Harford Academy has been named the Third Quarter Winner of the Family Friendly School Award for the 2025-26 school year, earning the highest overall score among this quarter's finalists.
The Family Friendly School Award is an annual program sponsored by the HCPS Parent Academy in partnership with Chick-fil-A of Harford County. The program recognizes schools that best engage all families through inclusive practices aligned with the National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnerships. HCPS believes that building meaningful relationships between schools, families, and communities is essential to student achievement, and that parents, guardians, and family members are more likely to be involved when they feel welcomed and valued.
Each quarter, community members nominate schools and then vote to narrow the field to three finalists. This quarter's finalists were then reviewed by the HCPS Customer Service Task Force External Subcommittee, which evaluated each school on five criteria: welcoming all families, effective communication and relationship building, family efficacy, school performance and achievement plan, and community partnerships. Harford Academy earned the highest overall score across all five areas.
Staff and students were surprised with the announcement on April 20, 2026, with Chick-fil-A Aberdeen on hand to help make the celebration extra special. Award winners receive a staff luncheon provided by Chick-fil-A of Harford County.