A Letter from Guest Writer Andrea Zuraf, Assistant Head and Director of Admissions and Marketing

Dear Harbor Families,

During my early years of teaching at Harbor, I often heard our beloved school proudly described as “Bethesda’s best kept secret,” and a “hidden gem.” At the time, I remembered thinking yeah, this place is so special, and I don’t know why it’s such a secret! 

After several years of teaching in almost every grade we offer at Harbor, I’m so proud to be in my current role, as Admissions and Marketing Director, where I can spread the word about Harbor, and help new families learn about what we do here, and what makes our school so unique. In contrast to that little secret school, people who call or inquire online often tell me that they’ve heard wonderful things about our Harbor, that they have friends or neighbors who attend(ed) Harbor, that they know one of our incredible teachers, or maybe that they found us online, read some of Leah’s blogs, and couldn’t wait to come in for a tour. 

Harbor has a strong reputation as an exemplary school focusing on the critical years of preschool to third grade, where children are celebrated for who they are, and challenged to think deeply about the world around them, and find solutions to problems in their own way. Our graduates are known to be confident, kind and capable learners, who continue their educational journeys in a wide variety of settings after Harbor. As Harbor parents, you obviously know all of this, so why am I wasting this time and space? 

I come with a request - keep spreading the word! Even though a lot of us are feeling like the school year is just underway, this is the time when many families are starting to plan for next year. If you have friends, neighbors, or coworkers with young children, tell them about Harbor! Despite our lovely website, eye-catching signage, and illustrative social media posts, word of mouth is still one of the strongest drivers to new enrollment! We are hosting in-person open houses and virtual information sessions (see dates below), where prospective parents and caregivers can come hear from Leah and myself, along with teachers and parents, about our school and community. Let your friends and colleagues know about these sessions, and also, let me know if you would like to join an open house as a current parent representative, or if you would be willing to be a parent ambassador who prospective families can talk to about your experience at Harbor. 

And since we’re talking about plans for next year, please reach out if you are interested in learning more about your child’s upcoming year at Harbor. We are always happy to answer your questions, and don't forget, our open classrooms on first Fridays are a great time to catch a glimpse of what’s in store for next year!

Sincerely,

Andrea Zuraf
Assistant Head and Director of Admissions and Marketing