My daughter has been at this school since kindergarten, I think this is a great school. I feel like the staff and teachers genuinely care about the students. They definitely encourage parents to get involved. I would recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have learned so much @ Harding Elementary , And there are Some great teachers ;)
—Submitted by a parent

While I think some things have improved, other things have not. Their best quality is the principal. She is phenominal. Otherwise communication is either poor or rude. In my own personal experience a school employee gave personal information to another parent about me that was false. School staff should always be friendly and personable and I just don't find that there often at all. I feel there is a lack of quality activities for the kids to get involved in. Even when my daughter participated in the talent show, it was so dark and lacked livelyhood. It just made you feel depressed. On a positive note, my son has had some behavioral issues and I feel like the school put great effort forth working with him. It's not all bad, but definetly has areas that desperately need improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I have found that the teachers are great. One son is well advanced for his grade and his teacher allows him room to expand as he needs. She also works with him on his ADD without the use of punishment. Last year I had a problem and called the principal. I was surprised that she called me back that night (not the next day as so many others would have done) to discuss the issue. This was her time and yet she took the time to call me. There are several after school programs (my son is involved in three and there are others). We've not had an issue at anytime with disciple or educatorship. I only wish they would offer their day programs at night as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Harding is a much improved school over the last couple of years. The scores over the last 2 years have improved and although improvement is still needed both the faculty and administration seem to be constantly striving to improve. Many after school activities ARE available for students both advanced and otherwise. Hardings chess and lego robotics teams ALWAYS do well and once again both qualified for the state tournament with many individual and team awards in hand. Hammond also has a E.S.P program in place for the 'advancwed' students that have been mentioned in other reviews. It is paid for by the school city and only a nominal fee is charged. I would encourage more parents to attend the parent chat with the assistant principle on a monthly basis if they have any concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at this school and I am very disappointed! I agree on the before/after school pickup/drop off is very dangerous! My 5th grader is doing that he did in 2nd and 3rd grade at his previous school. Communication between school and parent is almost void!
—Submitted by a parent

I think the school is one of the worst ever! There after and before school drop off is horrible, there is no or very little supervision. I also believe that kids are getting away with way too much, when a kid gets in trouble no matter how serious a parent should always be contacted, if a parent does not know that his/her child has been in trouble at school how does the parent continue punishment at home, it has to be a continued process, the child has to know that he/she can not behave a certain way.
—Submitted by Jennifer, a parent

I am very disappointed with our school. We have no discipline policy that works what so ever. Good kids gets in trouble because of the bad kids all the time. There are no classes offered for the so to say gifted kids to enjoy. All though many are offered for the children who are behind. Were is the fairness here? Unfortunately we pay very high taxes and truly have no say on our kids curriculum. I feel and so do many that it is poorly designed. Some how some where it needs to be fixed.....
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that advanced children are not challenged or made to feel advanced. They are bored and already know everything that is being taught to the kids who are behind. Teachers are good,they need to give advanced kids more attention,maybe an after school program for them instead of just slower kids. I doubt it will happen.
—Submitted by a parent

Big dissapointment as one of my children needed to be more challenged, was promised that would take place but hasn't to date. For some it is fine but more advanced kids are easily shoved aside.
—Submitted by a parent