ABOUT
MISSION
Harmony School's mission is to create a warm and natural environment that encourages children to explore and develop their individual capabilities and to learn problem-solving and respect for others in a spirit of kindness that nurtures a sense of belonging in our community.
PHILOSOPHY
The peaceful, non-competitive, multi-age classroom at Harmony School is a welcoming home for children who don’t want to be singled out for what makes them unique or for having an educational weakness, who want to be intellectually challenged daily, and who never want to be bound by grade-level standards. We individualize instruction using a multi-year blended curriculum inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, and Inquiry-based Learning teaching principles. This allows for us to address each child’s special qualities, unique gifts, and emotional needs. Academic rigor in a nurturing environment is what Harmony is all about.
HISTORY
Harmony School was founded in 1988 by Deborah Holmes and Laura Rich. They wanted an alternative to public education that took into account children’s different learning styles, emotional needs, and social behavior that allowed children to have a say-so in what they learned.
Since our humble beginnings in a home on Deerwood Street, Harmony School has undergone many changes. The school moved to its present campus in 1993 and became a non-profit organization in 1994. In late 90s, Harmony School expanded our program to include grades 1-5. In 2001, we expanded the preschool and kindergarten program to 40 children, and in 2009 we added a third preschool class. In the summer of 2010, we completed renovations on our elementary building on Covenant Road.
As we enter our 30th school-year, we are pleased to say that Harmony School is so much more than “just” a school. We a vibrant and diverse community of families working towards the same goal- raising our children in a spirit of kindness, helping them achieve the knowledge and self-confidence to face their life challenges, fostering a life-long love for learning, and encouraging global awareness so that we may send well-rounded future leaders into our community.
FACILITY
Harmony School is made up of several buildings nestled on three acres of land in Forest Acres. The property includes ample open space and is bordered by a creek and nature trail.
The school has a number of small garden and vegetable plots as well as a greenhouse. The students help with planting and growing as part of the curriculum. The garden area is also home to several fruit trees, grapevines, birdbaths, stepping stones, and other statuary. The property also boasts a half-court basketball court and an outdoor classroom area on the back campus.
The preschool and kindergarten is currently housed in two portable classrooms while we await the completion of our new, 5,000 square foot preschool building. There is a large outdoor patio attached to our former preschool building where students enjoy lunch each day.
The elementary classroom is separate from the preschool and kindergarten building and features an open classroom with a variety of work-spaces. Next to the elementary class is the school office and an additional classroom and library often used for related studies, special projects and meetings.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Student arrival: 7:45 – 8:15 am
Preschool: 8:15 am – 2:15pm (includes nap)
Kindergarten: 8:15 am -2:15 pm
Elementary: 8:15 am – 2:30 pm
After School Care: 2:15 pm – 5:30 pm
