When you come to Harding, you join a community that holds quality education as its greatest goal. Our small size allows teachers and students to be greeted by name as they walk across the blacktop. All the teachers & staff share the delights & concerns of watching each child’s growth throughout the grades.
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Core Values: Kindness, Curiosity, Courage, Perseverance
Vision: Harding students will flourish in the global community.
Mission: Harding is a safe & supportive learning community where we empower each other to excel & shape the future.
Read Our Student/Family Handbook
Latest News
- PTA Message, April 24, 2024Español | 中文 | 日本語 | नेपाली FAQs for Week 32: Spring Social & Auction is April 27th! Come and enjoy bidding on silent and live auction items, raffle prizes, music from DJ Dev-Dog, tacos,… Read more »
Join the PTA!
Regardless of what your exact interests are, your participation will be welcomed. All parents, guardians and community members are encouraged to join the PTA. Even if you don’t have much time, attending meetings is an excellent way to stay on top of what’s happening at the school and to connect with other families, teachers and the principal.
Anyone in our Harding community is welcome to join our association meetings:
1st Tuesday of September, October, December, February, April and May, unless advertised otherwise.
Dues are $20 per person (plus a $1 Totem service fee)—Your Membership Makes The Difference!
Become a Member
Harding School Programs
Academics
Using a variety of materials, teaching styles, and hands-on activities, Harding teachers nurture each student to reach their full potential.
The rigorous academic program is based on California Content Standards for English language arts, mathematics, science, history and social science, physical education and the visual and performing arts.
Harding students receive vocal music, hands-on science, and art enrichment during the regular school day. Upper grade students take computer classes and learn to play musical instruments. All grade levels visit the school library regularly. Students and teachers maintain a garden on the Harding campus.
School Spirit
Harding promotes a positive learning environment. Spirit Week with “pajama day” and “wacky tacky day,” service learning projects, the Spring Concert and the annual variety show build school pride.
Older students are encouraged to participate in the student council, a buddy program, conflict mediation training, and mentoring programs.
After School Enrichment Programs (HASEP)
Harding Elementary has partners with the City of El Cerrito to provide after school enrichment classes, including sports, performing & mixed media arts, language, engineering, science, and technology in three sessions throughout the school year. Non-Harding School Students are welcome to register for classes.
There is a before and aftercare program run by the City of El Cerrito at the nearby Harding Clubhouse, as well as an after school academic tutoring program.
Scholarships are available through the David Hunter Youth Memorial Scholarship, provided by City of El Cerrito, and the Margaret Wolfe Honorary HASEP Scholarship, offered to Harding students through the PTA.
Special Needs
Harding also serves students with special needs through five special day classes. It is the district elementary site for the hearing-impaired. These classes have a smaller teacher to student ratio and, whenever possible, are included in school-wide activities.
PTA Programs
Harding Has An Active Parent Community
The PTA hosts many activities throughout the year. Volunteers staff the library, work in the classrooms, go on field trips, do school clean-up days, and raise money to supplement the core subjects.
Performing Arts
Stay tuned for details!
4th-6th Grade Band Program
Stay tuned for details!
4th-6th Grade PE Program
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, regular physical activity is one of the most important ways to maintain and improve one’s physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. A student who participates in physical education is more likely to become a healthy adult who is motivated to remain healthy and physically active throughout life. With distance learning in full effect, the goal is to find fun and interactive ways to move and stay active during our PE sessions at home.
4th Grade BEAM Science Mentor Program
BEAM (Berkeley Engineers and Mentors), a passionate student group of around 100 engineers and scientists at UC Berkeley. They believe that all elementary and middle school students should be able to explore their curiosity of the natural world. By writing their own engaging and hands-on curriculum, providing a small student to mentor ratio, and encouraging problem-based and build-centered learning, BEAM aims to change perceptions of science and engineering – making it more fun and approachable for all students regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status to pursue STEM careers.
Garden
Stay tuned for details!