Narvie Harris Elementary School

I absolutely love this school! My daughter attends this school and has learned so much in this past year. The school has many events throughout the year and it is very close knit and family oriented. If you stay active at the school and "show your face" up there on a regular basis you should have no problem. This school is for people who are actively involved in their children's education. The teachers are excellent and you can tell they really care. The staff members are excellent especially Ms. Rutledge. The principal, Dr. Tartt, is very dedicated and active during the school day as well as the events. The only people I'm not too fond of are the PTA staff , they are horrible and don't have a clue as to what they are doing. But then again they are replaceable! Anyway, great school, great teachers, great staff!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a Narvie parent for 6 years, but after enrolling my 4th grader in Wadsworth Magnet for High Achievers, I decided enough was enough and to withdraw my younger child. When my child started at Narvie, Mrs. Creighton was the principal, and what a principal she was. Caring, understanding, a real beacon of light for the school and the community! However, for the past few years the parents of Narvie have been less than happy to endure the leadership of a newer younger, not so smoothed out administrator. This new principal, Dr. Tartt is obviously there as a merit to the nepotism we face in Dekalb (he is the son of the woman who started theme schools). He runs the school with arrogance, pessimism and gives a real cold shoulder to those who aren't part of the affluent cliques of Dekalb. I have seen him cut corners for some individuals and seen him try and belittle his own staff and parents! Very recently, he withheld a child from their parent because they didn't have a school hallpass; he instructed staff not to let the child go home with their mother. When the parent became emotional, he banned her from the campus. Great teachers; bad administration. Go Bouie theme if you can!
--Submitted by a parent

If you want your son or daughter to receive a rigorous education that will allow he or she to be prepared for challenges, then Narvie J is the place. In addition, the school is committed to keeping parents involved in the school life of the kids which I love. I have to say that I do not have any positive to say about the front office staff but the teachers are caring, committed, and understanding. When a Principal replies to your email within 5 minutes and the reply is from his Blackberry, it says a lot about the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Narvie J is one of the best elementary schools in South Dekalb County. My child has been there for 4 years and has excelled very well. The course work is challenging and the school is managed well by the principal and administration.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the education my children have received at Narvie. My oldest is now in the 11th grade and my youngest is at Narvie in the 4th. They are challenged and aren't allowed to slide by. The teachers have high standards & expectations and the kids meet those standards as part of the norm.
--Submitted by a parent

Narvie J's parents truly come together and bond with teachers. The school itself really speaks to the idea of 'community'. Teachers call you personally to talk about your childs successes as well as areas of improvement. Although they have a new principal and he seems to be a little less 'familiar' with that connection, he takes a genuine interest in the students as a whole and has that 'new principal' spunk and energy. My daughter has been there from pre-K and she is now in the 2nd grade, she has truly excelled at Narvie academically. I'd expressed concern about her being 'advanced' and those concerns were taken seriously. As a result, she was tested for discovery early on and was accepted into that program. The teachers really challenge the students to EXCEL not just to do well. Additionally, Narvie has a HUGE afterschool 'life' ie plays, talent shows, chorus.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who have been at Narvie since pre-k and the last one graduates this year. The foundation they have received has made me confident that they can go any where and excel. The majority of the teachers are genuinely concerned about their students. The extracurricular activites are top notch and the Chorus is the best in Atlanta. I am so sad to be leaving such a wonderful school but we will continue to come back for the Christmas concerts with Mr. Strong.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the school's environment. It is very engaging. The teacher's are very efficient and they are very caring. The administrators are very hands on.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Narvie J. Harris for two years, 4th and 5th grade. She was an excellent student in her achievements at Narvie J Harris. The teachers are excellent. Narvie J Harris enhanced her discipline, music, and intellectual skills. Narvie J Harris students can compete against the best students in Dekalb County. It would be a great achievement for Dekalb County to produce more middle/high schools of this magnitude, so African American students can continue to excel in education, music and extra curriculum activities. I want to personally thank Narvie J Harris faculty and staff for teaching my child and all others at Narvie.
--Submitted by a parent

Since I removed our son from Marbut Theme School and placed him in Narvie J Harris his compative spirit has returned. Each day he has a full academic story to tell us. This year on the state test he far exceeded expectations. He is well rounded and a accomplished poet. Narvie J Harris is the best school in dekalb county as a whole with the CRCT test scores far exceeding a number of schools. The school has a challenging curriculum where the teachers use techniques to ensure when they teach a certain subject it is completely understood by everyone. There hands on approach with projects are excellent. The best one of all to me was the creation of their own state. The creativity far exceeds all others and this is what helps with the understanding of any subject area by the students. The parent involement far exceeds all others as well.
--Submitted by a parent