Character & Outreach

Character

Kindness, respect and integrity have formed the heart of a Harker education since the school’s inception in 1893. Every Harker student is respected as a valuable human being, and every student is expected to extend that same respect to others. Harker students encourage and support one another, and celebrate each other’s efforts and successes. In the lower school, students learn - and live - these principles in a supportive and nurturing environment. Annual themes, such as Respect, Gratitude and Kindness are chosen and taught throughout the year in assemblies, classes, discussions, activities and service. Each year's theme is woven into daily life to help children really understand and internalize what each precept means. Also, the S.P.L.A.T. (Students Playing and Learning All Together) program teaches children how to play fairly and safely on the playground. And in the middle and upper schools, we expect our students to follow the Harker Honor Code. 

Outreach

Service and helping others – locally and globally - is in the DNA of the Harker community. More than 300 nonprofit programs are supported by Harker students through fundraisers, advocacy and awareness campaigns and volunteerism. From annually collecting hundreds of pounds of food for local food banks, to presenting youth-generated solutions to global issues on behalf of the nation, Harker students are passionate, caring citizens of their communities and the world.