H. W. Harkness Elementary School

2147 54th Avenue

School District

Sacramento City Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Sacramento City Unified 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 August 29, 2022

I couldn’t be more satisfied with the education this school has provided my children
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2013

This school was awesome when Mr. Chapman was here. No if's, and's, or but's. Chapman left some big shoes to fill, and expected standards. All the parents, staff, and returning students are just so use to how Harkness was so awesomely ran. Chapman knew every child's first and last name, he took the time to get to know all the families as well. The staff is what's holding Harkness together right now. Getting new teachers is do able, but Harkness will NEVER be the same without Mr. Eric Chapman as principal. But in all respect as Harkness parents and staff we do need to give the new principal SOME time to adjust to our wonderful school, let's see what she can offer and contribute to keep Harkness the wonderful school that it has been.
Submitted by other on September 13, 2013

Dr.Smith-Simmons loves all children that is what helps make her a great educator. Those of you who compare her to Mr.C must remember no two people are alike. She is new to Harkness...so give yourself some time to see how really great and caring she really is and what an asset she is to the lives of your children. Dr.Smith-Simmons keep on enhancing the lives of all children everyday!
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2013

May god be with all!! Please be patient ... Parents If god put her here its for a reason.... My kids come home everyday and talk very well about the principal.. They love her ... And for one of my kids to say that it's hard.... She won there little hearts how??? Who knows only her and god... Patients she will be a great principal give her time....may god bless you all....
Submitted by other on September 11, 2013

Dr. Simmons is a dedicated educator. I can't wait too see the greatness she will bring to Harkness.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2013

Awful......... we want Mr .Chapmen back please come back the school is not the school it use to be please do it for the kids
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2013

What can I say I'm a concerned father.. And it looks that I'm not the only one..... If the school district sees this do us parents a huge favor and offer mr chapmen more if that's what it takes to bring him back have you seen this principal in the mornings on her phone ignoring Harkness kids to go get her kids from her other school??? I think that's selfish and discriminating against Harkness kids and family how you going to walk right past us!! And ignore us!! A concerned father
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2013

I am not in agreement with some of the comments a few parents have made about the new principle. They are upset because she does not greet everyone, always on her phone,or a habit of greeting the bused students in the morning. I hope these parents can stop complaining about a few minor issues and try to focus on solutions to make things better. I believe that the principle cares about of all her students and she is working long hours everyday to ensure that things are going smoothly. I believe important things are getting done and that there are good things to come on the horizion-(just give it some time). In case you disgrunted parents haven't noticed , there are about 75 more students to deal with in the morning, compared to last year and some of these students may have special needs that require special arrangements, and that could be the reason you see her talking or texting on the phone, could she be trying to find solutions for these students, or prehaps she could be just talking to a concerned parent. I feel it is not fair to compare the past principle and his agendas with Dr Simmons after only (7) days of school. Parent involvement is essential, so help out!
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2013

This school was a five when mr. Chapmen was here!! mr.p is also a great teacher.... This new principal awful she's always on phone opens Gates late.... Doesn't great Harkness kids or parents. But goes to wait for the kids from her old school.. Around to the side of the school... Why??? She's rude!! This school is not for her we ant Mr. chapmen back.... She's nothing compared to him he was educated , polite , and cared for the parents and children... And always opened the gate a bit earlier for the kids to eat breakfast never did he say parents could not sit with kids to have breakfast ... And this new principal forbids that....!! Why??? This school needs a new principal school district move on it please!! For the happiness of are kids... The kids can't walk the track anymore??? Why???
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2013

School since first day is bad, this principal is awful , she's on her iPhone all day while on the playground never comes in front of school to greet parents or students...... We had a meeting for the after school program and she didnt say a word she was again on her iPhone either talking or texting!!! School district please send us a new principal!!!!
Submitted by teacher on March 20, 2010

H.W. Harkness has the best teachers in Sacramento! The teachers are devoted to their students and they spend hours developing personalized, standards-based lessons. Each teacher demonstrates devotion to their students. All of the teachers at Harkness do homevisits and attend the monthly 'Family Nights' at the school. It is a very friendly and family-oriented school.
Submitted by student on February 07, 2007

N/A