Harter Middle School

1601 Esker Drive

School District

Kaneland Community Unit 302
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Kaneland Community Unit School District 302

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 March 03, 2023

Terrible communications between parents and teachers. For the past 2 years my daughter has not brought home any homework and i barely know what they are being taught. I feel completely out of the loop when it comes to my daughters education..
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2022

This is school is not good at all! I was stereotyped all time by race and the way I looked! Counseling and Social work department are inadequate. If your child has an IEP or any Special Education case, this school is not the right place. They held your child back from educational lessons to do other activities. I wouldn’t recommend this school at all!
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2021

My daughter is enjoying her time at Harter and has loved all of her teachers.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2019

Excellent Experience, teachers are amazing, as is administration. Great communication and excellent opportunities for those that want them
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2019

I wish I knew then what I know now, she would have never gone to Kaneland. I'm looking to pull her mid -term to finish 8th grade online. I have already made the decision and I am looking into online high school or home schooling for the remainder of her public school years.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2018

Excellent school system. My kids have been to one in Texas and another in the south suburbs of Chicago and this district is amazing in terms of safety, innovation in curriculum and things like band. Where in Texas 6th graders are learning one note at a time still, here in this district they are playing full, complex songs. The special needs services are wonderful if needed as well. The one thing that could use improvement is the honors program because it seems to be still a work in progress with how it is organized, but overall we love this district.
Submitted by other on May 15, 2017

Teachers are great - had the same challenges as any school but over all it is a good school.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2016

My child was bullied from the first day in 6th grade. Administration allowed it to continue. Now in 8th grade - SHOCKING - he hates school. The lack of communication, the bullying. Not in a position to move so I'm sad and sickened daily that this is the best I can do for him. Don't understand why the old middle school sits unused and the 1100 or so students aren't divided between the two schools. The kids are in charge and are doing a poor job.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2015

Very happy with all aspects of Kaneland Schools, specifically Harter. Teachers are wonderful to deal with.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2015

When my son was a baby we moved the Kaneland area. I had my reservations about the school but I thought it cannot be that bad. Now he is in the 7th grade at the Middle School and it has been a nightmare. Our taxes are high and I will regret saying this because my house will probably not sell, but the school is terrible. My son is bullied everyday. His confidence is going down, so instead of studying he worries about this. I, my son, and my husband have talked to everyone at the school and it is all "we have your back but we have to see what the other side says". If it is a "popular" kid they will make my son the bad guy even when it is on camera. The buses and the hallways are full of swearing, pushing, shoving, and kissing. It is suppose to be a no toleration school but the offender gets a lunch detention and is right back at the next day. The one being bullied is made to feel so terrible that they are afraid to say anything. This is why our society is going to the dumps. BAD SCHOOL
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2014

Sadly this school has become a quickly sinking ship with no help in sight. It's all looks and no brains. The district is in chaois with no leadership. Those in charge blame everything but themselves and refuse to change. Education is not a priority here. Tax payors beware, you will be charged to the max in property taxes yet school results will cripple home values and leave your kids stunted.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2014

Will your child learn basics? Probably, but don't expect too much. Even if your child has special needs, don't expect their teachers to "go the extra mile". Yes, there ARE some good ones who actually seem to care, but my experience has been that they are difficult to find. And their "anti-bullying policy" is a joke, especially if the "perceived aggressor" happens to be an athlete. The district should change its motto to "it's not what you know, it's who you know" because at Kaneland, it truly IS more about WHO your family is than anything else. If you are involved in the "right" booster clubs, sports, activities, boards, etc. you basically have the run of the schools.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2014

My daughter has attended two years at this school and I am currently on this website researching private schools to send her to for eighth grade. 1. The teachers do talk a good game but in reality do not put much effort into making sure information is actually learned. Extra help is the job of the parent in most cases. 2. The student culture is awful. It's very cliquish and there is a lot of bullying and social out casting done. The administration again talks a good game about anti- bullying but very little is actually done to fix it. 3. Rules in general are enforced arbitrarily and seemingly randomly which leaves both students and parents confused. I am seriously hoping that I can find a suitable private school because my daughter is miserable and I hate to have to send her there another year.