We can’t speak highly enough about this school. Our daughter has been there since the spring and has been absolutely thriving. You can really tell how much the teachers and staff care about each individual child. I really love how involved the keep us parents and always give updates throughout the day.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2023
We love this school! Harmony is a unique community that fosters kid's creativity by allowing them to explore the world around them in a safe and educational way. There is so much outdoor time, hands-on and experiential learning, that is is truly one of a kind. The teachers take the time to get to know each student and the administrative staff is dedicated to improving and growing the school even more. This is a wonderful place for children to grow and learn!
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2023
The teachers are fantastic, the activities are engaging, the curriculum is well rounded and accommodating, the kids get lots of time outside, and the community is lovely. We love Harmony for our son and soon for our daughter too.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2022
The people who made this a wonderful school have all left. The school is no longer a safe environment for children. They do not support children with special needs, or learning abilities. They do not provide educational instruction at grade level. They no longer teach about the environment, kindness, healthy leaving, Montessori, Waldorf or Inquiry Based learning.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2018
This school is inclusive and fosters its students’ growth as people, not just as students. My child wants to be there even on the weekends. It’s been a life saver for my family and myself.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2018
This is a wonderful school, and frankly, the only school like it in Columbia, SC. I am thrilled to learn what my daughter is doing each day. This is a very positive environment where they actually let kids be kids. They are learning how to be kind citizens to one another, and the learning is FANTASTIC!! I cannot imagine a better place to send my children.
Submitted by student on December 03, 2018
My school experience with my daughter has been absolutely remarkable. Harmony is so successful in making your children feel warm, loved and secure. They embrace every child for their uniqueness. My daughter attended when she was just 2.5 years old, and since then has thrived and blossomed into a kind citizen of the world. I am so grateful for this school- the teachers, the staff and the nurturing environment they provide.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2018
My family was dismissed after finding out our child was allowed to cross the street and go to a store without any supervision. Our worries and concerns were mocked. I could never support a place that treated my family the way we were. Good luck if you send your children here you will need it.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2018
Ok. I wish they would include parents more in concerns and supervise the kids a little more when outside. There is no reason for my child to be physically harmed by another kid!
Submitted by other on April 13, 2018
Poor. I am glad my grandchild no longer attends this school, but need to let others know to avoid placing their child in this school. I hope they eventually address this versus sweeping it under the rug and sending parents of current students against previous parents. These families who have had negative experiences at Harmony School have been through enough and deserve support not judgement.
Submitted by principal on April 10, 2018
I cannot say enough good things about Harmony School. The teachers, aides, administrators, and the community itself are some of the biggest blessings in my life. I feel so fortunate to be able to provide such a wonderful foundation for my children through Harmony School. It is such a comfort to know that every day when I drop off my kids, that they will be challenged, mentored, and fiercely loved. I can't imagine having better partners in raising my children into kind, respectful, responsible global citizens. I wish this school went through high school!
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2018
My children are changed for the better. They are caring, respectful, and have a love of learning that I feel Harmony School has helped create. The foundation they have gained here will last them a lifetime. This is such a unique program here in Columbia and I am forever grateful we discovered it!
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2018
Our experience with this school has been stellar. Our daughter is in her second year of preschool and loves her school dearly. I look forward to enrolling my son next Spring so he may join his sister and take part in Harmony's individualized attention and care. I never have to worry about my child's safety, happiness, and well being. The Montessori and Waldorf based learning philosophy is amazing and effective on so many levels.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2018
The issues with this school are gradual. To the point where parents can deny that the school is in the wrong, possibly harming their child, or will lead to the harm of their child. The bullying is gradual and starts with friend/not my friend and increases. Some kids are just physically bullied - or taught to fight by other children. I hoped it was just a few issues, but then I have been talking with multiple other families who have expressed concerns. The worst part is, when your child is injured they do not call you right away. Nor when they are running a high fever and lethargic. The idea of the school is wonderful, but until their is a leadership change and some staffing changes this school is a danger to children and their families.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2015
Teachers and staff actually care about each and every child in the school. Very much a "community" of parents and staff with a common goal - the education, safety and recreation of our children. Time spent outdoors in the fresh air playing, exercising and pretending is priceless these days. Harmony provides it all along with gardening, recycling and community service opportunities. Rules exist but so does freedom and independence. A great combination.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2015
My child went to this school for about a year starting at age two. It was not a fit for us. But most upsetting was feeling that my child was outcasted (and myself too) because my child did not respond well to such a relaxed, unstructured environment. After leaving this school and attending another one, my child has had virtually none of the behavioral issues that were exhibited and described to me everyday at Harmony. The school made me feel that my child was the problem and most certainly not their approach with my child. I believe this school may be a good fit for more laid back children. However, for students that require more structure and a teacher-led classroom, this is not the school. I wish the school would have been more open-minded to the idea that all children do not respond well in such a relaxed, unstructured environment, as opposed to blaming said child for not adapting.
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2014
We have been at Harmony for over a year. It has been the best experience since my daughter has been in daycare, which started when she was 6 months. Due to our horrible experience with daycare overseas, (Germany, Landstuhl), I have grown very critical of any day care institution. I have researched any and all schools in the Columbia area, prior to moving back to the US and I have found only one that I would entrust my daughter with, Harmony. This school has made an incredible difference in my daughter's and my life. My little girl has been given so much love and attention and care in addition to having learned a plethora of new and exciting things, which she happily tells me about every day I pick her up. Harmony has put my mind at ease, after being very skeptical of any new day care situation, and I am able to be at work, with my mind at work and know I do not have to worry for one second about my child's safety, happiness, well being (emotionally and cognitively). My daughter has come a long way, and so have I (being able to trust another institution), thanks to Harmony. Words cannot express how happy we are with this little school where learning and love go hand in hand.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2014
Harmony School is such a great learning and fun environment for all ages! I could never give my child the education and experience that he has received at Harmony any where else! He has attended this school since he was 2 1/2 years old and now that he is almost 5, he still sees each day as a GREAT experience! (We especially love the fact that he has such an overwhelming appreciation for the world and his actions toward it!)
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2014
We love Harmony! New to South Carolina (hubby is active duty Air Force), I am thankful I followed the recommendation of a professor at USC and checked out Harmony. One of the strengths of Harmony is the loving, dedicated, and highly trained staff. I confident, when dropping off my daughter, she will be safe and cared for with the highest of standards. Can't ask for more than that- a mama's peace of mind!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2014
My son has attended Harmony School for three years and has flourished tremendously. The quality of teachers in the classroom coupled with the Montessori, Inquiry and Waldorf based learning philosophy has made our experience second to none. All Harmony children receive individualized attention and the care that is given to their emotional development is outstanding. I would highly recommend this school to any parent.