Founded in 1893, The Harker School offers a coed, independent program for students in K-grade 12 on four beautiful campuses in the heart of Silicon Valley.Harker is one of the top prep schools in the nation and the largest K-12 independent school in the state, and its upper school sends its graduates to the finest universities and colleges in the country.
Students reach their full potential through small class sizes, performance placement at most grade levels, integration of state-of-the-art technology at all grade levels, AP and honors offerings, a full-time counseling staff and highly qualified faculty.
Harker is a dynamic community that honors individuality, embraces diversity and prepares students to take their places as global citizens.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,969 students
- Yearly Tuition: $62,950
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Harker School Upper School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1893
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
1,969 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
74%
State avg.: 50%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
222 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
62%
Average Class Size
10 students
Number of AP Courses
29 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Gr. K-8 uniforms; Gr. 9-12 dress guidelines
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
$62,950
Tuition Notes
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer program costs vary by course
% on Financial Aid
6%
Admissions Director
Danielle Holquin, Gr. 6-8
Admissions Associate
Diann Chung, K-Gr. 5
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
27 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Ace Club, Art Club – Clay Art, Badminton Club, Blackford Technology Club, Chess Club, Clean Technology Club, Club Japan, Comic Book Club, Debate club, Drama Club, eCybermission, Future Problem Solvers, Junior Classical League, Math Club, Science Research Club, Service Club, Spirit Club, Tech Theater Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Acting, Ceramics, Dance, Drawing, Graphic arts, Instrumental music, Musical theater, Technical theater, Vocal music
Ace Club, Art Club – Clay Art, Badminton Club, Blackford Technology Club, Chess Club, Clean Technology Club, Club Japan, Comic Book Club, Debate club, Drama Club, eCybermission, Future Problem Solvers, Junior Classical League, Math Club, Science Research Club, Service Club, Spirit Club, Tech Theater Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Acting, Ceramics, Dance, Drawing, Graphic arts, Instrumental music, Musical theater, Technical theater, Vocal music
School Notes
- Since 2006, the first year it began entering these competitions, Harker has had 70 Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalists,10 finalists and two winners. (Harker's first upper school graduating class was in 2002.)
- Each year over 50% of students are recognized annually by the College Board in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- In 2007 Harker students represented the U.S. at the J8 Summit (a parallel youth event to the G8 Summit) in Germany.
- In the K-Gr. 8 program, 90% of the students participate in the comprehensive after-school program, which is included in tuition.
- Upper school students participate in CCS sports teams and dozens of clubs and social activities.
- The K-12 performing arts department has put on well over 200 performances in the past 10 years, and the elite upper school Harker Conservatory traveled to Edinburgh by invitation to perform at the 2007, 2011 and 2015 Fringe Festivals.
- In 2016, boys varsity golf took third in CCS and played in the state championships, Girls volleyball teams took second in state in 2007, and made CCS playoffs in 2013, the CCS semifinals in 2014 and 2015.
- In May 2015, the Harker upper school debate team was recognized by the Tournament of Champions (TOC) as a School of Excellence by the National Speech & Debate Association, as the team with the most success in all TOC events. In June 2015, the middle school team set a record by winning the Overall School of Excellence Award for the fourth time. This award, given by the National Speech & Debate Association, is presented to the top three teams in the country. It is the highest honor a middle school program can achieve.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Harker School Upper School cost?
The Harker School Upper School's tuition is approximately $62,950 for private students.
Does The Harker School Upper School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Harker School Upper School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Harker School Upper School offer?
The Harker School Upper School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. The Harker School Upper School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
What is The Harker School Upper School's ranking?
The Harker School Upper School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Harker School Upper School?
The application deadline for The Harker School Upper School is Jan. 9.
In what neighborhood is The Harker School Upper School located?
The Harker School Upper School is located in the West Valley neighborhood of San Jose, CA. There are 8 other private schools located in West Valley.
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The nearest high school to The Harker School Upper School is Stratford Preparatory School (0.5 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is As-safa Academy (0.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Challenger School - Strawberry Park (0.6 miles away)
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