Private Independent School Since 1957
Make Every Day Count
Founded in 1957, Harford Day School is the oldest private, independent school in Harford County serving children age 3 to Grade 8. Conveniently located near downtown Bel Air, Maryland, our campus is easily accessible from Baltimore, Southern Pennsylvania, and surrounding counties. Harford Day enrolls over 300 boys and girls with a reputation for graduating smart, well-rounded students who know the value of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. A challenging inquiry-based academic program that emphasizes strong character, personal responsibility, and creative problem-solving prepares our students for achievement in top high school programs and beyond.
We welcome you to explore our website, but the best way to get to know Harford Day is to visit our campus. Contact Diane Russell, Director of Enrollment Management, to schedule a personalized tour where you will observe our dynamic classes, encounter our passionate faculty, happy students, and see how we–Make Every Day Count. Click on the "Schedule a Visit" button below to get in touch.
“The faculty and staff in early childhood have been amazing, and are so nurturing. Our daughter loves going to school every day and is learning so much. The teachers have also been welcoming to our younger daughter who will be a Little Dragon in the fall—she can’t wait to join her big sister at Harford Day.”
– Alumna ‘98 & Parent ’32, ’34
“One of the most impactful life experiences for our family has been being part of the Harford Day School community. Because the school embraced our son's uniqueness, challenged his mind to grow, and taught him vital lifelong skills…, we had the privilege to watch him flourish not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and physically as well. For this incredible experience, we will be forever grateful.”
– Parent ’23, ’26, ‘28
“HDS has been such a wonderful school and experience for our whole family. Enrolling our son was one of the best decisions we have ever made. There is no greater investment than in the future of our children! Every person we interact with has the best interest of the children's safety and learning in mind.”
– Parent ‘26
-
Preschool
Growing up in a Preschool to Grade 8 school community provides a child with the continuity, security, and loving support that allows them to blossom with self confidence, character, and life skills that go beyond academic learning.
Learn More -
Lower School
Central to these early grades is fostering a love for learning and inquiry. Field Study opportunities complement an academic program focused on the mastery of fundamental skills and learning to think critically.
Learn More -
Middle School
We know that middle school students require instruction and practice in communication and collaboration, and so we provide lots of it, in settings as varied as the art studio, the science lab, the lacrosse field, and the math classroom.
Learn More
List of 8 items.
-
12
Acre Campus -
1957
Harford Day is founded -
8:1
Student-Teacher ratio -
13
Average class size -
1:1
Student - Technology Device
Ratio -
$650,000
High school scholarships awarded -
9
Athletic teams in 6 sports -
95%
Accepted to first-choice High School
Hear what our Alumni have to say…
See How We Make Every Day Count
Our students are encouraged to be independent thinkers, to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and to work at the edge of their comfort level in a supportive environment. Our students learn independently, collaboratively, and experientially, both on campus and on field trips. Developing healthy minds and healthy bodies is an important aspect of our program.
Upcoming Events
List of 4 events.
-
Kindergarten Overview - Rising Kindergarten Families
Location: Main Building - Library - Library -
Grandparents'/Special Friends' Day
We are excited to share with you the details for Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day on Friday, May 2, 2025. We welcome any guests who are 18 years or older to visit with the children on this special day. During their time on campus, guests will see various classrooms and engage in fun, interactive activities with the children.
Students in all grades should plan to arrive at school at the regular time on this day and wear their regular HDS uniform attire. Guests are asked to arrive according to the schedule below. If you are visiting more than one child, we welcome you to visit their grade levels during the designated times.Little Dragons & K-Prep 8:30-9:30 a.m. Early Childhood Building Kindergarten-Grade 8 9:00-11:30 a.m. Main School Entrance All guests should plan to park on campus in available parking spaces. There will be overflow parking at the American Legion, located at 500 N Hickory Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014. A shuttle bus will run from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. to bring guests back and forth to campus. A limited number of handicapped parking spaces are available along the driveway in front of the main campus. Please email Valerie Kohles at vkohles@harfordday.org to reserve a space.All students should plan to depart with their guests or a parent at the conclusion of the program. There is no Extended care available on this day.Please share this information with each of your child’s special guests to complete their RSVP: https://forms.gle/6e2mWH1QMhb2ugwC6.
If any current parents are interested in volunteering at the event, please complete this form.
We Know Our Students
By selecting Harford Day, our families make education a priority and in return they find a supportive community of teachers, administrators, and fellow parents.
Harford Day is the only PK3 to Grade 8 independent school in Harford County accredited by AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland/DC Schools) and a member of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).
Non-discrimination Statement
Application to Harford Day School is open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Harford Day School does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial policies, financial aid programs, and other administered extra-curricular or administrative programs.
The Harford Day Mission
At Harford Day School, learning is a joyful process rooted in respectful relationships, strong traditions, and an innovative program that fosters confidence, imagination, curiosity, and engagement with the world.
Application to Harford Day School is open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Harford Day School does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial policies, financial aid programs, and other administered extra-curricular or administrative programs.
The Harford Day Mission
At Harford Day School, learning is a joyful process rooted in respectful relationships, strong traditions, and an innovative program that fosters confidence, imagination, curiosity, and engagement with the world.
©2021 Harford Day School. All Rights Reserved.