It is my pleasure and privilege to introduce you to The Harbor School. I have been at Harbor for 17 years, as a teacher of most grades, then as an administrator, and now as Interim Head of School. It is an honor to lead this dynamic community of teachers, students and families. I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about the school and to visit Harbor to see our mission of embracing the uniqueness of each young child in action.
The Harbor School opened its doors in 1973 to provide a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, inquire, and create. Today, we continue to challenge and celebrate each child – each of whom is a unique individual, and therefore, a unique learner. All of our students and their families belong to the “Harbor Family”, and are welcomed each morning with a smile and a handshake! One of the best parts about Harbor is our close-knit community. Everyone knows each other, supports one another, and truly cares about the well-being of the students, teachers, and families. It is the happiest place on earth, and I am lucky to spend my days here! This happiness emanates not from the colorful classrooms and corridors, but from the people inside.
We teach to the whole child and consider all components when developing our curriculum: the academic, the social emotional, and the physical, with the goal of preparing each child to graduate from our safe harbor as a confident, kind, and capable learner. So although we deliver on the fundamentals of reading, writing, math and science, we don’t overlook the need to develop social skills, self regulation, fine and gross motor skills, awareness of your body in space, negotiation and compromise, and compassion for others. What may look like a simple circle time game, or science experiment has actually been carefully and thoughtfully constructed to meet the needs of the whole child, from the preschool threes to second grade. Our classroom teachers are experts in their field, and they know what they are doing. I am always impressed to hear the conversations going on behind the scenes when a lesson is being planned and prepared.
This also goes for our specialist teachers. It is unique in an early childhood setting to have the expertly taught specials classes that we offer at Harbor. Our teachers in Music, Art, Spanish, PE and Library collaborate with classroom teachers and each other to integrate their curricula with classroom instruction, considering the needs of each individual child at each stage of development.
Whether this is your first time to our site or you are a regular visitor, we are glad that you are here. We invite you to read about our dynamic and innovative early childhood program and to contact us with any questions you may have. Words, however, cannot adequately describe the warmth and spirit of Harbor – you must feel it when you walk through the doors. Please explore our website and then make an appointment to see firsthand the many qualities that make The Harbor School an outstanding place for young children.
