ABOUT HARBOR
What is The Harbor School in Potomac, Maryland?The Harbor School is an independent school in Potomac, Maryland serving young learners through an inquiry-based, interdisciplinary approach to education. Harbor emphasizes creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on learning experiences that help students build confidence and curiosity.
What makes The Harbor School different from other independent schools?Harbor’s curriculum is built around interdisciplinary thematic studies that connect subjects in meaningful ways. Students learn through projects, exploration, collaboration, and real-world experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills.
What grades does The Harbor School serve?The Harbor School serves students from early childhood (preschool 2s) through elementary grades (third grade), providing a strong academic and social-emotional foundation during the most important developmental years.
Where is The Harbor School located?The Harbor School is located in Potomac, Maryland, serving families throughout Montgomery County and the greater Washington, DC area.
What does a typical day look like at Harbor?A typical day at Harbor includes a balance of academic instruction, collaborative projects, outdoor play, creative arts, movement, discussion, and hands-on exploration connected to classroom themes and student interests.
CURRICULUM & ACADEMICS
What is inquiry-based learning at Harbor?Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, investigate topics deeply, and actively participate in the learning process. At Harbor, students explore meaningful themes through hands-on projects, maker-centered activities, discussion, research, creativity, and collaboration.
What is Harbor’s interdisciplinary curriculum?Harbor’s interdisciplinary curriculum connects subjects such as science, literacy, social studies, art, and math within shared thematic units. This motivating approach helps students build deeper understanding and make meaningful connections across disciplines.
What is Spiral Curriculum at Harbor?A spiral curriculum revisits important concepts and skills over time with increasing depth and complexity. At Harbor, Spiral is a beloved annual tradition where all students explore one subject together, and invite families to see how the theme spirals through the classrooms, from preschool through third grade.
Does Harbor use project-based learning?Yes. Project-based learning is an important part of the Harbor experience. Students regularly engage in collaborative projects that integrate research, creativity, presentation skills, and problem-solving.
Students participate in interdisciplinary projects that may include scientific investigations, performances, cultural studies, design challenges, multimedia presentations, and collaborative research connected to classroom themes.
How does Harbor support creativity in the classroom?Creativity is integrated throughout the curriculum. Students express ideas through visual art, music, storytelling, dramatic performance, makerspace and design challenges, scientific exploration, technology, and collaborative projects connected to classroom themes.
How are public speaking and presentation skills taught?Harbor students regularly practice communication skills through class discussions, performances, presentations, collaborative projects, and student-led sharing opportunities. These experiences help students build confidence speaking in front of others.
How does The Harbor School support students with learning differences?Harbor recognizes that children learn in different ways and at different paces. Teachers use flexible instructional strategies, hands-on learning experiences, small-group instruction, and differentiated support to help students build confidence and succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Harbor’s Learning and Literacy Support Specialist serves as a resource across classrooms, providing individualized and small-group support as needed, coordinating learning support plans, and collaborating with families and outside specialists, including speech and occupational therapists.
How does Harbor support neurodiverse learners?Harbor values the unique perspectives and strengths that neurodiverse students bring to the classroom community. The school’s inquiry-based, collaborative, and relationship-centered approach allows teachers to support a range of learning profiles while fostering inclusion, creativity, and student voice. Harbor’s Learning and Literacy Support Specialist works closely with classroom teachers to help provide responsive support for students, including individualized or small-group instruction and coordination with outside providers when appropriate.
What specials classes are offered at Harbor?Harbor students participate in a variety of specials classes that enrich the core curriculum and support whole-child development. Specials include visual art, music, Spanish, physical education, library, and mindfulness.
Specials teachers often collaborate with classroom teachers to connect learning across subjects and thematic units. This interdisciplinary approach helps students make meaningful connections between academics, creativity, movement, and real-world exploration.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
What is Harbor’s approach to early childhood education?Harbor’s early childhood program emphasizes developmentally appropriate hands-on exploration, social-emotional development, creativity, and foundational academic skills. Teachers create nurturing classroom environments where children learn through play, inquiry, and meaningful experiences.
How does Harbor support social-emotional learning?Social-emotional learning is woven throughout the school day. Students learn collaboration, empathy, self-awareness, problem-solving, and communication skills through classroom routines, group work, and community-building experiences.
The Responsive Classroom approach guides the development of classroom communities and mindfulness and Zones of Regulation approaches help students develop self-awareness, calming, regulation, and focus.
Supportive classroom environments help students feel known, valued, and encouraged to take academic and social risks.
How are arts integrated into the curriculum?The arts are deeply connected to classroom learning at Harbor. Students use visual art, music, movement, and performance to explore academic themes and express their understanding in creative ways.
How does Harbor prepare students for future schools?Harbor helps students develop strong academic foundations along with critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for future academic success and lifelong learning.
Teachers and administrators consult with parents to help guide and support the process of choosing the best next step school for each Harbor graduate.
Where do children go after Harbor?Harbor graduates attend a wide range of schools throughout the Washington, DC area, including local public schools and independent schools with a variety of educational philosophies and program models. Because we develop a deep understanding of how each child learns best during their time at Harbor, we help families identify schools that will be a strong fit for their child. Harbor has an enduring reputation for graduating students who are confident, kind, capable learners, and we support families throughout the school search, application, and decision-making process.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
How does Harbor celebrate culture and community?Harbor values community involvement and cultural learning. Students and families participate in school traditions, performances, classroom visits, and events that celebrate the diversity and experiences of the Harbor community.
How are families involved at Harbor?Families are an important part of the Harbor community. All parents and caregivers are members of the Harbor School Family Association (HSFA) and often participate in classroom experiences, school events, cultural celebrations, performances, field trips, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Family Fridays and Open Classrooms provide focused opportunities to engage with other parents and school leadership about educational approaches and philosophy, and to also enjoy time in their child(ren)’s classroom(s).
What childcare options are available for working parents?The Harbor School supports working families with extended-day programming and childcare options designed to provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment before and/or after the school day. Programs may include supervised play, enrichment activities, outdoor time, and creative experiences for students.
OUR TEACHERS: EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERTS
What experience do Harbor faculty members bring to the classroom?Harbor faculty members bring extensive teaching experience, a deep understanding of child development, and a commitment to inquiry-based education. Teachers work collaboratively across disciplines to create engaging learning experiences that support both academic growth and social-emotional development.
How long do teachers typically stay at Harbor?Many Harbor faculty members have been part of the school community for several years, contributing to the strong relationships and continuity that families value. Harbor prioritizes a collaborative and supportive professional culture that encourages long-term faculty engagement and growth.
Does Harbor collaborate with families and outside specialists?Yes. Harbor values strong partnerships with families and, when appropriate, collaborates with outside educational specialists, therapists, and evaluators to support student growth and success. Harbor’s Learning & Literacy Specialist coordinates services and scheduling.
ADMISSIONS
What is the admissions process at The Harbor School?Harbor’s admissions process typically includes an inquiry, school tour, application, student visit or assessment, and family conversation. The school seeks students and families who will thrive in Harbor’s collaborative and inquiry-driven environment. Parents can inquire here, or email admissions@theharborschool.org
When should families apply to Harbor?Families are encouraged to begin the admissions process early, as space may be limited in some grades. Visiting the school and attending admissions events can help families learn more about the Harbor experience.
Does Harbor offer school tours?Yes. Harbor welcomes prospective families to visit campus, observe classrooms, and learn more about the school’s educational philosophy and community. Parents can inquire here, or email admissions@theharborschool.org
What type of student thrives at Harbor?Students who thrive at Harbor are often curious, creative, collaborative, and eager to explore new ideas. Harbor supports a wide range of learners and values student voice, engagement, and individuality.
Does The Harbor School offer financial aid?The Harbor School is committed to making independent school education accessible to families and offers financial assistance options as part of the admissions process. Families are encouraged to contact the admissions office for current information.