Holy Spirit Parish School

I am very disappointed with this school. It is not academically up to par with the neighboring private or public schools. Either your child fits the mode or they don't. Period. Do not expect any accomodation whatsoever. The concentration is too much on complying with the uniform policies and too little on providing a challenging academic program. Many of the parents are unwelcoming.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has room for much improvement. This will only happen if students are accepted if their parents want a Catholic education for them and not because they want the prestige of going to a private school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of Holy Spirit, and I can honestly say that this school has helped me improve my body of knowledge and has prepared me well for high school. However, despite the great educators here, there is no place for the gifted. Everyone is in the same classes, receives the same assignments, and as a result, there are no programs for students to truly excel and be the best they can be. If your child is extremely smart like I was during my tenure at Holy Spirit, I highly recommend looking at other schools before this one. They deserve better.

Holy Spirit School a 4.5! Well above average, with room for improvement. We've 2 kids here and love it! Regarding some issues. Yes, HSS is best for students falling near mid learning curve. Extremely gifted might not be challenged. Special needs kids will need to seek outside tutoring or help. All the staff gives extra time/help to those who need it, but there are no special programs for special needs kids. - HSS is firstly a Catholic school. Parochial not private. Sometimes HSS really doesn't fit, but if you want a faith based education, attend mass, and participate fully you will have a happy child ready for success at any HS. - Class size avg. 32 - Want to 'fit in' and be welcomed? Participate and Volunteer!! Fantastic arts program, new computer lab, and new math teacher. Excellent sports program. Go Bears!!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Holy Spirit and can honestly say that I am completely happy with their education from all perspectives. I am especially happy with the whole Holy Spirit School community and parish. I went to public schools for elementary school, high school, UCLA and beyond and can attest to the fact that the kids are getting a quality education. Many of the parents do not share my views with respect to math, but I can assure any parent that the math skills they are learning will translate easily to advanced placement courses in high school. I took Calculus in the 11th grade and the math skills they receive at Holy Spirit can prepare any student to take Calculus in the 11th grade. The kids also have a wide array of extra-curricular opportunities, including sports and academic decathlon that is appealing. I highly recommend Holy Spirit...
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest child will graduate from HSPS this year after having been there since kindergarten. I originally had concerns about class size and whether the academics were superior to public schools. While there were peaks and valleys along the journey like at any school, I can say without hesitation that I would send my child there again. The school community and ties to the parish create a nuturing environment that cannot be duplicated. We have mostly long tenured talented faculty who want to teach in this environment. Academically it all seems to come together by the time they get to the 8th grade. I frequently hear about HSPS alumni who are leaders of their classes and are flourishing at Christian Brothers, St Francis and Jesuit. I have two more kids to go through and I am resting easy knowing that this is clearly the best school for our family.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent at this school I can honestly say that both from an academic as well as a religious point of view, this school is seriously lacking. If you are interested in your children getting a good education, this is not the school. It is a lack of leadership and vision from the top down.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children are doing quite well at Holy Spirit in all aspects: spirtual, social, and academic. I like that school has a great athletic program as well as a great fine arts program. We've met some very nice families and have cultivated some great friendships. It is a close-knit community. It does require parent participation but that is a great way to get to know other parents and the staff.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent with three kids in the school and have to say that while my kids like the school - I'm not sure the education they are getting is any better than the two public schools in Land Park (crocker riverside/sutterville) The school is fine for kids that fit into the 'holy spirit mold' but for kids that are above, below or off center from average the school may noe be the best choice. The cirruculum is limited. There is a large contingecy of second and thrid generation families at the school. Overall the school is not all that welcoming to new families that are not connected by their tenure of being old land park families. This can be daunting for those that do not have thick skin. Parental support is strong and expected. Class sizes are huge with 36 kids in a class.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the best. Activities are fun for kids and rigorous schooling. Grrreat!
--Submitted by a parent