Harrington Elementary School

328 Lowell Street

School District

Lexington
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Lexington 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 December 06, 2024

Love our Harrington school, my son has thrived there, he loved going every morning and came back happy every day. The teachers and staff are amazing and super engaging with the kids. Love all the special initiatives they get the kids to be excited about like the morning live news, the podcasting team, the amazing music programs.. highly recommend it to other parents.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2024

The principal is outside welcoming students with other staff and upbeat music. She’s warm and effective in her role. The music program at this school is beyond our wildest expectations. Teachers are great to phenomenal. High emphasis on literacy with well run support for kids that need 1:1 help during school hours. The afterschool program isn’t oversubscribed nor thinly populated. The activities offered keep kids engaged with projects that they seem excited about. Snacks offered include milk and vegetables. Many kids are disappointed to leave even at the end of their long day. The safe routes to school are just okay. Sidewalks could be better maintained in East Lexington. Additional stop signs, bike lanes could be added to maintain with modern public amenities offered by nearby communities.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2020

Very good so far.The only down side is that there is not enough parking.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2019

We’ve had an amazing experience at Harrington for my son and daughter. My son transitioned easily to middle school and is excelling there now. My daughter is finishing 5th grade and has loved her teachers and many of the pars professionals that assist the kids at recess, lunch, etc. The principal and vice principal bring a wonderful energy to the school - both are compassionate in wanting To build a great community while helping each child thrive individually.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2014

A real sense of caring and community. Supportive teachers who work well together. Great indoor and outdoor space.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2014

The principal is rigid, dishonest, and inspires no faith on the part of teachers, parents, or even students. Shocking that she has lasted this long, especially given her past history of lack of success.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

Harrington has some excellent teachers and the community demographics support a culture of learning and high expectations for academic, social and emotional learning. Unfortunately, the current principal functions as an administrator and is not child and family focused. She rarely is outside to great students as they are dropped off in the morning, preferring to hold meetings during the critical time to make connections with students and their families. Many teachers and staff have reported to parents that the principal does not foster a positive environment for them and values MCAS scores over actual learning. It's not easy to assess whether or not this is true, but many parents have had negative experiences and difficulty communicating. Sadly, the Superintendent appears to be tone deaf when confronted with evidence of parents' concerns. Overall, it is an excellent school despite the current leadership.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2013

Disappointing. Poor communication from leadership. Some great teachers but not a strong culture overall. Leadership is out of touch.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2013

I'm not sure why some parents decide to use this as a podium in which to air their grievances with Mrs. Mead. ( The playground isn't deserted after school....it's used by the Lextended Day program since a large percentage of parents work). The teachers are excellent, the staff is great and I've found Mrs. Mead to be an excellent principal.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2013

Only school in Lexington that has a completely deserted playground after school. No chance to interact with other parents. Everyone just drops their kid off and goes. I am sure this is the way Mrs. Mead likes it! The PTA does try but lots of parents as well as kids are pretty detached from the Harrington community as a whole. Mrs. Mead has set a very unwelcoming tone that is felt from the moment you set foot in the door! Kind of sad, as I have visited other schools in Lexington and they have a very different vibe. Feel that some our kids have missed out on developing a strong sense of community that most other elementary schools have. A change of leadership is overdue!