Harbor Country Day School

I've previously had nothing but praise for this school, but I'm not impressed with the direction being taken by the new administration. Academics do not compare favorably with many other LI private schools, or even with some of the better public districts. Harbor teachers are generally caring, but I'm now starting to question their level of competence.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is lacking in leadership and upper school academics are, sadly, almost non existent.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely a top-notch school in every way. The teachers go out of their way to make sure each and every student is challenged and comfortable taking risks to ensure they are reaching their potential. My children wake up every day excited to go to school to learn. As a matter of fact, they wake up on weekends too asking if they can go to school! We love what Harbor has done for our children's educational experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Harbor is truly an exception independent day school. As an educator who began teaching in the public sector before moving onto the independent school world, I can say with certainty that there is simply no comparison between the two educational models. All of my children attended Harbor Country Day School and benefited greatly from the warmth, academic integrity and intellectual enthusiasm that is the essence of Harbor s teaching methodology. My children were all quite different in terms of interests/capabilities and the faculty at Harbor met each of them where they stood. Without exception, the teachers knew how to artfully promote improvement, celebrate strengths, and bolster self-confidence. As a parent, I knew my children were safe, flourishing and supported. And in the off chance that an issue emerged, I could always count on Harbor to immediately contact me about the situation.
--Submitted by a parent

What an amazing early childhood program!!!!! Both Nurseryand Pre-K are just marvelous. My kids love going to school which is a newthing for them. The school is in a beautiful old mansion with gorgeous woodfloors, fireplaces in the classrooms, rolling hills, patios and the mostamazing, loving teachers. You gotta check this place out!!
--Submitted by a parent

Harbor is an amazing, warm and congenial school. Small class size is not a number, it's a state of mind. Each student is given such personalized attention that it not only educates the mind, but the heart as well. The whole child is at the center of Harbor's purpose - a well balanced blend of academics and social education. As a member of Harbor's community for several years, there is no where else I would want my children to be. Harbor prepares students for the rest of their lives: leadership, character and knowledge
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with strong academics. Would not send my child anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

We took our daughter out of Harbor this year, but not because the school didn't live up to our expectations. Except for the long commute back and forth, we loved everything about Harbor, and will remember it with love.
--Submitted by a parent

Five years ago, from the Headmaster down, it was such a warm, cozy little neighborhood private school. Now there is a cold chill that permeates theentire building. The best of the faculty is ostensibly gone. As the tution increases, the enrollment decreases. I feel such a sense of sadness when I pass it, remembering it's halcyon days.
--Submitted by a parent

Harbor is the antithesis of todays public schools. Students are courteous and respectful. They are challenged to meet and greet their true potential, not held back. Harbor attracts gifted students as well as students with mild learning differences. Teachers lack nothing except a union mentality, and without tenure, only the best are retained. Our daughter loved the camp and educational workshops, and the lunches are nutritious, well-supervised and 'yummy'. Every school has fundraisers, but Harbor's non-profit status allows donations to be tax-deductible. Some private schools attract too many over-privileged preppies with attitude problems, but Harbor students are diverse in every sense, and every child can feel comfortable learning this warm, welcoming, non-threatening environment. We recommend it without reservation.
--Submitted by a parent