James H. Harrison Elementary School

Any good reviews must come staff trying to keep their jobs. This one of the worst schools among equally poor schools in PG. That is the reason private schools proliferate. The teachers and staff seem to have disdain for the children. They are openly hostile to the youngest. I've witnessed this. Even the crossing guard is harsh. The TAG program is reserved for the teachers', admin and their close friends children. I've attempted to volunteer in my son's class last year and I was told that the teacher didn't need any help. They bog down the children with homework. They are not on the forefront of the research. The math taught is below grade level and the library is dismal. Parents are treated with indifference and hostility if they ask for too much. I took my son out last year because I was fed up after two months.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has greatly improved with new principal. I see positive changes in staff and students.School needs more parent involvement. I have 2 children that attend Harrison.
—Submitted by a parent

A fresh new leadership at James H. Harrison! Mrs. Belgrave has brought strong leadership mixed with great people skills. The teachers at James H. Harrison are accessible and willing to go the extra mile for the students. There is so much going on at this school, parents and students need to take advantage of all the activities and programs. More parents need to get involved and be part of the next greatest elementary school in PG County.
—Submitted by a parent

On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this school a 1 1/2. Overcrowding of classroom is evident here. PTA puts forth effort, however, there is little parental involvement. Principal should be more active and participate in parent-teacher meetings. (Poor leadership) Children roaming around in hallways without adult or teacher supervision. Uniforms are used in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

James J Harrison is one of the worst schools my child has ever attended it provides no incentives for the children to continue to do well. Just recently I was notified that my childs teacher is not qualified and shes been teaching my child throughout the year, one good thing about James H Harrison they made realize that I'd better check the credentials of all my childrens teachers to make sure they are qualified.
—Submitted by GLORIA WILLIAMS, a parent

I can only speak for the kindergarten class, and I must say I was extremely pleased at how Ms. Young & Ms. Shannon taught there class they did it with such love in there heart, patients and fun. My child learned a lot and I can see that he had fun in the process. Causing him to have a pleasant experience in school so much that in the summer all I heard is Ms. Young said this Ms. Shannon said that.
—Submitted by a parent