better Elementary School experience (unless, of course it went all the way up to 12th Grade!)!
—Submitted by a parent

My grandson has attended Harelson since 1st grade. He is currently in 5th grade. He has some learning disabilities and thanks to the teachers at this school he has received the support needed to help him succeed in school. The teachers are amazing. My grandson's self esteem and social growth have been helped because of the staff at this school. Harelson is truly a community of caring teachers, principal and support staff. Harelson is an amazing school!

Excellent educational environment with wonderful teachers and administration.
—Submitted by a parent

Our grand son started kindergarten there and is currently in the second grade, I have helped with track for 2 years there and have got to know several and attended several plays, seems very family oriented, teachers are helpful
—Submitted by a parent

We came to Harelson from another school. My Daughter had a very rough time with bulling. Every member of the staff at Harelson went over and beyond to make my Daughter feel safe and wanted. She excelled at Harelson. The staff are fantastic and the school is beautifull and welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent

We came to Harelson from another state. The principal and entire staff went above and beyond to welcome them to the Harelson family. They are thriving in their studies and making progress beyond our expectations. We can't say enough about the entire staff all going the extra effort to help each student be the best they can be.
—Submitted by a parent

Quite simply, sending your child to Harelson, is like having a wonderful family educate your child. Harelson is not 'just a school.' The teachers, support staff, families, and students all work together to make Harelson one of the most unique learning environments in public education. High expectations=high achievement. Fantastic teachers, and wonderful students are what you will find at Harelson. It is truly a campus filled with caring, respectful, and responsible human beings trying to make this world a better place.
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson teachers have high standards. They believe that children can rise to the lofty expectations set before them. Harelson is a school that families want their children to attend because of the nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent