Hartford-Sumner Elementary School

I've lived in Sumner, Maine for 24 years, and my 3 children all attended Hartford Sumner Elementary School. I've watched it grow and progress over the years. It has the most professional and caring staff that I've ever known, a terrific Physical Education Dept, modern Art & Music Depts, as well as Gifted & Talented, Speech, Special Ed, Library, Resource, Tutoring, & Afterschool programs. Grades PK - 6 are taught by well qualified, personable teachers, many of whom have taught there for over 2 decades and many who were students there themselves. Being a small tri-town school, there is a feeling of community & family there. I've volunteered at HSE for 20 years. Now I'm substitute teaching and hope that someday my own grandchildren attend school there. It's a treasure. M. C. H.

After years of struggling/conflicting with a nearby prior school system that was supposed to be among the best in Maine, my 3 grandsons moved to Sumner. Within weeks, both the grade school & the middle school had diagnosed learning disabilities, come up with solid plans for all 3 kids, and now they are all in advanced classes, being challenged and excelling beyond our wildest dreams. It's amazing - like night & day - between the old school and new schools. I was afraid being 'in the sticks' would mean a poorer education, but I was so wrong! Now, I feel like my 3 grandkids will NOT 'fall thru the cracks', but that they will get the guidance & education tailor-made just for them. Thank you!
--Submitted by Deb Woolley, a parent

HSES is a very small tri-community school with much available for the size. The music department is amazing, I am always astounded when I go to concerts and the children play so well. There is no sports dept, because it is a PK-6 school and also because the communities themselves offer a wonderful rec. dept which provides sports for all seasons. The art dept is wonderful. Children are offered pottery as well as an array of other artistic outlets. The academics are wonderful with many, many caring teachers. Parent involvement is outstanding. The PTO is very involved as well as many parents volunteering in the classroom.
--Submitted by Heather Turner, a parent