The Harker School

After 14 years of a Harker education (we had pre-K, then!), I am an absolutely proud Harker alumna. As many people here have remarked, Harker is certainly an academically powerful institution. But, just as everyone also adds, it is so much more than that. When I hear about those dreaded middle school years or high school years from friends who didn't go to Harker, I realize how lucky I was. Sure, I had awkward days, and sure, I had days when I questioned myself. But, I never once questioned the value of who I was becoming. I never questioned my cool factor, whether I'd fit in with other people, or second-guessed raising my hand. I got to be fully me, on good days and bad. I had teachers who made me feel like my voice mattered, and that my peers' voices mattered just as much. That encouraged a high degree of empathy and respect, and an appreciation for a healthy discussion -- not yelling, not triumphant debate, just participating in a forum of intellectual curiosity. And, most importantly, I formed a family of my closest friends, mentors, and teachers. I couldn't have asked for more.

Harker has managed to exceed our expectations. The Whole Child approach to learning works. At Harker, every child shines. Some are athletic, while others are artistic or musical. And contrary to popular myth, there is no homework in kindergarten, and only a few minutes (literally less than 5 minutes) for 1st and 2nd grades. There is zero tolerance for bullying, and it just doesn't exist. Most of the parents I ve met are working people usually two people working full time jobs. No spoiled kids with entitlement issues, just children from hard working families who make sacrifices to send their children to the school. A word about tuition... Harker is the only independent school where tuition covers the after-school program, field trips, etc. When you add in the aftercare program and classes offered at the other schools, along with the various extra charges and fees, Harker tuition is about the same as other independent schools in the area. The facilities and enrichment programs at Harker are clearly the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Harker, and have been since second grade. You may have read reviews alleging that Harker is an ineffective, over-priced school for snobby rich kids. In all honesty, Harker is nothing like that. Yes, the environment is academically competitive, but that doesn't mean that the students don't support each other. Also contrary to popular belief, Harker stresses a well-rounded education, complete with athletics, the arts, academics, and community. Because that's what Harker is. It's a big family where everyone helps each other. Unlike the stereotypical high school, Harker really doesn't have "popular" students. There is much less social pressure, and every person is encouraged to be themselves and do what they love. With the smaller student to teacher ratio, each student gets the help that they need. Also, I don't know where people have been getting their information, but coming from a student, the faculty and staff are absolutely phenomenal, well-qualified individuals. I'm not going to say Harker is perfect, but it's pretty darn close. You may come for the academics, but you'll stay for the people.
—Submitted by a student

Harker is an awesome school! The teachers are very helpful and encouraging and the material is good. The sports coaches are excellent too. There's fun events, parties, concerts, after school activities, student council, a school newspaper, ect... it's awesome.
—Submitted by a student

I am a student who currently attends The Harker School, and regardless of what other people think, I am so fortunate to go to such a great school. I am completely aware the tuition is far higher than most schools, but if it weren't for Harker, I don't think I would ever have such great self motivation to be the student or person I am today. The competitive environment is great for those who seek a challenge, yet never too much to "burn you out." The students there share the same ideas towards education, but contrary to popular belief, we don't let our grades dictate our lives. The teachers there are well chosen and are always ready to help students who ask. Harker has allowed me to not only excel in school, but also in creating lasting friendships and important skills, such as communication, (time)management, and maturity beyond my years. This school is not for everyone. It's for parents willing to make the financial sacrifice to prevent placing an anchor on their children's educational growth. and yes, it's true. If your child excels in a certain subject (i.e math), the school will push your child forward until the student feels challenged (7th grader taking AP Calc BC).
—Submitted by a student

The Harker School provided my two adult children an excellent education, excellent work ethics, strong foundation and love for learning. Was it worth the money? Yes it was. Was it worth the hard work? I believe they would say yes. Some day they want to sent their children to Harker. That's saying a lot about a Harker School education.
—Submitted by a parent

Very disappointed with this school. I won't go into details due to the terms you must agree to on this platform, however, there is a lot to be said and I would strongly consider other schools.
—Submitted by a teacher

I was definitely not satisfied with the sort of education they provided my child here. Teachers are unresponsive and despite requests by my child to get help, none was given. Only some teachers are good here and for the price you're paying, it's not entirely worth it.
—Submitted by a teacher

With two sons in Harker's Upper School, I can now look back and comment on the stereotypes I heard prior to their entry to Harker. I had heard that it was a school for kids who did nothing but study, that it was a high-stress, unhealthy environment and that the average student was a rich, spoiled brat. I can state without hesitation that those characterizations are utter nonsense. Harker puts a premium on kids having a balanced life, with athletics, the arts, and many extra-curriculars being highly promoted and supported by faculty and adminstrative leadership. While many families do have considerable wealth, it is not a dividing line for friendships or for popularity at school. If anything, the typical Harker family is Asian (Indians and Taiwanese being strongly represented), with two-income earners who make the sacrifices to put their kids' education first. As a family whose kids did not attend Harker K-8, it was a highly competitive process to gain admission. Typically only 10 to 15 percent of all applicants from outside schools are admitted into the 9th grade, and a personal interview, three strong recommendations and high scores on their admission test is required.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a common misconception that attending a private school will increase one's academic progress. One must also realize that the surrounding atmosphere of the school heavily impacts the student's learning experence. Through the past years I have attended Harker, my fellow classmates have stigmatised me as one who has no life because I love to read books. With this kind of influnce from my peers, how was I to feel confident in my abilities? Harker fails to realize the level of negativity that flows around the campus stifling individual development. This school was not a pleasurable experience for me as a student.
—Submitted by a student

Through my own experience here at Harker, I'd have to say it's a wonderful school. I'm not going to praise it like a worshipper would to a god, but it is definitely an excellent school if you're willing to work extremely hard. Ultimately the reward of accomplishment is what makes my experience at Harker worthwhile, not to mention the life-managing skills gained in the process. I have learned how to manage my homework, do well in school, and still keep up in extracurriculars and my social life. However, if you're unwilling to work hard, or if you are too thin-skinned to tough out all the challenges and setbacks Harker may sometimes throw at you, do not come. From what I've seen, it's a very painful experience if you're a slacker or if you can't handle the pressure.
—Submitted by a student

The Harker faculty team is so committed, I can't express it in words. Everyone - teachers, advisors, heads, other faculty - is always there to help. They are kind and caring, and will make sure your student gets THE best training! They prepare your students VERY well for college! I have to admit, even those students who aren't the best get into pretty good colleges like UCLA, UCSD, USC, or UCB! ;D
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful and fantastic school if you are very academic based. However, there is too much focus on the grade on the paper. If you get a bad grade, automatically you are the stupid one. The teacher is never to blame. If you came from challenger then this is the best school for you. I fou came from Pinewood or Hillbrook, stay there.
—Submitted by a student

Harker is truly a wonderful school, however, it is meant for smarter students that are willing to work hard. The school places students in different levels for different subjects, depending on how they perform. If the student was smart enough, he or she could study Calculus in middle school. Truthfully, the amount of homework assigned isn't too bad. In middle school, the amount of time it takes to finish homework usually ranges from 1-3 hours. Some parents may think that a couple of hours spent on homework a night is insane; however, if that is the case, Harker is not the right school for their children. On the other hand, if the student is efficient enough, they can finish most of their homework before school even ends.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter, currently a sophomore in a 4 year college, went to Harker for four years during her high school. She had a great high school experience and the school prepared her very well for college. She got admitted to top colleges and has been able to handle the academic rigour of college life very well. In my experience, schools like Harker which focus on academics are not for everybody specially kids who cannot handle the psycological pressure and intensity that comes with having so many smart kids around them. The one area that I would like to see more improvement is improvement in athletics.
—Submitted by a parent

Harker is a place where you can be taking Multivariate Calculus and Differential Equations senior year and have half the class filled with sophomores and juniors. The school has forced me to develop a sense of self unrelated to grades or GPA, something most students don't develop till college. For example in 2008, about 1% of students nationally achieved an 800 on Critical Reading and Math sections of the SAT. At Harker, 14% of students got an 800 on Critical Reading, and 13% got an 800 on Math. The top students at Harker are the ones submitting research papers to Seimens and the Intel Talent Search, to traveling to international Climate change or Peace talk forums for teens. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is not competitive, and student's social lives are healthy.
—Submitted by a student

My children have been at Harker since kindergarten and first grade and are now in the high school. I am 100% pleased with the school. Their teachers have been phenomenal. Last year, I think every one of my older child's teachers had Ph.D.s in their subjects. When I talk to the teachers, it is obvious they absolutely love what they do and it shows in how they treat the kids. When I see how beautifully my children write and the concepts they come up with I am always floored. When I go to the performing arts shows, I can't believe the talent and thought that has gone into the programs. Harker has brought out the best in my kids. I really do think Harker made all the difference for my children and I am really thankful that I made the financial sacrifices to send them to Harker.
—Submitted by a parent

Kindergarden through 2nd grade is amazing. My child had a wonderful time and developed academically and socially. Starting in third grade is when it gets scary. My 8 year old was given a locker, had 9 different periods and 7 different teachers. There was homework in 4 different classes and test and projects due regularly. Homework was about 1.5 hours M-Th. 4th grade homework went up to 2-3 hours per day and the 5th grade homework load was an average of 3-4 hours per day. The school will not admit that there is this much homework. They say just do 15 minutes per subject and have a parent sign it off. However, if you don't do your homework you will not understand class and fail the exams because you will not be prepared. In grades 4&5, Harker is tough and your child will quickly grow-up and their childhood will be lost.
—Submitted by a parent

While I loved my experience as a student, Harker also gave me the skills and confidence to succeed once I left. Harker indeed helped me get into a college I was very happy with, but it also helped make college a positive experience. For example, Harker s rigor prepared me to major in math, making me very rare as a female and non- classic nerd type. I saw many friends struggle in or avoid courses that were too intimidating. Many skills Harker cultivated leadership, critical thinking, a firm belief in personal integrity, dedication to my community have helped me succeed at work and shaped who I am as a person. Harker is expensive, is academically difficult, and keeps students busy from morning until night with extracurricular commitments. But it s also true that it s worth the effort. Thanks so much to my parents for the sacrifices they made to send me to Harker!

The best prep school on the west coast. My daughter is graduating in 2009 from the high school. She loved the school, its resources, excellent teachers, world class labs and an opportunity to involve in plethora of extracurricular activities. She has been saying each day this week that she will be missing the school. We will miss it too. Every day while dropping and picking her up from school; we always felt a connection with the school. The atmosphere, the new technology building, the athletics facilities, the student body, and the teaching staff were all so overwhelming. She is matriculating to a top college this fall along with 13% of the seniors who are matriculating to one of top 6 (HMSPYC). There will be another 15% of the class matriculating to rest of US News top 20. Around 12% will join UCB and another 15% will be joining USC. Even
—Submitted by a parent