Get to know Lara Latto, Principal at Harbor View Elementary School

Lara Latto is the principal at Harbor View Elementary School. Described by colleagues as a role model for both students and teachers, Mrs. Latto believes that her school is about more than education- it’s a family and a support system that works to ensure everyone is doing their best.

Now in her sixth year as principal, Mrs. Latto never thought she’d be the head of a school but describes it as her favorite job. She credits her passion for working with students and adults to her experience serving as a teacher and a behavior interventionist.

“The fun part of being in education is watching the children as they learn and grow every day. There’s a new challenge around every corner and watching their faces light up when they learn something new is always very exciting,” said Mrs. Latto.

Kate Lackey, a third-grade teacher at Harbor View, says she looks forward to going to work because of the positive environment that Mrs. Latto has created. “We know that somehow we will have fun and have a great day at Harbor View Elementary, one way or another,” said Ms. Lackey. “Even on the worst day, you always know you have Mrs. Latto and everyone else. It’s like family and it starts with her.”

Fourth-grade student Malik Wilson describes Mrs. Latto as a very thoughtful person who is very helpful to others. Third-grade student Thurston Rooskens describes Mrs. Latto as the best principal in the world.

What many might not know about Mrs. Latto is that she was born and raised on James Island. She went to Stiles Point Elementary and attended Harbor View back when it was a middle school. She also attended James Island High School which is now James Island Charter High School. Her children went through the same school system and even had some of the same teachers Mrs. Latto had as a student.

When not at school, Mrs. Latto spends most of her time with her family and kids. She enjoys camping and can be found off-roading with her husband, Nick. The Lattos live on James Island and have two children, Timothy who is attending Winthrop University and Catherine who is a senior at James Island Charter High School.

To find out more about Mrs. Latto, watch the following short clip:
https://youtu.be/yA-6ulNSnHs