Founded in 1893, The Harker School offers a coed, independent program for students in K-grade 12 on four beautiful campuses in the heart of Silicon Valley. Harker is one of the top prep schools in the nation and the largest K-12 independent school in the state, and its upper school sends its graduates to the finest universities and colleges in the country.
Students reach their full potential through small class sizes, performance placement at most grade levels, integration of state-of-the-art technology at all grade levels, AP and honors offerings, a full-time counseling staff and highly qualified faculty.
Harker is a dynamic community that honors individuality, embraces diversity and prepares students to take their places as global citizens.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 645 students
- Yearly Tuition: $48,500
- Average class size: 22 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- Harker News - 07/26/2024Harker News is The Harker School's official news website. The website is updated multiple times a week with news about students, alumni and faculty.
Top Rankings
The Harker School Lower School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Year Founded
1893
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
645 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
63%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
90 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
22 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
White or green polo, black pants or shorts, plaid pleated skirt or skort.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
$48,500
Tuition Notes
Harker’s tuition includes before- and after-school care, lunch and most school expenses, such as our intercampus shuttle between our three campuses, yearbooks, local field trips, athletic uniforms, etc.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer program costs vary by number of weeks enrolled, full-day, half-day and morning only options
% on Financial Aid
12%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$35,000
Admissions Director
Diann Chung
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
School Notes
- The Harker School believes it is responsible for fostering academic excellence, self-discovery and personal integrity.
- Our student body reflects the diverse Bay Area population, where each individual benefits from the intellectual, ethical and cultural strengths of the community.
- Clear expectations, and rules and consequences create a learning environment that promotes self-discipline and responsibility.
- Outstanding faculty and small class sizes are essential components of The Harker School.
- Academic specialists make the most effective teachers and beginning with the primary level, these trained specialists teach all subjects including science, foreign language, music, drama, dance, technology, physical education, library skills and art.
- State of the art facilities and the best resources are an integral part of the stimulating, inspirational and safe learning environment.
- Our curriculum is challenging, and constantly evolving to meet the needs of students.
- Through comprehensive teaching techniques and support systems we address individual student needs.
- We empower students to discover and develop their personal academic and extra curricular strengths; leadership, service, ethics and physical health are important elements of our curricular design.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Harker School Lower School cost?
The Harker School Lower School's tuition is approximately $48,500 for private students.
Does The Harker School Lower School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Harker School Lower School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Harker School Lower School offer?
The Harker School Lower School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. The Harker School Lower School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The Harker School Lower School's ranking?
The Harker School Lower School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Harker School Lower School?
The application deadline for The Harker School Lower School is Jan. 9.
In what neighborhood is The Harker School Lower School located?
The Harker School Lower School is located in the West Valley neighborhood of San Jose, CA. There are 8 other private schools located in West Valley.
Related Schools
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People that viewed The Harker School Lower School also viewed these schools: Almaden Country Day School, St. Christopher School, Hillbrook School, Challenger School - Harwood and Calvary Chapel Christian School.
The nearest high school to The Harker School Lower School is SAGE Academy (1.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Springbridge International School (0.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-8 | 420 students 8.3 miles 6835 Trinidad Drive
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 997-0424
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 997-0424
8.3
PK-8
420
St. Christopher School
(Catholic)
Grades: K-8 | 527 students 4.1 miles 2278 Booksin Ave
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 723-7223
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 723-7223
4.1
K-8
527
Grades: PK-12 | 441 students 4.1 miles 300 Marchmont Dr
Los Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 356-6116
Los Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 356-6116
4.1
PK-12
441
Grades: NS-5 4.3 miles 4949 Harwood Road
San Jose, CA 95124
(408) 723-0111
San Jose, CA 95124
(408) 723-0111
4.3
NS-5
n/a
Calvary Chapel Christian School
(Christian)
Grades: PK-8 | 153 students 5.4 miles 1175 Hillsdale Avenue
San Jose, CA 95118
(408) 269-2222
San Jose, CA 95118
(408) 269-2222
5.4
PK-8
153
School Reviews
5 1/17/2023
LOVE THIS PLACE AND 100% RECOMMEND IT.
5 7/21/2018
We have had two children at Harker for 6 years, now, and are happy with the overall experience. Administration seems largely even handed; our kids have friends and socialize away from school with them. Academically, the classes keep moving forward and when our kids work hard (notes, homework, textbooks, study guides all complete) they get good grades, when they let things slide, grades slide, so perfect situation to train them to be ready for high school and college. I have never seen or heard of an instance of bullying in person or from my kids, and the after school staff is headed by full time employees who are committed to doing a good job. Administrators and teachers are generally very kindly and clearly care about children. Over all, five stars. Our kids will be totally ready for college when they graduate. For the record, Caucasian, many generations in America on one side, European immigrant on the other.
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