Blog

At Harbor City International School, one of our biggest strengths is actually our small size—capped at just 250 students—which means everyone truly gets to know each other. From personalized learning and close teacher-student relationships to creative opportunities and a super supportive community, our small school makes a big impact!

The school year's ending soon, and Harbor City International School’s 2025-26 calendar will help you start planning for fall! Here’s a summary of important dates.

Aryn Bergsven, Executive Director of Harbor City International School (HCIS), has been part of the school since its founding in 2002, starting as a visual arts teacher before stepping into leadership in 2023. Deeply aligned with the school’s mission and values, Aryn brings a passion for creativity, problem-solving, and connecting with students. Her story reflects a lifelong dedication to education, community, and the transformative power of learning.

They’re not just extracurriculars - they’re part of what makes HCIS truly one-of-a-kind.

Come join us and meet people who see the world in ways that are just as unique – or similar – as you do.

Harbor City International School (HCIS) offers a unique learning experience by taking education beyond the classroom and into the community. Through innovative symposiums and service learning opportunities, students engage in hands-on experiences that spark lifelong interests and make a real impact. Whether exploring new topics during symposiums or partnering with local nonprofits, HCIS encourages students to grow, discover, and contribute to their community.

At Harbor City International School, we believe that every student has a unique story, a special spark, and boundless potential.

You may have heard that Harbor City International School (HCIS) is a “charter school”. But what does that really mean? And how does that make us different from other schools? The answers may surprise you!

Some choices are tough.
🔹Pizza or tacos
🔹Beach or mountains
🔹Sci Fi or comedy

At Harbor City International School, there are so many reasons why 7th-12th grade students are thriving at our tuition-free charter school. Here are our top 10!