The Harker School | Middle School

It would be an understatement that Harker is a great school. In all my experience only Harker has the learning resources and teachers to truly advance your child in academics. I attended Harker for 13 years K-12, which is easily the best school in the bay. Harker is known for unrivaled programs and academics, which is clear the moment you enter a classroom. The teachers at Harker are amazing at what they do and like have 1on1 time with students to discuss projects and help them with what they are confused about. I have friends who attend public schools in San Jose like Chaboya, Challenger, and Mitty and when I compare my assignments to theirs it is clear that Harker is way ahead of the rest. The assignments and textbooks at Chaboya are nearly 3 grades behind those at Harker and comparing Harker with Challenger its clear that Challenger assigns a lot of work but doesn't nail the subject that they're trying to teach. Overall if you are looking for a private school in the bay area to send your child to The Harker School demolishes every other school on academics, athletics, and the overall community.

I have been attending Harker for ten years now, and it is amazing. The community and environment are so playful and supportive. I genuinely feel that my teachers and staff help every one of us during school and teach us valuable lessons outside of school. I would recommend this school to anyone because even though the curriculum is harsh at times, the environment and people there are kind and help you along your way. Although most people view Harker as a purely academic school, Harker supports many sports. I am involved in soccer and cross country, and I can feel myself growing stronger both physically and mentally. Overall, Harker is an amazing school with an astonishing environment.

We were happy initially due to accelerated academics and differentiation. However over time we became disenchanted with Harker as a family that truly values the development of the whole-child. We are leaving the school. Most at Harker would assume you are leaving because your child could not cut it academically. This speaks to the narrow focus and ignorance of the parent community. Our child was in the most accelerated level of academics available and an honor student. He was thriving academically. Socially however it was another story. He was not happy and the social pool was weak. It's difficult to know if it is because he is caucasian, not a "follower," or because he is an scholar-athlete (these are few and far between at Harker)--who knows. All I know is my well-adjusted happy child became frustrated with kids obsessed with grades and academics. He was disappointed in his peers that were plain and simple "followers" in every sense of the word. These were kids that would not stand-up to bullying and unkind behavior. These were kids and parents that just looked the other way. The students at Harker are not taught kindness, inclusion and leadership skills in a collaborative (rather than competitive) environment. At least not in a meaningful manner that sticks. It's just not a priority for many families at Harker or the administration. In fact, kids are not taught even simple manners such as holding the door for one another. Kids are taught to be "better" than their classmate and beat them at all costs. Bottom line, just like any other school in terms of teacher quality and administrators, yet at a much higher price point. We found time and time again bullying was swept under the rug and students were not taught or supported in how to navigate (bully or victim.) If you value a 21st century education that focuses on skills for the future in terms of creativity, pro-social skills and higher order thinking--you may be disappointed. My advice is listen to your child and don't make them stick it out in this unhealthy environment unless they REALLY want to. Childhood goes in a blink of an eye. Make sure your kids actually have a healthy one. Best of luck!

Extraordinary academics, sports and arts program, but also a nurturing environment where everyone not only knows the names of our kids, but also knows who they are as people and helps them develop in the best person they can be. Not a day goes by that my husband and I are concerned for the well-being of our children (we have 3 kids at Harker) and the peers they call friends. Harker is a first class operation that should set the standard of a 21st century education.

Indeed Harker has contributed SO MUCH to my son's growth, we just cannot give enough gratitude. My family appreciates every single teacher from the middle school, all the staff members including members of the BEST staff, administration, and parent volunteers, for their effort, care, love, and diligence to guide and nurture Harker students. I frequently share my comments with my friends that we need to give a huge hug to each and every one of Harker students, not just for their stellar academic performance but for exhibiting role model behavior as ideal citizens of the society! We definitely owe this to Harker who truly believes and teaches our students value of life. I would give Harker 10 stars and more!!!