The Harker School | Middle School

3800 Blackford Ave

San Jose, CA 95117

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on February 09, 2023

It would be an understatement that Harker is a great school. In all my experience only Harker has the learning resources and teachers to truly advance your child in academics. I attended Harker for 13 years K-12, which is easily the best school in the bay. Harker is known for unrivaled programs and academics, which is clear the moment you enter a classroom. The teachers at Harker are amazing at what they do and like have 1on1 time with students to discuss projects and help them with what they are confused about. I have friends who attend public schools in San Jose like Chaboya, Challenger, and Mitty and when I compare my assignments to theirs it is clear that Harker is way ahead of the rest. The assignments and textbooks at Chaboya are nearly 3 grades behind those at Harker and comparing Harker with Challenger its clear that Challenger assigns a lot of work but doesn't nail the subject that they're trying to teach. Overall if you are looking for a private school in the bay area to send your child to The Harker School demolishes every other school on academics, athletics, and the overall community.
Submitted by student on September 12, 2022

I have been attending Harker for ten years now, and it is amazing. The community and environment are so playful and supportive. I genuinely feel that my teachers and staff help every one of us during school and teach us valuable lessons outside of school. I would recommend this school to anyone because even though the curriculum is harsh at times, the environment and people there are kind and help you along your way. Although most people view Harker as a purely academic school, Harker supports many sports. I am involved in soccer and cross country, and I can feel myself growing stronger both physically and mentally. Overall, Harker is an amazing school with an astonishing environment.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2018

We were happy initially due to accelerated academics and differentiation. However over time we became disenchanted with Harker as a family that truly values the development of the whole-child. We are leaving the school. Most at Harker would assume you are leaving because your child could not cut it academically. This speaks to the narrow focus and ignorance of the parent community. Our child was in the most accelerated level of academics available and an honor student. He was thriving academically. Socially however it was another story. He was not happy and the social pool was weak. It's difficult to know if it is because he is caucasian, not a "follower," or because he is an scholar-athlete (these are few and far between at Harker)--who knows. All I know is my well-adjusted happy child became frustrated with kids obsessed with grades and academics. He was disappointed in his peers that were plain and simple "followers" in every sense of the word. These were kids that would not stand-up to bullying and unkind behavior. These were kids and parents that just looked the other way. The students at Harker are not taught kindness, inclusion and leadership skills in a collaborative (rather than competitive) environment. At least not in a meaningful manner that sticks. It's just not a priority for many families at Harker or the administration. In fact, kids are not taught even simple manners such as holding the door for one another. Kids are taught to be "better" than their classmate and beat them at all costs. Bottom line, just like any other school in terms of teacher quality and administrators, yet at a much higher price point. We found time and time again bullying was swept under the rug and students were not taught or supported in how to navigate (bully or victim.) If you value a 21st century education that focuses on skills for the future in terms of creativity, pro-social skills and higher order thinking--you may be disappointed. My advice is listen to your child and don't make them stick it out in this unhealthy environment unless they REALLY want to. Childhood goes in a blink of an eye. Make sure your kids actually have a healthy one. Best of luck!
Submitted by other on May 09, 2017

Extraordinary academics, sports and arts program, but also a nurturing environment where everyone not only knows the names of our kids, but also knows who they are as people and helps them develop in the best person they can be. Not a day goes by that my husband and I are concerned for the well-being of our children (we have 3 kids at Harker) and the peers they call friends. Harker is a first class operation that should set the standard of a 21st century education.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2014

Indeed Harker has contributed SO MUCH to my son's growth, we just cannot give enough gratitude. My family appreciates every single teacher from the middle school, all the staff members including members of the BEST staff, administration, and parent volunteers, for their effort, care, love, and diligence to guide and nurture Harker students. I frequently share my comments with my friends that we need to give a huge hug to each and every one of Harker students, not just for their stellar academic performance but for exhibiting role model behavior as ideal citizens of the society! We definitely owe this to Harker who truly believes and teaches our students value of life. I would give Harker 10 stars and more!!!
Submitted by other on January 17, 2014

The academic standard has always been set high at Harker, but relative to the student s ages, the bar is probably set highest at the middle school. At all schools, middle school is that awkward transition stage from childhood to teen years, and I don t think it will ever be easy for anyone. Although the academics are rigorous, the teachers will do anything in their power to help their students succeed, not just in their classes, but as individuals. When I was a middle school student, even the teachers who weren t strictly my teachers would edit my papers, give me advice, or just be cool with hanging out in their classrooms. No matter how busy they are, they will never be too busy for their students. The upper school at Harker has lots of opportunities, from classes in biotechnology and modern physics to performing in the orchestra or a play, and the middle school prepares you for this by helping you find out who you are and what you like to do. Middle school was some of the hardest years of my life, but the teachers guided me through it, not just academically but socially as well, sowing the seeds for all my future endeavors.
Submitted by other on July 16, 2013

I feel so lucky to have attended Harker. My experiences at the school helped me see that I am capable of so much more than I would have ever believed--academically, athletically, personally. I cannot adequately express in words how deep my gratitude is to the many teachers, coaches, and mentors who genuinely cared about me, listened to me, and made me believe that I can actually contribute and make the world a better place. I graduated from the high school five years ago and am happy to still be in touch with some of the faculty and many of my classmates. I hope to be friends with these people for many more years to come. They inspire me to be the best that I can be!
Submitted by other on April 17, 2013

Harker is a really good school. It has all kids of activities for all kinds of people. Its one of the best schools in California and all the kids that go there love it.
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2012

This is the best school west of the Rockies and the only one that compares to the East Coast prep and boarding schools for quality of teaching, excellence of faculty, and intellectual caliber of students. The school does have a lot of rules of conduct for the parents but I've never found it to be a problem and it's nice knowing that overzealous parents can be reigned in. The students seem to be busy but very happy. My son has wonderful friends, really good kids that I love like my own. The teachers are very caring, really understand the children's aptitudes and limitations, and the administrations are also caring and talented. In 5 years of attending this school, I've only met one teacher that I didn't care for (but even then she still seemed to love her students.) This school is not for everyone but it's amazing for above average students. It's a Disneyland for students who are ambitious, bright. The sky isn't even a limit for the best and brightest here.