ETA: The new leadership team is amazing. The school went through some challenging times, but it's…read moreback to feeling like a home away from home again.

Think hard, don't lie to yourself... Does your child need a bit of support academically? Do you…read morethink they might? Do you want small class sizes? Are they on meds that need to be administered at school? Are they Neurodiverse (Dyslexic, Anxiety, ADHD, Autistic, Dyscalculia, etc.)? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, this school probably isn't for you. We really loved the school when the kid was younger. But, partway through the lower school, supports and amenities suddenly got a lot more scarce! The Middle School is even worse. Were the staff at fault? Usually not. Decisions were made and the kids that needed a bit of help paid the price. There isn't a school nurse. They have remodeled some of the specialist-type classrooms to convert them into classrooms. There has been quite a bit of staff leaving in the last 5 years. There isn't a real 9:1 kid to teacher ratio in practice, they use alternative accounting practices including counting staff members like the librarian (kids see the librarian for an hour or less per week while most teachers rush back to their rooms for preparation time leaving the librarian often alone with the kids). Teacher assistants in the lower school are not necessarily full time and are often pulled from class to cover teachers and things like playground duties. The administration is actively trying to add more students per class, and more classes overall, as all administrators are prone to do. In short, while it is a beautiful school, it isn't for everyone. Try not to be dazzled and ask the hard questions. See if this is right for your family. It is an expensive question to get wrong.

John Dower is the name of this school. My initial thought from appearance is that the building from…read morethe outside lacks luster and looks a bit creepy. I hate that I prejudged. Once I toured the school the property seems to be well maintained. This includes the classrooms. The staff was welcoming and friendly, which is important to me. The principal seems to be quite involved. I was honestly horrified by the low scores of the school however I have come to learn that parent involvement plays a large roll in the success of your children. Last but not least, I am pleased with the structure and curriculum.

great school, nice teachers, Mr. A was my kindergarten teacher and he was the best teacher ive ever…read morehad, so was Mr. Vaugh, Ms. Bryant, and Mr. olive, my little sister still currently go there and its the best elementary school in the area, highly recommended!

Very nice. Teachers were nice. The school has a nice format and the work is easy(for most of us)…read more2021 is when the school was at its peak though.

Kid says he was pushed down stairs and knocked unconscious, teachers said nothing to me.read more

One of the more nicer schools on the east side of Tacoma. Staff is friendly and thoughtful. Drop…read moreoff parking is a bit difficult.

Love love love GHA. The best place in the Harbor for early education. Our children have been going…read morehere for the past three summers and our youngest has been going to Pre-K and preschool for three years. She is thriving and has had the best start to her education. Seriously the best people. Worth the cost!

My daughter is in first grade, and has attended GHA for two years now. One of the crucial factors…read moreto me was that the school is nestled in the trees, and she hears the birds, sees critters, and smells fresh pines and firs when she plays and learns outside. I didn't want her in the concrete jungle that schools have become. Even more spectacular is the teaching staff at GHA, and the supporting administration. The teachers give everything they have to their classes every day. The kids are so excited to go to school they can't wait for the doors to unlock in the morning. My daughter is excelling in this supportive environment. The staff knows every child that attends and every parent who comes to campus. We are committed to investing in our daughter's future at this school. We know it will equip her to excel in any environment as she develops her passion for learning and seeking information for herself. She is already comfortable and adept at presenting herself in front of groups. She is thoughtful and creative in her writing. Her fellow students are supportive, and her adventures in learning astound us every day. Visit the campus, you will be glad you did. Speak to the teachers, they will give you their time. Everyone on that campus cares about the school. It is a school with a soul.