Harbour View Elementary School

My son is a 5th grader and my daughter is in first. I couldn't be more happy with this school. The principal is very involved and an excellent leader. Both of my kids have had excellent teachers every year. Strong curicculum. The students are very diverserse. They have a zero percent tolerance for bullies. High parent involvement. I simply love everything about this school!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a well rounded school. I feel that the reading through the wetlands program is a little outdated and wish they would switch to something more comprehension focused like accelerated reader (used at other schools). Beyond that I am very pleased with the principal (all staff) , parent participation, activities, field trips,etc. I am so impressed with the amount of encouragement the students receive for behavior and academics. There is plenty of parking, a/c & heat, a full time librarian, an art program, and I really appreciate that the teachers do not let the students leave until they see a parent (up to 3rd grade). In contrast with some other reviews I have read, my son has plenty of homework sometimes taking him 2 hours depending on the amount of tests he is to prepare for. Also, I have volunteered in RTI and each group varies based on the students ability specifically so that a student who needs more help is not taking away from the independent learner. The best thing about this school is the SMALL class sizes. 24 kids in each class in lower grades. Harbour View also has preppie k and a great after school/preschool/summer camp on campus called Rainbow.
--Submitted by a parent

i love the atmosphere and the caring staff. My issue is with the lack of academics. Sure there are going to be kids that have a difficult time picking up certain lessons but there seems to be a large group that struggles. I would think it would be for the betterment of the whole that they place these students in a class of their own. I have worked in class and with RTI groups that could barely read. A fair amount of the kids were ESL but the majority were not. I don't blame the school but the parents at home that should be working with their kids. These kids should be all together in a class that would suit their needs and provide an extra teacher to give those kids one-on-one attention. I just don't want my child to have to sit because the teacher has to go over the lesson multiple times for the benefit of the few. The homework that is given doesn't even take my child 15 minutes to finish which is for the whole week. I also find that when I pick up my kids that they are often outside waiting 5 minutes before the bell rings. My kids are performing well and they have had some great teachers but I feel all would be better served if they worked in groups with similar abilities.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is a student at Harbour View. The actual learning in the classroom has been minimal. If you want your child to remain academically competitive, this is not the school for you. The school is in a very nice neighborhood, there are a huge number of volunteers, and there is substantial financial support. If the school placed the same amount of emphasis on academics as they do parties, spirit days and school events, Harbour View would be outstanding.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm really not sure how this school maintains a nine rating. I found the teachers to be overwhelmed, class sizes oversized. I never met or heard from the principal that I can recall. I volunteered in the classrooms and found that there were a lot of kids that needed additional help and didn't seem to be getting it. We've lived in a few different states so I can compare the school to others my kids have attended, and I was not impressed with Harbour View. I suppose when you compare it to other schools nation wide it is satisfactory, but I wouldn't consider it a top school.
--Submitted by a parent

New to area, New to 5th Grade and totally satisfied so far. Today, we had SPECIAL PERSON/GRAND PARENT DAY it was a total success. My son is having a difficult time due to last year's 4th grade teacher at Enders I as well as so many parents they are happy they got rid of him yet he will became a liability teacher at another school. I am an involved single dad and slowly we will do our best to succeed on this grade. Mr Hammond, Ms Cook, along with Ms Principal are helping me with my son. Totally engaged into learning and helping our students succeed.
--Submitted by a parent

We are new to Harbour View, I had my child in a private school for the last three years and was on the fence if he should go to the local public school. It is turing out to be a great call on our part. The teachers, principial, staff and parents participation are excellent. Im glad I made the move.
--Submitted by a parent

I cant tell you enough how much i love this school! The teachers and staff are amazing! My son is doing so well here, i cant wait till my daughter starts...
--Submitted by a parent

Harbour View is a wonderful school. The dedicated staff shows on a daily basis just how much the believe in the school. My kids continue to learn and grow both academically and emotionally. The principal really knows the students, and the staff and parents respect and enjoy her warm personality. The teachers always have time for informal conferences and have great ideas when kids need extra help. I am thrilled to have my kids at Harbour View.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending since Sep 09 and I really love this school. The teachers are wonderful, the principal is engaged, all staff seem very organized and there is a happy vibe all around. I'm very pleased with my son's teacher and his class is also a split grade K-1. I also like that he's in full day kindergarten. I highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent