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KristenL
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

Admissions question: we’re applying for next fall and I’m trying to understand what they actually look for. Are they more focused on academics, behavior/fit, or extracurriculars? And what helps an application most: teacher recs, a shadow day, campus visit, student writing sample, etc.

When applying to Harbor Day School for the 2025–2026 academic year, it is essential to understand that the admissions committee seeks a well-rounded assessment of each candidate. They prioritize not only academic excellence but also the social-emotional development and character of the student.

Admissions Focus

  • Academics: Strong performance in current school report cards and standardized tests (like the ISEE) is crucial, as it demonstrates readiness for the school's rigorous curriculum.
  • Behavior and Fit: The school values traits such as respect, responsibility, and integrity, assessing whether the student aligns with its nurturing and inclusive environment.
Key Application Components
  • Teacher Recommendations: These provide valuable insights into a student's academic abilities and behavior in the classroom.
  • Class Visits (Shadow Days): Required for all applicants, these visits allow the admissions committee to observe the student's interactions and engagement.
  • Campus Tours: While not mandatory, they are important for demonstrating interest and understanding the school culture.
  • Standardized Tests: For grades 5–8, the ISEE scores are a key indicator of academic readiness.
In summary, a balanced approach focusing on academics, character, and community fit, along with strong recommendations and active participation in the admissions process, will enhance an applicant's chances of acceptance.

Recent questions at Harbor Day School

Corepower9
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

Does harbor day provide any kind of assistance with high school planning and admissions?

Harbor Day School offers comprehensive support for families navigating high school planning and admissions, particularly for its graduating eighth-graders.

High School Placement Program

The school has a structured High School Placement program that assists students in transitioning to various prestigious private and public high schools. This includes:

  • Placement Support: Guidance through the admissions process for secondary schools.
  • Advisory Program: Middle school students (grades 6–8) meet with faculty advisors three times a week, fostering academic and personal growth to enhance high school readiness.
  • Standardized Testing Coordination: The school helps students prepare for standardized tests like the ISEE, which are often required for private high school applications.
Contact Information

For more details on high school planning or to inquire about placement results, families can:

  • Call the Admission Office at 949-640-1410.
  • Email the admissions team at admissions@harborday.org.
  • Visit the High School Placement page on their official website for additional resources and information.

palomarvrad
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Admissions

What is tuition and who qualifies for financial aid? Thank you

Harbor Day School charges a tuition fee of $37,930 for all grades (K–8) for the 2025–2026 academic year. This fee covers essential student needs, including daily lunch, school supplies, field trips, athletics, one-to-one iPads, and the school yearbook.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Financial aid at Harbor Day School is need-based and follows a need-blind admissions process, ensuring that a family's financial situation does not affect admission decisions. Families that demonstrate financial need may qualify for assistance, which is determined by an administrative committee based on:

  • Income
  • Assets
  • Overall ability to pay
Application Process

To apply for financial aid, families must use the Clarity platform:

  1. Create an account on the Clarity website.
  2. Submit family and financial information, including automatic transfer of tax forms for verification.
  3. Pay a $60 application fee.
Important Dates
  • Application Deadline:
February 6, 2026
  • Award Letters for Returning Families:
February 27, 2026
  • Award Letters for New Families: Issued with enrollment contracts.
MezcalzP
•This response has been verified in line with school guidance.
Campus life

Whats the food hot lunch program like at harbor day? Is it consideered good?

Harbor Day School offers a comprehensive hot lunch program that operates five days a week, managed by Flik Dining. The program emphasizes fresh, scratch-made meals prepared with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a nutritious dining experience for students.

Menu Highlights

The lunch menu includes a diverse selection of options:

  • Main Entrées: Taco Tuesdays, teriyaki bowls, hamburgers, pasta, and chicken tenders.
  • Specialty Items: Quesadillas, Yakisoba noodles, and Shepherd’s pie.
  • Health Options: A dedicated salad bar and a 'fruit of the day' for kindergarten students.
Student Engagement

The culinary team, led by Chef Andy Lord, actively seeks student feedback to refine the menu. They host events like "Imposters" tastings, allowing students to vote on new food items. The program encourages community involvement, with parents volunteering to assist in staffing.

Reputation

Overall, the lunch program is considered very good, with students expressing enthusiasm for themed days and the ability to customize their meals. It is frequently highlighted as a flavorful and nutritious aspect of the student experience, complementing the school's academic rigor and character development focus.

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