Harwood Junior High School

We are so pleased with Harwood Jr. High! Our son has had a wonderful first year. . .he had some struggles getting along with teachers in Elementary school, so we were concerned about the transition to Jr. High. He loves his teachers so much, that he cannot decide which is his favorite. We are also pleased and impressed with the band program at HJH. Its hard to believe they've been playing such a short time together. The instructors are firm and the kids have learned a great deal. The office staff is also friendly. This was another problem we had in elementary, an acceptable, but generally unfriendly office staff. We hope 8th and 9th grade go as well. Great job, HJH!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended Harwood Junior High School for the first time this year in 8th Grade. The principals were subjective, fair and consistant in disciplining. The teachers went out of there way to assist my daughter, who was having trouble in math and science etc. with organization all together. Which made my daughter more outgoing and come out of her shell (so to speak). Principal Donaho, and teacher Mrs. Versland, Mrs. Ingraham are the best.
—Submitted by a parent

Along with the great learning experience they also have an excellent athletics program. My daughters volleyball team has been undefeated for 2 years now. Absolutely 0 losses.... The coaches are professional quality. Another reason for the wins is the training that www.TexasImageVolleyball.com provides. This is a great school with smart teachers and highly rated principals.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is presently in eighth grade at HJH. She came from out of state from a magnet program. Seventh grade was fairly easy for her, and I am happy that eighth grade is challenging her academically. She has four preAP core classes and a foreign language and is considering entering the IB program in high school. The only reasons I didn't give HJH five stars are the limited choices of electives (no Theater classes, forensics or Creative Writing) and the limited number of after school clubs which are offered in the more aflluent neighboring school districts.
—Submitted by a parent

HEY!!! I am a student at harwood junior high. I'm going into the 8th grade. But my point is this school is amazing. It's really nice. Sure the teachers can be a tad bit mean but they only want what's best for you:) Either that or they only want their paycheck:P No but seriously everything they teach from just simple math or life lessons, It's very informative and educational. Thus i recommend this school to any parents.
—Submitted by a student

My husband and I are extremely pleased with Harwood Jr. High. Our daughter just completed 7th grade and she loves it there! Here teachers presented challenging coursework and set high expectations while communicating with our daughter and myself if necessary. Also, the new administration seemed to really set a positive tone with kids and parents. Good communication (principal emails a weekly newsletter) and consistency with the kids seemed to set clear boundaries. We are looking forward to her 8th grade year!
—Submitted by a parent

The new administration really took control and did a great job this past year. They established rules, and made sure they were followed. I was also impressed by the new principal's big expectations, and his desire to meet those. Great school.
—Submitted by a student

Horrible is all I have to say about this school. It does not meet my expectations as a parent. My child needs help since she has ADD and she is not getting the right attention for it. I demand this school to be demolished immediatly. Thank you for your time. Good bye and have a lovely day. :)))))
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, Harwood Jr. High is above average as HEBISD junior high schools go. By and large, teachers are committed to students (we've sent 2 through.) Some discipline problems needing to be addressed swiftly, markedly, and then sustainably. Inappropriate language and PDA are so rampant, students have become desensitized but parents remain concerned. Few extra-curricular activities except in athletics. New librarian trying mightily to update his 'realm;' kids seem to be responding positively. PTA is active but involvement drops off dramatically from elementary school. Administratively, all new staff this year -- 2 new VPs and new principal. A few policies (parents bringing lunch for kids) shot w/o parent/student input, but they seem to be trying. The jury is out for this year. Let's hope things improve over previous administration. Our kids love it there; we can't wait to get them out. Reality is somewhere in the middle.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended HJH during my junior high years and was excited when my oldest son started. At first it seemed like how it was back in the 80's but really it is not. Most of the extra curricular activities no longer exist. There is no booster club or even a Student Council that the kids can participate in. Spirit Parties are a thing of the past. 9th graders no longer have dances, homecoming mums, and letterman jackets. And where is the principal? There wasn't a day that I didn't see Mr. Downs or Dr. Whitley. Last year the princ. was never around, and this year we have a new one and he is never seen either.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year in public school and I have found Harwood to be a good school. It is safe and somewhat challenging for the students. While there is always room for improvement I am satisfied overall. My child also likes the school but would appreciate more school activities for the 9th grade. A few more social activities and clubs would really be appreciated by kids. Overall, good school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an awesome school with a dedicated staff. There is however, room for improvement in the extra-curircular and discipline areas.
—Submitted by a student

Harwood has been a great school with awesome teachers.
—Submitted by Kim, a parent

kids are okay not alot of crime. good teachers and principle. they really seem to care about the children...but i would enjoy a review of the dress code.
—Submitted by brenda aron, a parent

Harwood Jr. High is a excellent school for all students. The programs they offer are excellent. The teachers stay involved with the students progress.
—Submitted by Patricia Rapone, a parent

Excellent school! Very inclusive. Lots of extras to offer the kids. Good leadership committed to educating the students.
—Submitted by a parent