Harding Elementary School in El Cerrito, California

“Our daughter has attended Harding for 3 yrs. K-2. We have had mixed experiences. There is a teacher in every grade it seems that is very unfavorable and the other is usually very good. If you happen to get the right teachers, it can be great. We have had both. The principal although very involved and energetic doesn't seem to have any power to make changes to the staff as they are protected by tenure and the union. It's a beautiful school and there is a wonderful core of families who are very dedicated to making it better. The after school enrichment classes organized by the PTA are awesome. The after school care mediocre.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My child has many happy memories from the seven years he attended Harding. I appreciated the school staff and parent volunteers who worked together to support the students academically and socially. This school has a lot to offer--academics, art, music, science, library, gardening, drama (and many other excellent after school programs). It's a lovely school and we are grateful our youngest will attend until she graduates too. If you live in the Harding neighborhood or are able to transfer in, count your blessings.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“HASEP is indeed a wonderful program and the two co-chairs deserve all the credit in the world for their excellent work, however, I think the previous post is way too hard on our teachers. Like any group some embrace change, some resist it, and most are willing to consider any reasonable request or thoughtful suggestion. I have been impressed by how much staff members do to accommodate requests/support the school. Many of them co-chair PTA activities and contribute generously to fundraisers. Teachers from almost every grade level showed up at the auction last year which raises funds to support art, music, and science. Some of them helped with set-up for the carnival this year. A few of them co-chair PTA events (family math night and the variety show). Most try hard to teach the rigorous CA state standards and advocate for their students. Give them a break! --big fan of hard working teachers”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The community of parents is great and the HASEP classes are fantastic thanks especially to the 2 moms in charge. The teachers, while great, are entrenched and resist change. Sometimes it's like shucking an oyster with a butter knife as far as getting communications going with them. The principal is a godsend on that and many other fronts! She is devout in her belief in the children and 'her staff'!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great families, teachers, and principal! Beautiful newly built school with tons of after school enrichment classes!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is great & the parent participation makes it a wonderful Harding community :)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Harding elementary has an excellent staff of teachers! This school district has a great staff of teachers! I hope that they do the right thing and take care of the teachers so they will remain in the district. We need a new school board!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Harding is an excellent school! My family has been very pleased with the overall instruction at the school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Harding is a great school for exceptional learning! No, the test scores are not that attractive but take a look into the entire school year progress! Testing is for the District. Look deeper into what the children are accomplishing! The children experience hands on learning and have lots of fun as well. Harding is great!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great teachers. Strong music, art, and science programs. Outstanding academics. Ignore the test scores and rankings. Come and see for yourself. Visit online at www.hardingpta.org”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very impressed with the academic programs and the availablity of 'The Arts' at Harding. Thanks to Tova Halpren and the entire staff at Harding; they helped my daughter love school again. Keep up the great work!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daugther is in kindergarten at Harding and we are very happy there. They have music class once a week and will have a new campus for fall 2005. The parent involvement is very high and Harding has an active PTA. Her kindergarten class is geared for learning in a fun and challenging environment. We love her teacher and all the kids in her class are really really good kids.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have found at Harding Elementry a truly diverse group of students, teachers and parents who all care alot about children's education. Test scores alone do not tell the story of Harding. There are many very bright students at Harding and some who come from disadvantaged homes who with the help of the excelent staff are able to make great academic strides. We are looking forward to moving into our new school in the Spring of 2004.”
This review was posted by a parent.