Winifred Harelson Elementary School

GREAT SCHOOL!!! Teachers go out of their way to make sure students understand what they are learning. Principal is always present & open to concerns & questions. Overall excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson is not just a great school, but also a wonderful community of families who want the best for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson has a terrific parent, teacher, student community. There are a variety of activities and events that the kids can join and are suitable for all ages. The Parent Teacher Organization is committed and passionate about helping in anyway they can. I am proud to be a Harelson parent.
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson has teachers, students and parents that are dedicated to child development and education
—Submitted by a parent

We currently open enroll our son at Harelson and plan to enroll our daughter in the Fall due to the wonderful experience we have at Harelson! Harelson teachers and principal excel at knowing each child as individuals and not just a 'body of students'. From the teachers learning each child's strengths and weaknesses in the classroom, to the principal knowing each and every student's name, help each child feel special! The level of parent involvement and charm of the school campus make this school a true community for the children and their families! We are proud to attend Harelson!
—Submitted by a parent

It is a safe, clean school with caring & nurturing faculty and staff. The principal, Andy Heineman is amazing--he is always present at all events and moving throughout classrooms, even helping the parent pick-up line move smoothly in the afternoons. All 3 of my children have attended here and I would highly recommend it to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, staff, and teachers really care about our kids and enjoy working with them. They work hard to give our kids the best education at each grade level. We love Harelson!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great things start at the top, and Prinicpal Heinemann makes great things happen at Harelson (of course, with the utmost support and help of an excellent staff and great PTO)! Every single teacher and faculty member that I have met in the past four years has been extremely committed and passionately involved in creating not just great students, but fine young individuals. The academic standard is excellent, but not at the expense of the arts. Harelson is one of the few schools that still maintains an art program, music, athletics, and an abundance of extra-curricular programs such as chess and track. We are an open enrolled family. For approximately three of our four years at Harelson, I drove my sons from our home in Sahuarita to Harelson (nearly an hour drive each way) and it was well worth it! The high standards and quality of education at Harelson gave us cause to rent out our home in Sahuarita and move closer to the school. If you have a chance to get your child into Harelson during open enrollment, don't hesitate! It is excellent school with outstanding people!
—Submitted by a parent

We are so blessed to have so many great teachers and a great principal all in one great place!
—Submitted by a parent

High expectations, engaging curriculum (the three Rs as well as sports and the fine arts), and committed teachers comprise Harelson's warm, inviting climate. The long waiting list says lots about the school's committment to excellence and quality education!
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson is the best elementary school anywhere. The teachers are amazing giving 200% day in and day out. The Kindergarten and First Grade programs are amazing and give our kids the base they need for further success. The extra curricular offerings are awesome with chess club, track, and science club being a few of the electives. Every child gets to perform on stage at least once a year with the end result being very poised, confident sixth graders. The Reading Room is a very unique but effective help with our struggling readers. Everyone, from the administration to the teachers to the monitors to the cafeteria staff truly love the kids at Harelson. My child feels uplifted and special on a daily basis. It is truly 'a village' that surrounds each and every student. Harelson is the best!
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson is a great school. They give attention to each child, and make sure that everyone is successful. The teachers are always willing to do whatever they can to help the kids in any way.

Fabulous school. in this day of budget crisis, it can use all the help it can get.
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson is not only a school, it's a family! The parents, students, teachers are all amazing!!!!!! The students excel in their academics and fine arts! A truely magnificent school!
—Submitted by a parent

We love the teachers at Harelson. Our daughter loves going to school on a daily basis. The extra programs and events they offer creates great memories.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers. Parents are very involved with volunteering in schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Harelson is an amazing community of great/caring teachers, active/involved adminstrators, and engaged/caring parents. Harelson has all the ingredients of a top notch school (public or private). With a notable percent of open enrollment, many families choose Harelson as though it were a private school. We are one of those families and are very pleased with our choice.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not only wonderful in teaching academics; but, the teachers who are at Harelson really truly care about the students. It is the love and respect that they shower toward the students that encourage them to want to excel and do the very best they possibly can. The fun and loving environment is empowering and the pride shows in the student at Harelson.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Harelson 20 years ago and now my son is in kindergarten there. I can't say enough about the quality education he is getting and the overwhelming devotion of the teachers and support staff. My 6th grade teacher in 1980 is STILL teaching at Harelson! It's an amazing learning environment and I am thrilled my son is so happy there!!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal is a great ambassador for this school . His accessability to both parents and students is a major factor in the 'family' feel of this campus. I appreciate the benefits of the liberal open enrollment philosophy even though we live within the boundary. The students are made aware of the high expectation of not just academic excellence but good citizenship as well. The teachers have maintained their professionalism and dedication to excellence despite all of the budget turmoil .
—Submitted by a parent