Ada W. Harris Elementary School

We pulled our child out of Ada Harris this past year and it was the best thing. The teaching style is archaic, non- differentiated (although they describe it is) and the teachers are burned out. The school suffers from bullying and has very little supervision outside of the classroom. Big focus on STAR testing, not learning. It was quite a change from the experience we had at the sister K-2(3) school- Cardiff Elementary. Our child is much happier and motivated to learn after attending a new school this year. We were amazed at how oblivious most of the families are to the poor teaching methods used here. I think it relates to a blind trust of the education system, which is not acceptable anymore. See the movies: The Race to Nowhere and Waiting for Superman and please take action to make the change our schools need.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is part of a two-school school district. The administration is top heavy (a superintendant with staff as well as principals with staffs at each of the two schools). Continuing budget issues have resulted in another round of notices of teacher lay-offs, with no planned reduction in administration. In the last three years, under a new superintendent, the administration seems distracted from delivering top quality education. Teachers, some who are burned out and should retire, are struggling with larger class sizes and discipline issues. Children are receiving less individualized instruction and experiencing increases in bullying during under-supervised times of their school day. Unfortunately, the quality of education here is on a downward trajectory. The previous post about 'teaching to the California STAR test' is absolutely accurate. Once the California STAR test is over, so is the teaching for the remainder of the school year.
--Submitted by a parent

So far... I think we're happy here and our family is looking forward to our future in this welcoming school district!
--Submitted by a parent

It has an amazing staff and excellent quality of education for all the students.
--Submitted by a parent

The administration and staff of this school takes pride in restraining the students collectively and academically. The curriculum is governed by STAR testing, the kids spend weeks learning how to fill in the bubbles. The students are treated like inmates rather than with respect. If you have a kid that works well within strict boundaries and is motivated by fear rather than rewards, a child who never ventures to draws outside the lines, they ll do well here - They won't be esteemed or given credit for a job well done, credit is always taken from the kids and reserved for the teachers. If you fall outside the grace of the administration - your child will suffer, their grades will suffer, their self-esteem will suffer and their interest in learning will suffer.
--Submitted by a parent

My three children have received a wonderful education at this school district. The teachers are caring and nurturing. The school facilities are wonderful.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school... we have one leaving and one coming in! The teachers really make a difference!
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school & wish this district went through to 12th grade. The teachers, administration, parents, & community are the absolute best. We've had 3 children go through this school, and I have not one bad thing to say. Just thank you Cardiff Schools for caring & nurturing our kids. We were so lucky to be able to experience this wonderful small district with the most incredible teachers, Jill the principle, Tommy the Super & all of the wonderful ladies in the office. If you're lucky enough to be able to send your kids to this school thank your lucky stars.
--Submitted by a parent

Ada Harris is a great school. It's great teachers, great family involvement, pretty good ethnic mix, an actual PE teacher...what a good place this has been for my two kids. This is our last year in the district moving on to middle school now. Too bad they don't take transfers from other districts now. Buy a house in Cardiff if you want to enjoy this school.
--Submitted by Laura, a teacher