Research Harrison Elementary School Public Schools in Davenport, Iowa

“I have had a consistently great experience with my children's teachers at this school. That being said, the office staff, para-educators, and most especially the principal are the most parent-unfriendly I have ever encountered (and we've been to several schools). Be prepared to be disprespected, condescended to and generally dismissed in any dealings you have with the staff at this school. I have talked to many, many other parents about this problem, and I have never met any parent who had good things to say about the staff (not the teachers) or the administration at Harrison. It's maddening and insulting to be asked to bring a doctor's note to 'prove' where your child was when you sign him in (even if it's their first absence ever!) or to be told that your kindergartener was placed in detention for 'pretending to take tickets' at the top of the playground slide. Please.”

“Harrison has it's share of good teachers and its share of a couple of older teachers that need to retire! However, they consistently strive for high academic scores and tend to overwhelm kids with homework at times which is also not fair all the time. However this is an excellent school with mostly all good kids and there is no tolerance for fighting or anything else at this school, Mr. Green is a very good Principal.”

“I have been somewhat irritated at how little the teachers will actually 'allow' parents into the classrooms to help. I basically begged my daughters 2nd grade teacher last year to let me help in the classroom and she wouldn't let me. I think in general the teachers don't want the parents to come into their classrooms. I am also not very happy with some of the rules- no talking for half of lunch. If someone on your table talks, your whole table stays in for a little bit of lunch recess. How about using a natural consequence?- You don't eat, you are hungry. Another rule I'm not thrilled about is the whole no running outside rule except on the grass. I just think we need to realize that kids are kids. They are supposed to get bumps and bruises- that's part of being a kid.”

“I take my daughter to school every morning - she's a kindergartner. Let me just say that when that school bell rings at 9am, those kids start jumping up and down with enthusiasm. It is a sight to behold and I look forward to it in the mornings. My daughter enjoys school, loves her teacher and her schoolmates. They also have an after school program called Stepping Stones that runs to 5:30pm that is absolutely fantastic. I feel that I leave my daughter in very capable hands.”

“Great school. very nice students and teachers. Always helpful.”