Harahan Elementary School

I really don't like to say anything if I don't have anything nice to say but I decided that if my experience can help others, I should share it. My daughter was in the PK3 program at Harahan for a very short time before I had to change schools. Unfortunately, it was downhill from day one. My daughter, who was never a discipline problem before nor is she since she left Harahan, had daily letters come home explaining her "problematic" behavior. Now, I'm not one to think my child is a perfect angel so I proceeded to punish her nightly for her behavior (take away tv, toys, nighttime stories, etc.) but the behavior did not improve. When I received a "write up" on her I decided that maybe Harahan was not the place to be. I switched schools within a week and I never had a behavior problem since. I'm not blaming Harahan for her behavior but her bout of bad behavior was only while she was attending Harahan. On another note, when I went through the process of pulling her out, numerous employees there told me they "couldn't blame me" for wanting to pull her out. That's no good. I know of other parents that really like the school, unfortunately, that wasn't my experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Harahan Elementary has become a nightmare. There are children with behavior problems in regular classrooms. This causes disruption & chaos for the other children. Not to mention the chance that someone could be hurt. All of the children are scanned regularly for weapons.This is elementary school !! These children have no recess & only 30 minutes for lunch. These young children have to stand in a long line to get lunch & eat it, all in 30 minutes. The only thing that has been done in the last month is practice & go over the leap & i leap. All for what? If the teacher is doing her job & teaching what needs to be taught the children will know what's on that test. Leap & i leap tests are useless. They are not a measure of what the child has learned all year. What happened to the money that the casinos & lottery were supposed to generate for schools? Instead of more & better schools, Jefferson Parish is closing schools & firing teachers. Come on people these children are the future of our country !! Jefferson Parish schools don't even teach cursive writing anymore. How will our children be able to sign a legal document? If they can't write cursive how will they be able to read cursive?
--Submitted by a parent

My grandson has attended Harahan Elem. for the past 5 years, and we feel that he has received the best education ever. The school challenges thse children to do their best at all times. They maintain high standards and a pleasant atmosphere for our children. I highly recommend Harahan Elem. School to anyone seeking a wonderful education for their children.

Both of our son's attended Harahan Elementary and I'm thrilled. We are so LUCKY to live in a neighborhood that has allowed our son's the opportunity to go to a public school that is more like a Magnet School. Our oldest would be moving on to middle school this year, but our younger one would still be attending. Unfortunetly we are being transferred and to our amazement can't find a school that stands up to this one. Mr. Helmstetter is a great principal and my kids love him asd do the rest of the children at the school. We will miss him and all the teachers. If you have the opportunity to send your child or children here, DON'T HESITATE!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended this school for two years (K-1)before we decided that she would be better off elsewhere. While the school's test scores are well above average, there may be a reason for this. In an apparent attempt to make their school 'the best,' the administration often overlooks the overall development of children: there is little recess, a very strict administration, masses of extra work for kids to complete during their vacation periods, etc. In addition, while my daughter was attending, the kindergarten class was so overcrowded, her teacher did not/could not recognize her abilities and threatened to put her in what she called the 'slow class.' We have changed schools (still the Jefferson Parish public school system). My daughter is now in the gifted program and in a wonderfully caring school. About the parental involvement: the PTF group was almost dismantled last year because of a lack of parental involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest son went to Harahan elementary from 1st-5th grade and I could not imagine a better school. the principal/ teacher/ parent involvement is outstanding. It truley is what not just a public school, but any school should be.
--Submitted by Robie Ramos, a parent

My son went to this school from K-5th grade. I think this is the best public school in the area. The teachers and the principal are great.
--Submitted by Vicky Chen, a parent

My oldest child has attended this school since Pre-K, and this will be his 'graduating' year. I am proud to say that he has recieved his fundamental elementary education at this wonderful public school. It is rare to find such a gem in the LA public school system. It is sad that he will be continuing on; however we do have one more child attending for a few more years. The parental involvement is unbelievable, and the volunteers strive to provide first class activities year round for the children. Keep up the good work!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter, age 7, attends Harahan Elementary. Currently, I am on the PTF Board and enjoy volunteering and getting to meet other parents. We transferred our daughter from a Catholic School to Harahan Elementary in time for 1st grade and have not looked back!! This school has much to offer to parents seeking to better their child's education opportunities. My 3 yr. old son is scheduled to start pre-K3 in August and I am excited to, once again, enjoy another great year at Harahan Elementary thanks to a great principal, staff and parent volunteers!
--Submitted by a parent