How to Get Into Harker School: What You Need To Know

Is Harker a Good School?

The Harker School is a coeducational, non-profit private school in Silicon Valley, which is known for its outstanding student achievements, motivating and committed faculty, and academic brilliance. It is ranked among the USA’s premier college preparatory schools and offers a well-rounded education to students from kindergarten to the twelfth grade.

Established in 1893, Harker now stands as the largest independent school of its kind in California and now has 1,975 students enrolled. Harker’s campuses in San Jose provide an advanced set of facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a motivating faculty that is committed to meeting the unique needs of lower, middle, and upper school students so they can realize their full potential.

How Hard is it To Get Into Harker School?

Many families and students vie for the limited available spots at Harker because of its rigorous curriculum and college prep program, which make admission all the more competitive. Thus, it can be challenging to gain admission to Harker because they don’t rely solely on grades and test scores. 

The results of an assessment, like the ISEE administered in person, are a significant factor in admission to lower school. In addition to submitting their ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) results, applicants will meet with the Harker School’s teachers in person for an activity session. Testing scores from the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) must be submitted by all applicants for grades 6–11. 

A student’s interests, character, and love of learning are also major factors that the school takes into account throughout its comprehensive admissions review process. Because candidates may come from a wide range of academic disciplines, standardized testing is a common assessment they use.

Admission to Harker is not guaranteed for applicants with extremely high marks. Before viewing test results, Harker’s admissions officers review each application. They don’t review test results until after this preliminary assessment of the whole pool.

Kindergarten and grades 3, 4, 6, and 9 serve as the primary entry points. With the exception of grade 12, applications are accepted for all other grades. If a spot opens up, enrollment will be extended to eligible candidates. Students are only enrolled in the fall of the next academic year. Once the school year has begun, they usually don’t fill from the wait pool and don’t allow mid-year transfers.

The number of vacancies in grades 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 is determined by attrition, and there are typically more eligible applicants than spots available. With class sizes ranging from 15–22 students for grades K–5, 16–18 for grades 6–8, and 14–15 for years 9–12, Harker School maintains an average student-teacher ratio of 9:1.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the Harker School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

The Harker School Admissions Process

Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the Harker application process. You may apply, register for Harker admission events, receive notifications from Harker, and monitor your application progress all through your Ravenna account. The admission steps you should take are as follows:

1. Create an Account on Ravenna Hub
2. Submit an Inquiry Form
3. Attend Admissions Events (Optional but Recommended)
4. Submit Required Documents and Complete the Application
5. Schedule and Complete an Interview
6. Submit Supplemental Materials
7. Enrollment Confirmation

For more details and to begin your application, visit The Harker School Admissions.

The Harker School Admission Requirements

Parent Statement

Parents or guardians of middle and upper school applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information. Be authentic in sharing your family’s goals and willingness to promote the values and mission of Harker School. 

How to write a parent statement

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at Harker. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

Teacher Recommendations/Recommendation Letters

Teacher recommendation letters are necessary for students in grades TK–5. Recommendation letters from current math and English teachers, as well as from the principal or counselor, are necessary for applicants in middle school through upper school. The forms can be found on Ravenna and will be sent to the admissions committee online.

How to get strong recommendation letters

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

Transcript

Report cards or transcripts from grades one through five must be turned in by students in lower grades (TK–5). Transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one must be submitted by applicants from middle and upper schools. You can download the confidentiality and release forms from Ravenna and send them to your child’s present school. 

How to improve grades 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle Harker’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

Timed Writing Sample

The Writing Sample is an online test in which upper-school students are expected to write an essay in response to a prompt within 30 minutes. Due to the limited time, applicants often have difficulty composing their thoughts and are not able to produce well-written essays. 

Writing Sample Tips

To help your child with this challenging admissions requirement, we offer Proctored Writing Sample (PWS) preparation. Our admissions consultants have a list of common essay prompts that your child can practice on and get trained to organize their ideas and put them into writing. 

To take your child’s writing skills to the next level, enroll in our Program in Writing and Reading (PWR), where our writing tutors will help your child develop reading comprehension skills and eventually unlock writing skills. 

Personal Statement

There are questions on Ravenna that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions look into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of Harker. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at Harker. 

Crafting a compelling personal statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to Harker have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

Standardized Test Scores

Applications from middle and upper schools must include ISEE or SSAT results obtained after August 1, 2024. Admissions personnel can better assess each applicant’s academic preparedness and likelihood of succeeding in Harker’s demanding environment with the use of these exams.

How to prepare for standardized tests

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child through customized test preparation strategies based on our years of expertise working with families applying to Harker. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. We offer individualized SSAT practice tests and ISEE practice tests to make sure your child submits impressive scores. 

Admissions Interviews

A virtual student interview is required of applicants to Harker’s Upper School and will be scheduled appropriately. Virtual interviews will take place and usually run between 15 and 20 minutes. You have the opportunity to speak with the Harker admissions team directly during the interview and explain why you are applying. In order to maximize your limited interview time, preparation is essential.

All applicants’ parents or guardians are also invited to participate in a 30-minute virtual discussion. You will have the opportunity to learn more about Harker and meet faculty and admissions staff. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about the academic framework and school culture.

How to prepare for admissions interviews

Both of these activities are indirect and non-formal interviews where you and your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how you carry yourselves during those occasions. They will determine if your family will be a good fit for the school community.

With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The Harker School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce you to common interview questions and how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Campus Tours and Open Houses

One of the best ways to see Harker School is to schedule a campus tour or go to an open house. The sorts of campus visits that each school offers are as follows:

Lower School

Open House (K-5)

Harker invites prospective parents and guardians to visit their lower school site to meet their instructors, have a campus tour, and see the classrooms. Only adults are permitted to attend, and those whose children are old enough to apply for kindergarten through fifth grade may do so.

School Tours

Prospective parents with children who are age-eligible for kindergarten through fifth grade can take brief campus tours. Before registering for the tour, the preparatory application must be completed.

Middle School

Day Tour (GRADE 6 ONLY)

During the school day, the middle school admission director will give the grade 6 applicants and their parents/guardians a tour of the middle school campus. From September through the first part of December, tours will be offered. Don’t worry if your child can’t make the tour! Before deciding to enroll, admitted applicants will have the opportunity to tour the campus during the school day in March.

Upper School

Day Tour 

If applicants would like to visit Harker during the school day in the autumn, they can choose between a campus visit and a campus tour. Before deciding to enroll at Harker, accepted students have the chance to observe a ninth grader during lunch and class in March.

• Campus tour: The upper school admission director will walk parents around campus, while Harker students will discuss their experiences and guide visiting applicants. 
• Campus visit: Join a current ninth student for lunch after attending one class for those who have submitted an application (preliminary application and fee).

Virtual Panel Sessions

Student Panel

To hear about the Harker experience, middle and upper school applicants can virtually join a panel of current Harker students, the head of the school assistance division, and the admission director. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions of their community!

Parent Panel

To find out more about your children’s Harker experience, middle and upper school parents and guardians can virtually join the admission director, the head of the school division, and other Harker parents. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions of their community!

How to register

Create a Ravenna profile and submit an inquiry to register for any admission event. Have an account already? Make an appointment for a campus tour or virtual panel session by logging onto their admissions tool.

What’s the Student Life Like at Harker?

The Harker School offers a dynamic and supportive student life, allowing students to explore their interests and passions across all grade levels.

Students are encouraged to engage in activities that complement their academic pursuits. The school offers numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular programs catering to various interests. For instance, the upper school hosts clubs such as the Student Diversity Coalition, which fosters diversity and inclusion within the school, and the Student LIFE Board, which promotes student wellness.

The middle school features an advisory and house system where each sixth-grade student is assigned to a small advisory group and one of four houses. This structure promotes camaraderie and school spirit through regular meetings and events.

Harker School Curriculum Overview

Across all school levels, students can explore their passions and interests at The Harker School thanks to its vibrant and encouraging student body.

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that enhance their academic endeavors. Many clubs, groups, and extracurricular activities are available at the school to accommodate a variety of interests. For example, the upper school is home to organizations like the Student LIFE Board, which supports student well-being, and the Student Diversity Coalition, which encourages diversity and inclusion within the school.

Each sixth-grade student is assigned to one of four houses and a small advisory group at the middle school, which has an advisory and house system. Through frequent gatherings and activities, this framework fosters school spirit and friendship.

What Sports Does Harker School Offer?

Harker students can participate in the following sports teams:

Please note that in the upper school level, some sports, like cheerleading, are provided throughout several seasons. Furthermore, some sports, like lacrosse, are offered during different seasons depending on the school level.

Visit the athletics pages for the Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School at Harker to find out more about the opportunities for athletics.

Harker School Arts and Music Programs

Through the Harker curriculum and after-school activities, Lower School students are exposed to the visual and performing arts. With visual arts possibilities like pottery, photography, and video design, as well as performing arts courses and activities like theater, orchestra, and acting, students in middle school expand on their foundation in the arts.

Meanwhile, Upper School students have the option of enrolling in a range of visual arts courses, including architecture, filmmaking, and graphic arts, as well as performing arts courses, including directing, musical theater, and vocal music. To explore more arts and music programs, you can check their website for the programs available for Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School students at Harker.

Clubs and organizations at Harker School

At The Harker School, students have access to a wide variety of clubs and organizations that extend learning beyond the classroom. These extracurricular activities are designed to cultivate leadership, teamwork, creativity, and community involvement, allowing students to explore their passions in meaningful ways.

Enrichment & Afterschool Programs

Harker offers a robust selection of after-school programs and enrichment opportunities that cater to diverse student interests. From STEM-focused activities like robotics and coding to creative arts programs in music, theater, and visual arts, students have numerous opportunities to develop new skills. Additionally, competitive academic teams, such as debate, math clubs, and science research groups, allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Students in middle school can participate in a range of clubs, including the Improv Club, Creative Writing Club, and Badminton Club. The middle school also offers a speech and debate program, providing students with public speaking and argumentation skills.

At the upper school, students can join organizations like the Red Cross Club, Quiz Bowl Club, and Clean Technology Club. Harker also offers extracurricular programs focused on STEM, business and entrepreneurship, and speech and debate, allowing students to build expertise in these fields.

Student Leadership

Leadership development is a core focus at Harker. Students are encouraged to take initiative in school life through student government, peer mentoring programs, and public speaking opportunities. Various leadership groups help students advocate for change, organize events, and mentor younger students, fostering a sense of responsibility and community.

Service Learning

Harker integrates service learning into its educational framework, encouraging students to participate in outreach programs, volunteer projects, and sustainability initiatives. Clubs dedicated to community service and social justice issues allow students to engage with local and global communities, reinforcing values of empathy and civic responsibility.

While the specific clubs and organizations at Harker may change based on student interest, the school remains committed to providing a dynamic extracurricular experience that nurtures intellectual curiosity, leadership, and personal growth. For more information about Harker’s Clubs and Organizations, visit their website here.

Who are some famous alumni from The Harker School?

Several notable alumni from the Harker School have made important contributions in a variety of fields:

• Priscilla Chan. A pediatrician and philanthropist, Chan co-founded the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative with her husband, Mark Zuckerberg.
• Alexander Wang. An acclaimed fashion designer, Wang is the founder of the Alexander Wang fashion brand and served as the creative director of Balenciaga.
• Andy Fang. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of DoorDash, Fang has been recognized among Forbes’ “30 Under 30” for his achievements in the technology sector.
• Maverick McNealy. Professional golfer McNealy was ranked number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and competed on the PGA Tour.
• Andrea Nott. Nott, an Olympic synchronized swimmer, represented the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• John B. Owens. Serving as a judge at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Owens has had a distinguished legal career.
• Robert Rothbart. Professional basketball player Rothbart has played for teams in various countries, including Israel and Serbia.
• Matt Wolf. Documentary filmmaker Wolf is known for directing and producing films such as “Teenage.”
• Neil Mehta. Founder and managing partner of Greenoaks Capital Management, Mehta has been recognized in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” for his work in venture capital. 

Related Articles

Demystifying the Harker School Application Timeline

Insights Into Harker School’s Selective Admissions Process

How Competitive is Harker School Compared to Other Private Schools?

Exploring the Top Clubs and Student Organizations at Harker School

How Harker School Builds Character Through Athletics and Leadership Development