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Harmony Public Schools

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Coordinates: 29°40′57″N 95°33′30″W / 29.6825°N 95.5584°W / 29.6825; -95.5584
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Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools headquarters in Houston
Location
Texas
United States
District information
TypePublic charter school
Established2000[1]
SuperintendentFatih Ay[2]
Chair of the boardDr. Oner Ulvi Celepcikay[2]
Governing agencyTexas Education Agency
Schools61[3]
Budget$548,949,291 (2022)[4]
Students and staff
Enrollment45,000 (2024)[6]
Faculty5,000 (approx.)[5]
ColorsRed, White & Blue
Other information
Tax ID76-0615245
Websitewww.harmonytx.org

Harmony Public Schools (or HPS) is a charter management organization that operates the largest network of charter schools in Texas, with 61 campuses serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.[3] Established in 2000, Harmony emphasizes Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through its innovative project-based learning model. Headquartered in the Southwest Management District (formerly Greater Sharpstown), Houston, the network is recognized for its academic excellence and commitment to providing quality education to underserved communities.

As of 2024, the network, enrolling around 45,000 students, consistently meet or exceed state academic standards and have been highlighted for their efficiency and performance by state and national outlets.[6]

History

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The first Harmony Public School opened in Houston in 2000 with 200 students,[7] following a charter school proposal developed by a group of Turkish-American graduate students, including Dr. Soner Tarim as one of the founders, who also became the first superintendent/CEO of the school.[8] The proposal was approved by the Texas Education Agency in April 2000, with the inaugural campus opening in August of the same year.[9] Cosmos Foundation sponsored the establishment of the school.[9]

Harmony Public Schools expanded with its second campus opening in Austin in 2002, followed by a third campus in Dallas in 2004. In 2005, the network started elementary schools.[7] By 2006, over 85% of the student population at each campus consisted of minority students.[9]

Within a decade of its founding, Harmony expanded to 33 campuses across Texas, becoming the largest charter network in the state, serving approximately 16,500 students by that time.[10][11]

As of 2016, there were 46 campuses, serving over 30,000 students.[7]

By the end of 2024, the network has 61 campuses and 45,000 students.[3][6]

Behavorial System

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The 6-12 Harmony schools have come up with a behavorial system to log what students have been doing. "Positive Behavior Award", or PBA, is awarded to a student when done something good. For example, cleaning the classroom or organizing bookshelves will award the student a PBA.

"Reinforcement Points", or RP, is the negative companion of PBA. They are given when a student does something out of the Harmony Student Handbook. For example sleeping in class or not in Harmony Dress Code (a Harmony Uniform that has a color corresponding with your grade level and khakis).

Academic performance

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Harmony Public Schools aims to improve access to Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.[12] Its proprietary "STEM Students on the Stage" (STEM SOS) model combines teacher-led instruction, hands-on activities, and interdisciplinary projects to enhance academic performance and 21st-century skills. The approach fosters collaboration, communication, and self-motivation, preparing students for higher education and STEM careers.[7][13]

In 2011, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) rated 21 out of 33 Harmony schools as either "Exemplary" or "Recognized," with the remaining schools receiving an "Acceptable" rating.[11]

In the 2015–2016 academic year, all Harmony Public Schools campuses met or exceeded the state academic standards, with six campuses earning all seven available academic distinctions and two districts receiving the post-secondary readiness distinction.[14]

Texas newspapers, including The Dallas Morning News, the Austin American-Statesman, and the West University Examiner, commented favorably on the schools.[15][16][17] HSA Houston was awarded by U.S. News & World Report a 'Bronze' medal in 2009 and a 'Silver' Medal in 2010.[18][19] A Newsweek report in 2011 named two of the Harmony schools "Miracle Schools".[20]

In January 2024, Eighteen Harmony campuses in Texas, including four in El Paso, were named "State Schools of Character" by Character.org for their commitment to character development and community leadership.[21] As of 2024, Harmony had 40 State School of Character winners and 21 National School of Character winners, the highest number among U.S. school systems for character education.[22]

Participation in competitions

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Harmony Public Schools emphasizes extracurricular activities, encouraging students to participate in a range of academic and STEM competitions. Students are particularly active in programs such as MathCounts, the FIRST LEGO League (FLL), DISTCO (Digital Storytelling Contests), science fairs, and Quiz Bowl. The Harmony Science Academy in Euless was recognized as the "Best School" at the Fort Worth Regional Science and Engineering Fair in 2010, just a year after opening. Additionally, Harmony School of Excellence earned first place at the national level in its rookie year and second place in its third year.[23]

Management and operations

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Financial operations

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Harmony Public Schools holds a AAA financial bond rating, reflecting its qualification for the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF) Bond Guarantee Program.[24] The network has also secured significant federal funding, including a five-year, $30 million Race to the Top grant awarded in the 2011–2012 academic year.[25] Five Harmony schools in Austin reported spending $7,923 per student, approximately $800 less than the statewide average and $1,600 below the Austin Independent School District average. According to Kate Alexander of the Austin American-Statesman, the schools achieved strong academic performance despite operating "on a shoestring."[26]

In 2012, it was reported that the Harmony network also provides management and consulting services to other charter school networks. According to Tarim, Cosmos, the managing entity of Harmony, offers consulting services to the School of Science and Technology in San Antonio, which is operated by the Riverwalk Education Foundation and governed by an independent school board separate from Harmony Public Schools.[11]

In 2015, Harmony received $22.8 million in federal grants and $229.2 million in local and state funding.[27]

In October 2024, Harmony announced $15 million in bonuses for teachers and staff, with average stipends ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. Harmony also participates in the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, providing high-performing teachers with annual rewards of up to $30,000.[28]

Business contracting

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The Harris County Department of Education supports Harmony Public Schools in its bidding process by reviewing submissions and recommending the lowest responsible bidder to the board of directors for contract approval.[29]

Criticism

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In May 2016, Amsterdam & Partners LLP filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) alleging Harmony Public Schools engaged in employment discrimination based on national origin and gender, improper vendor selection, and misappropriation of public funds. The complaint also raised concerns about potential ties to the Gülen movement, led by Turkish cleric Fethullah Gülen.[30]

Use of H1-B visas

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As of 2011, Harmony Public Schools faced scrutiny for its use of H-1B visas to employ Turkish-born staff, with 292 out of 1,500 employees working under the program, and for awarding contracts to Turkish-owned businesses.[12] Despite these criticisms, the schools received praise for their academic performance and were recognized as one of the highest-rated charter school networks in Texas.[11]

As of the 2016–17 school year, 197 of Harmony Public Schools' 3,500 employees, or less than 7%, were on H1-B visas, primarily from Turkey, a decrease from previous years when 20% of the workforce held such visas. To reduce reliance on foreign workers, Harmony implemented a "grow your own teacher program" to encourage former students to pursue careers in math and science education. The initiative has led to 80 alumni returning as teachers and 300 working as teacher aides while attending college.[29]

Influence of Gülen movement

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Main article: Gülen movement schools

Harmony schools has been accused at many events of having ties to the Gülen movement, a global network inspired by Turkish cleric Gülen. While critics suggest alignment with Gülen's teachings, Harmony officials deny any formal connection to the movement.[12][29]

William Martin of Rice University said, as paraphrased by USA Today, that "educators' assertions of 'no organic connection' to Gülen are 'accurate,' but that 'their efforts to minimize ties to Gülen, likely from fear of being branded Islamists, bring unnecessary and probably counterproductive suspicion.'"[31]

Civil rights compliance review

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Harmony Public Schools underwent a compliance review by the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to assess adherence to Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (prohibiting discrimination based on disability in federally funded education programs), and Title II of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (prohibiting disability-based discrimination by public entities). The review determined that while HPS's admissions policies and procedures appeared non-discriminatory, the enrollment of students with disabilities and English-language learners was notably lower compared to public school districts in the same areas. The investigation was resolved in late 2014 after HPS submitted proposals to address the issues identified by the OCR.[32]

Schools

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Harmony's initial schools opened in areas formerly occupied by stores and leased areas owned by churches; these spaces are typical locations for charter schools. After selling over $645M in state-guaranteed public bonds, Harmony began building its own campuses, although many campuses still occupy leased space.[33]

Austin

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  • Harmony Science Academy PK-8
  • Harmony School of Science K-5
  • Harmony School of Innovation PK-5
  • Harmony Science Academy-Pflugerville 6–12
  • Harmony School of Excellence 6–12
  • Harmony Science Academy Cedar Park PK-5
  • Harmony School of Endeavor PK-12

Beaumont

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K-5

  • Harmony Science Academy Elementry

6-12

  • Harmony Middle-High

Brownsville

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K-8

  • Harmony Science Academy

6–12

  • Harmony School Of Innovation

Bryan/College Station

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K-8

  • Harmony Science Academy

Dallas

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  • Harmony School of Innovation-Carrollton K-5
  • Harmony School of Excellence 6–12
  • Harmony Science Academy Dallas K-12
  • Harmony Science Academy Carrollton 6–12
  • Harmony School of Innovation-Dallas 6–12
  • Harmony Science Academy Plano K-6
  • Harmony Science Academy K-5
  • Harmony Science Academy Garland K-6
  • Harmony School of Innovation Garland 6-12

El Paso

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K-5

  • Harmony School of Excellence

6–12

  • Harmony Science Academy

K-12

  • Harmony School of Innovation

Fort Worth

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K-5

  • Harmony Science Academy (elementary)

6-8

  • Harmony Science Academy (middle)

6–12

  • Harmony School of Innovation

[34]

Garland/Rowlett/Sachse

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K-6

  • Harmony Science Academy

7–12

  • Harmony School of Innovation

Grand Prairie

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K-8

  • Harmony Science Academy

Euless

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pre-K-5

  • Harmony School of Innovation

6–12

  • Harmony Science Academy

Houston

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Harmony School of Ingenuity

K-8

  • Harmony School of Fine Arts and Technology
  • Harmony School of Excellence
  • Harmony School of Endeavor
  • Harmony School of Technology

K-5

  • Harmony School of Achievement
  • Harmony School of Enrichment

9–12

  • Harmony School of Advancement[35]
  • Harmony Science Academy High School

6–12

  • Harmony School of Discovery

K-5

  • Harmony School of Exploration

6–12

  • Harmony School of Ingenuity
  • Harmony School of Innovation-Katy

6–8

  • Harmony School of Innovation
  • Harmony School of Technology

PK-3

  • Harmony Science Academy-Katy

4-7

  • Harmony Science Academy- Katy Middle

8-12

  • Harmony School of Innovation

Laredo

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9–12

  • Harmony School of Excellence

6–8

  • Harmony Science Academy

K-5

  • Harmony School of Innovation

Lubbock

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PreK-8

  • Harmony Science Academy

Odessa

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K-8

  • Harmony Science Academy

San Antonio

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6–12

  • Harmony Science Academy

Pre-k-8

  • Harmony School of Innovation

Prek-8

  • Harmony School of Excellence

Waco

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K-5

  • Harmony Science Academy.

6–12

  • Harmony School of Innovation.

References

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  1. ^ "Harmony Public Schools History: Founding, Timeline, and Milestones". Zippia. August 27, 2020. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Board of Directors - Harmony Public Schools". Harmony Public Schools. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Schools - Harmony Public Schools". Harmony Public Schools. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  4. ^ "Harmony Public Schools Form 990 2015". ProPublica. May 9, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  5. ^ "About Us - Harmony Public Schools". Harmony Public Schools. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c American, Odessa (August 20, 2024). "Harmony Public Schools sets new enrollment record with largest class ever". Odessa American. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d Ark, Tom Vander (February 3, 2016). "Learner-Centered STEM: Meet Harmony Public Schools". Getting Smart. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  8. ^ Brent, Kim (September 11, 2023). "15 Beaumont Harmony teachers among 380 to see big bonuses". Beaumont Enterprise. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c "Harmony School of Excellence" (PDF). castro.tea.state.tx.us. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  10. ^ Thevenot, Brian (September 27, 2010). "In Perfect Harmony?". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d Kastner, Lindsay (January 1, 2012). "Harmony schools causing discord". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  12. ^ a b c Saul, Stephanie (June 6, 2011). "Charter Schools Tied to Turkey Grow in Texas". The New York Times. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
  13. ^ "Teachers' Reflections on STEM Students on the Stage (SOS™) Model". ResearchGate. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  14. ^ "Harmony Public Schools". Spaces4Learning. August 7, 2015. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  15. ^ "Turkish scholars excel with charter schools that emphasize science, math". The Dallas Morning News. March 2, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  16. ^ "Group ranks Central Texas' best and worst schools: Westlake High, Harmony Science Academy and Pillow Elementary are ranked No. 1 in Austin area". Austin American-Statesman. September 20, 2009. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  17. ^ "DeBakey, Carnegie, HSPVA place high, but charters show gains in rankings". West University Examiner. April 26, 2010. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
  18. ^ "Best High Schools: Texas". U.S. News & World Report. 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  19. ^ "Best High Schools: Harmony Science Academy-Houston". U.S. News & World Report. 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  20. ^ "Ten Miracle High Schools". The Daily Beast. June 21, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  21. ^ Pittock, Drew (January 13, 2024). "Harmony Public Schools most recognized 'State School of Character' nationwide". KFOX-TV. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  22. ^ "Harmony School of Excellence - Laredo named 2024 National School of Character". Laredo Morning Times. May 25, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  23. ^ "Local School and Educator Win Top Honors in Science Competition". PR Newswire. May 18, 2010. Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  24. ^ "Harmony Public Schools Becomes First Charter School Ever to Win Award of Excellence for Financial Management". Focus Daily News. December 6, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  25. ^ Turque, Bill (November 12, 2013). "Harmony charter school seeks to expand to D.C.; business practices raised questions". The Washington Post. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  26. ^ Alexander, Kate (August 18, 2012). "Can traditional schools learn a lesson from charters' efficiency?". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on August 22, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2012.
  27. ^ "HPS_Audit_Report_June_30_2016.pdf" (PDF). HarmonyTx.org. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  28. ^ Hawes, Trevor (October 21, 2024). "Harmony Public Schools awards $15M in bonuses to employees". Midland Reporter-Telegram. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  29. ^ a b c Radcliffe, Jennifer (May 21, 2016). "Harmony schools faces Turkish attack". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  30. ^ "Texas Education Agency urged to investigate misappropriation of public funds, discrimination, and self-dealing by Harmony Public Schools". Amsterdam & Partners LLP. May 24, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2025.
  31. ^ Toppo, Greg. "Objectives of charter schools with Turkish ties questioned." USA Today. August 17, 2010. Retrieved on August 29, 2012.
  32. ^ August, Taylor D. (November 26, 2014). "Letter: Harmony Public Schools, Texas: OCR Case #06-11-5004" (PDF). ed.gov. Retrieved September 1, 2016.
  33. ^ Kastner, Lindsay. "Harmony schools causing discord." San Antonio Express-News. Wednesday January 4, 2012. 2. Retrieved on August 29, 2012.
  34. ^ https://www.harmonytx.org/schools
  35. ^ "HPS – Harmony School of Advancement – Houston". www.HSAdvancement.org. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
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