Corona del Mar

My daughter has been to the school for TK and now is in kindergarten. She absolutely loves her school and enjoys waking up every day and going to learn. Mrs. Prough and Mrs Underdown are amazing teachers. I'm so grateful that my daughter gets to experience their teaching styles and remains excited to learn.

The school is safe and secure in a quiet neighborhood. Buildings are older but they keep it up okay. The student teacher ratio is unheard of. My son had a class last year with only 14 other kids. My friend’s youngest daughter went through the special needs class and there were half a dozen at most with extra aides. Where do you ever see that at a public school? Every Friday they have Flag Deck in the morning with all the grades where awards and announcements are made. Lots of parent participation. Parent groups always having events and fundraisers ($$$ too many) but I guess that’s why it’s a top school. Thru aren’t lacking in anything. Some of the 6th grade boys are a bit on the rambunctious side but that’s probably every school. Overall an excellent school. But my only suggestion is that if you need extra help with your kid, sit down with teacher/school early to get on a growth plan.

When our family joined Harbor Day School four years ago, we hoped for a strong academic foundation for our children, but what we found has been so much more. Harbor Day has become an extension of our family, a place where our three children are not only challenged intellectually but also supported emotionally and socially in every way.The teachers here are extraordinary. They know each child deeply - their strengths, quirks, and potential, and they truly want every student to become their best self. What stands out most is how intentionally the school focuses on the whole child. Academic rigor is balanced with lessons in kindness, citizenship, and community. My sons have learned to think critically and act compassionately, skills that matter far beyond the classroom and that we see demonstrated when we travel and encounter different societies and cultures.The breadth of experiences offered continues to impress me. From science and technology to wood shop, Spanish/Latin/Mandarin, art, and beyond, the curriculum encourages curiosity and hands-on exploration. Every day, my children come home excited to share something new they’ve discovered or built.As a parent, I’ve also found a meaningful sense of belonging through volunteer opportunities and parent enrichment programs. Although we don’t live in the immediate neighborhood, I’ve found that volunteering and participating in parent enrichment opportunities have made me feel deeply connected to the school. The families and faculty are warm, welcoming, and united by a shared commitment to helping children thrive both academically and personally.We are so happy with our decision to have our children at Harbor Day School. It’s a place where children are seen, valued, and inspired, and where families feel truly at home.