R N Harris Elementary

1520 Cooper Street

School District

Durham Public
Grade

PK, K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Durham Public School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 18, 2022

We were only able to be at RN Harris for one year and then moved out of the area.I would say this is a very child centered school. My child responded very well to this environment.The staff were very responsive to parent communication at all levels. The school worked closely with local organizations to make sure kids went home with food during school breaks. This demonstrated to me that the school staff were aware of the needs of their students outside of school hours as well.We miss you guys!
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2020

An 8! I love the school and everything it has to offer!
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2015

Our child started Kindergarten here in the Fall (we got a spot through the magnet lottery) and she has absolutely loved it. It has a very low teacher turnover rate - far below the district or state average. Principal Pugh has a clearly evident commitment to the success of the students and the school. Harris has a low student:teacher ratio, giving the students more attention. The "cafetorium" is packed on event nights. The curriculum is well established and the environment is structured and conducive to learning. Uses a positive reinforcement system to encourage good behavior.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

My child attended this school for kindergarten and transferred to another school before first grade. The violin program was great and I could tell the teachers and staff had good intentions, and the curriculum was outstanding. The year ended with advanced reading skills (couldn't read at the beginning of the year), a love for writing (didn't write at the beginning of the year) and playing the violin (ditto), yet my child was so ready to transfer to a new school, I was happy that it came through. The environment at RN Harris is extremely regimented, which may be good and necessary for some kids - my child needed another approach. LOVED going to preschool but lost that feeling during kindergarten (it's back now). As a parent, it was hard to participate. Staff verbally encouraged parents to volunteer but made it difficult by not confirming needs, not supporting the PTA, informing parents of school events and meetings the day before and much more. Proactive communication and proactive parent inclusion would be great assets to the school community. This said, if I had to, I would have given it another year, just in case that year was an anomaly.