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.
Harker students receive a well-rounded education grounded in academics, enriching extracurricular activities and clubs, team-building athletics and an unwavering emphasis on character development that attracts college acceptances from top universities across the country. And, most importantly, students develop a lifelong passion for learning.
We are committed to welcoming and celebrating a diverse community of students, and fostering an inspiring, supportive and inclusive space for all. We work with families to make Harker accessible and affordable, and our new scholarship endowment makes that even more possible. We are excited for the ways this endowment will enhance our community.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,969 students
- Yearly Tuition: $62,950
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Harker School Upper School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1893
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
1,969 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
74%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
222 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
62%
Average Class Size
10 students
Number of AP Courses
29 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Gr. K-8 uniforms; Gr. 9-12 dress guidelines
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
$62,950
Tuition Notes
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer program costs vary by course
% on Financial Aid
6%
Admissions Director
Danielle Holquin, Gr. 6-8
Admissions Associate
Diann Chung, K-Gr. 5
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
27 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Ace Club, Art Club – Clay Art, Badminton Club, Blackford Technology Club, Chess Club, Clean Technology Club, Club Japan, Comic Book Club, Debate club, Drama Club, eCybermission, Future Problem Solvers, Junior Classical League, Math Club, Science Research Club, Service Club, Spirit Club, Tech Theater Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Acting, Ceramics, Dance, Drawing, Graphic arts, Instrumental music, Musical theater, Technical theater, Vocal music
Ace Club, Art Club – Clay Art, Badminton Club, Blackford Technology Club, Chess Club, Clean Technology Club, Club Japan, Comic Book Club, Debate club, Drama Club, eCybermission, Future Problem Solvers, Junior Classical League, Math Club, Science Research Club, Service Club, Spirit Club, Tech Theater Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Acting, Ceramics, Dance, Drawing, Graphic arts, Instrumental music, Musical theater, Technical theater, Vocal music
School Notes
- Students in the middle and upper schools have an advisory system that meets weekly for their entire time at that division, to provide additional support, community-building and fun.
- Beginning in the lower school and continuing throughout each student's Harker journey, we carefully evaluate the course placement that best meets a student's talents and interests to ensure that each is challenged, encouraged, engaged and inspired to be their personal and academic best.
- Harker offers extensive curricular and extracurricular offerings to help students discover and nurture talents they may not otherwise have known they possess. Our goal (and greatest joy) is to help all students uncover their unique gifts.
- We look for families who support our mission and want to partner with us to build a community where students are supported on their own unique journeys, growing at their own pace into the global citizens of tomorrow.
- Shlurp Ramen Wins $5K in Funding at National Pitch Competition: Shlurp Ramen was a top-three winner in INCubatoredu's National Pitch competition in July 2024, earning $5,000 in funding.
- Michelle Wei '24 Wins Regeneron Young Scientist Award at ISEF: Michelle Wei '24 was awarded with the Regeneron Young Scientist Award at the Regeneron International Engineering and Science Fair, which included a $50,000 prize. She also was the third-place winner in the 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search.
- Senior Crowned National Debate Coaches Association Champion; Harker Sets New Record: At the 2024 National Debate Coaches Association championship, Ansh Sheth '24 was crowned the tournament champion, named its top speaker and received an award for the year's most outstanding record.
- Harker Journalism Wins Two Gold Crowns at CSPA Spring Convention: At the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's spring convention in New York City, Harker journalism received two Gold Crown awards for the Winged Post newspaper and the student news website, Harker Aquila.
- 'The Wedding Singer' Nominated for Three Rita Moreno Awards: Harker's 2024 spring musical, "The Wedding Singer," received Rita Moreno Award nominations for Best Overall Production, Best Lead Actress (Selina Xu '24) and Best Supporting Performer (Isabella Ribeiro '24).
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Harker School Upper School cost?
The Harker School Upper School's tuition is approximately $62,950 for private students.
Does The Harker School Upper School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Harker School Upper School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Harker School Upper School offer?
The Harker School Upper School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. The Harker School Upper School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The Harker School Upper School's ranking?
The Harker School Upper School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Harker School Upper School?
The application deadline for The Harker School Upper School is Jan. 9.
In what neighborhood is The Harker School Upper School located?
The Harker School Upper School is located in the West Valley neighborhood of San Jose, CA. There are 8 other private schools located in West Valley.
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The nearest high school to The Harker School Upper School is Stratford Preparatory School (0.5 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Action Day Middle School (0.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Challenger School - Strawberry Park (0.6 miles away)
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