J. H. McGaugh Elementary School

Harbourview Elementary is a wonderful school with a welcoming and supportive environment. The teachers truly care about their students and are deeply invested in their success. They work closely with the PTA to create an amazing learning environment for the kids, making school both engaging and enriching.The staff are approachable and communicative, and they go above and beyond to support each child academically and socially. The PTA is strong and actively involved, helping organize events, provide resources, and build a real sense of community among families.Overall, Harbourview Elementary offers a safe, nurturing space where students feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best. I highly recommend it to any family looking for a positive and high-quality elementary school experience.

Kettering has been an amazing experience for both my girls! From the moment you step onto campus, you can feel the warmth, energy, and dedication of the incredible teachers and staff who go above and beyond to create an enriching environment. This school isn’t just about academics (which are excellent) —it’s about experiences that shape young kids in the best way possible. Where else do kids get access to violin lessons, weekly music programs, chorus, garden education, art, and incredible field trips all woven into their learning journey? The teachers are engaging, passionate, and truly invested in each child’s success. I still can’t believe we get to be part of this amazing school community.

As a parent, it breaks my heart to say this, but this school has a serious issue with diversity, equity, inclusion and families deserve to know the truth before enrolling their children.Over the years, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern of racial bias that has impacted my child’s confidence and sense of belonging. It’s something many other parents have privately shared with me as well. Even staff members have acknowledged concerns about how the school handles diversity.Here are just a few of the issues:• Performances & representation: In school events, African-American students are consistently placed on the ends, never centered, and rarely more than two or three are included.• Lack of diverse staff: There are no African-American or Latino teachers on staff. The only representation seems to be in yard duty or crossing guard roles.• Unequal discipline: There was an incident where an African-American boy was bullied, yet he was sent home while the other child involved (who was not African-American) received no consequence at all. This is not the first time I’ve witnessed disparities in how children are disciplined.• Daily environment: If you are African-American, prepare to feel uncomfortable at pickup. There is a noticeable energy of being watched, judged, or looked up and down by others including staff.To be fair, the school is located in a nice area, the uniform policy is convenient, and there are some truly wonderful teachers doing their best. But those positives do not outweigh the deep-rooted cultural issues that continue to affect children of color.Every child deserves a safe, inclusive, supportive school environment. Unfortunately, this school has a long way to go in addressing hidden racism, unequal treatment, and representation. I hope the administration takes these concerns seriously, because families of color deserve better

This is our second year here, and I have no doubt my child is receiving a good education. The teachers, thus far, have been excellent. I'll admit, I was a bit turned off by the fact that I was unable to reach my child's teacher directly last year and had to go through the classroom mom to communicate with her.The school is not very diverse, and the parents appear to be quite cliquey. My daughter didn't make tons of friends her first year, but the few she did make seem very solid. I also had a couple of run-ins with one particular office staff member whom I believe to be the Office Supervisor. I have been treated very curtly by her on several occasions, and I have also witnessed her treating other women of color in this manner. Coincidence—or does she address the white moms in the same way?I brought this to the attention of the principal, who said she would address it. I am concerned that there could be some cronyism at play, but time will tell.

Not a safe school not nice staff

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