Bret Harte School believes in an inclusive model of academic excellence. Challenging curriculum and attention to the individual needs of learners is evident for all students. Bret Harte takes seriously the challenge of advanced learning opportunities and is working to strengthen its offerings for its most capable students, while preserving its commitment to excellence for all.
  
In recent years, Bret Harte has become known for the commitment of its volunteers and its excellent teachers. For many families, Bret Harte is the hub of the neighborhood. The Bret Harte community is highly involved in the education of its children. Parent volunteers enrich the offerings of the school in many different ways from fundraising, to governance, to teacher support, and plain old fun. Bret Harte is known for its health and nutrition and art education programs in addition to its annual Family Literacy Night. Many programs enrich learning for Bret Harte students including parent/child book clubs, spelling bees, Variety Show, Girls' Mentoring Program, assemblies, field trips, cultural events, and before and after school program.