Hardin Park Elementary School: 7 Key Updates And Why This Boone NC PK-8 School Is A Top 30% Performer
Hardin Park Elementary School in Boone, North Carolina, continues to be a focal point for the Watauga County Schools district, operating as a comprehensive Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade (PK-8) institution that serves a vital role in the High Country community. As of late 2025, the school is undergoing a period of significant development under new leadership, while maintaining its reputation as a highly-rated public school, securing a spot within the top 30% of all public schools in North Carolina for the 2025-2026 school year.
This article provides the most current and essential information for parents, students, and community members, covering everything from the school's new principal and academic performance to its robust extracurricular offerings and recent community updates, ensuring you have a fresh, in-depth understanding of one of Boone NC’s premier educational centers.
Hardin Park Elementary School: At-a-Glance Profile and New Leadership
Hardin Park School is unique in its structure, serving the full PK-8 grade range, which allows for a seamless transition for students from their earliest educational years through the critical middle school phase. This structure is a cornerstone of the Watauga County School System’s approach to continuity in education.
Key Profile Data (2025-2026 School Year)
- Location: Boone, North Carolina (Watauga County)
- Grade Levels Served: Pre-Kindergarten (PK) through 8th Grade
- Total Enrollment: Approximately 859 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: An impressive 11:1, significantly lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1
- Overall Ranking: Ranked within the Top 30% of all public schools in North Carolina
- Niche Overall Grade: A
Introducing Principal Travis Gillespie
One of the most significant updates for the school year involves the appointment of new leadership. Travis Gillespie has officially taken the helm as the Principal of Hardin Park Elementary School. Mr. Gillespie's leadership marks a new chapter for the school, focusing on maintaining its high academic standards and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for all students across the PK-8 spectrum. His role is central to guiding the school's educational and community initiatives moving forward.
Top 7 Reasons Hardin Park is a High-Performing NC School
Hardin Park’s consistently high ranking is not accidental; it is the result of focused programs, dedicated staff, and a strong community partnership. The following seven points highlight the school's commitment to excellence and its unique offerings.
1. Exceptional Student-Teacher Ratio
With a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, Hardin Park provides a learning environment that is far more personalized than the state average. This low ratio allows teachers to offer individualized attention, which is crucial for maximizing academic growth and addressing the diverse learning needs of students from Pre-K through middle school.
2. Robust Exceptional Children’s Program Support
The school’s commitment to all learners is evident in its strong Exceptional Children's Program. This vital program is supported by a dedicated endowment, ensuring that students with special needs receive the resources, specialized instruction, and individualized education they require to thrive. This financial backing demonstrates a long-term commitment to inclusive education.
3. Comprehensive PK-8 Grade Structure
The PK-8 model is a distinct advantage. By keeping students in the same educational setting from NC Pre-K through 8th grade, the school eliminates the often-stressful transition from elementary to middle school. This continuity fosters stronger relationships between students, teachers, and staff, leading to a more cohesive and supportive academic journey.
4. Active and Engaged Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
The Hardin Park PTO is an incredibly active force in the school community, playing a crucial role in fundraising, volunteer coordination, and supporting school events. The PTO leadership, including Co-Presidents Alison Schlake and Casey Cirino, works closely with Principal Gillespie to bridge the gap between home and school, directly benefiting student programs and teacher resources.
5. Extended Learning Center (ELC) and After-School Programs
For working parents in the Boone area, the Hardin Park Extended Learning Center (ELC) provides essential after-school, holiday, and work-day childcare. This program ensures students have a safe, supervised, and enriching environment outside of regular school hours, which is a key support system for the local community.
6. Strong Extracurricular and Academic Competitions
The school encourages student involvement through a variety of clubs and activities. A standout example is the Battle of the Books competition, which engages students in grades 4-5 and the middle school grades (6-8) in a fun, challenging, book-related quiz. Events like the Student Council Spirit Week also foster school spirit and student leadership.
7. Community Resilience and Support
Hardin Park has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of local challenges. Following the impact of Hurricane Helene, the school stepped up to provide crucial childcare services to the community while dealing with its own operational issues. Furthermore, the school benefits from local partnerships, such as the bilingual after-school church program with Boone United Methodist Church, which highlights a deep community commitment to supporting its diverse student body.
Recent Updates and Community Safety
Maintaining a safe and secure environment is a top priority for Hardin Park Elementary and the Watauga County Sheriff's Office. The school community was recently alerted to a potential threat, which was quickly and professionally investigated.
Safety and Security Assessment
In a recent event, a threat was made to Hardin Park School outside of school hours. The prompt investigation by the Watauga County Sheriff's Office concluded that the threat was not credible. This swift response and clear communication underscore the effective safety protocols and close coordination between the school administration and local law enforcement, ensuring the continued safety of students and staff.
Navigating Post-Disaster Recovery
The lingering effects of Hurricane Helene continue to be a topical issue in Boone, NC. While the school provided essential childcare relief immediately following the storm, the broader community still faces challenges with road infrastructure and housing. Hardin Park remains a stable and reliable center for families as the High Country continues its recovery efforts.
The Future of Education at Hardin Park
With its new principal, Travis Gillespie, leading the way, Hardin Park Elementary School is poised for a successful future. The combination of a low 11:1 student-teacher ratio, a comprehensive PK-8 structure, and robust programs like the Extended Learning Center and the Exceptional Children's endowment ensures that students receive a high-quality, continuous education.
The school’s position within the top 30% of North Carolina public schools for the 2025-2026 school year is a testament to the hard work of the faculty—including dedicated staff like Amy Abernethy, Jenney Aiken, and Stephanie Allen—and the strong support from the PTO and the broader Boone community. Hardin Park remains a beacon of academic excellence and community resilience in Watauga County.
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