Holy Name Elementary School

My son went here for 1 year, and that was enough. The teachers can't do anything about the kids. But the fault really lies with the parents. A lot of the students seem to have no discipline and the students act like they are entitled to everything just because they go to/can afford a private school. Some students bully others about things like how much money their family makes. The education at this school is mediocre too. I moved my son to A.P. Giannini for the 8th grade. In my sons algebra class, they're learning about completing the square, quadratics, graphing the equations, vertexes, etc. Some adults don't even know them. At Holy Name, some of the 7th graders didn't know multiplication yet. You learn that in the 3rd grade in public schools. At SH teachers can't teach because the students don't know the basics. Students here are bullies. They even bully kids from other schools. SH students go to Ortega library, which is next to APG. The SH students are always staring at APG students, giving dirty looks and whispering loudly to their friends, probably insults. I have seen this myself. Overall, the children are mean and don't do well in school. Choose a public school instead.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school that is incredibly strong in academics. The only thing I don't like is how lots of syber bullying goes on there and the principal doesnt seem to do anything about it
—Submitted by a parent

We like many SF parents went through the insane public school lottery system and budget cuts but we are so happy that we decided to attend Holy Name. We were so impressed with the students and the parent involvement. Holy Name offers after school languange programs and extended care to assist busy working parents and also an online lunch ordering program. Holy Name is an excellent challenging school and we are proud to see our money working for our kids especially the new macbook computer lab.
—Submitted by a parent

With an amazing supply and teachers and staff at hand, Holy Name is prepared to take on any challenge. In my nine years of being there, I've learned that there are some lessons in life you can't learn from a book. You can learn many of them at this school. There are a bunch of events there that range from sports to regular outings with food an games to musical events. All these coordinated by teachers, parents, and students. Teachers here are the best. They reach students in many different ways to deal with many situations. A person can't go wrong with this school. I know this seems like endless praise, but I wouldn't have ended up the person I am today without it. Check it out sooner or later, there may be even more things that they just recently added that haven't even been mentioned in other reviews. :D
—Submitted by a student

Holy Name is a wonderful school My daughter will be graduating from 8th grade this term, and she has been here since kindergarten. I am so glad I chose Holy Name for her. It is such a family oriented school and a very friendly environment. The teachers and school staff have all been great. There is always something going on in Holy Name and it is always something exciting, and that is why the children love this school. The parents are so cooperative and quite involved with the school activities along with the children. The staff at the Extended Care Program especially Alcira has been like a second parent to the children. I would recommend Holy Name to parents who are looking for a great school for their children. It has been a wonderful experience. Thank you to all the Holy Name Staff for their devotion to the childrens.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Holy Name! My daughter always comes home with a smile on her face. She enjoys going to extended care where she can hang out with her friends (but only after she finishes her homework). There's a real sense of community in the school. The parents are really involved. The staff is friendly and always helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at Holy Name School has been wonderful thus far! We have two children attending at the moment with plans for our third child to enter. Teachers are friendly, caring and dedicated to our children. Holy Name School offers many extracurricular activities: Karate, Chess, Spanish, Chinese, Student Council, Safety Patrol, etc. Holy Name also has its very own Conservatory of Music. Students, alumni, as well as parish members are offered private voice, piano, guitar and violin lessons with recitals at the end of each semester. From our very first day at Holy Name School, I noticed the friendly, helpful and supportive community. As it's been said, 'It takes a village to raise a child.'
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome and very innovative changes are taking place at my children's school, HOLY NAME OF JESUS. The kids are very aware of it, and they are active participants. We are also very lucky, with all of our new friends and the school parent body in general because of their involvement. Parents want to help out and they are encouraged. We came from a preschool (The Little School) were diversity and respect is a must, and we are fortunate of continuing in a SCHOOL that teaches and preaches just that. Well, I forgot ... the academics and high scores, drove our attention too, when we did our tour! (And we saw around 15 schools). We don't live close to HOLY NAME, but it's all worth it ... getting up a little earlier and crossing beautiful GGPark every morning! Looking forward to many years @ Holy Name School!
—Submitted by a parent

Academics is the no.1 priority at Holy Name Parish School. Proof lies in our students' high school acceptance exams, awards garnered by our students in different Academic Competitions (usually hosted by High Schools) and just a report of our overall GPA's. You should attend the quarterly Honor Assembly and be overwhelmed by our students' academic achievements. Holy Name School participates in CYO's various sports programs among others (volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and soon to come Irish Football). There is all-day kindergarten, extended care (morning and afternoon), many other after-school programs for example: foreign language classes, karate & chess. Holy Name Parish also has a Conservatory of Music where students can enroll in private classes in piano, voice, violin and guitar. All lessons at the Conservatory start after school so there is no clash with the school schedule. There's many things in store for young minds at HN. Come see us!
—Submitted by a parent

We are wrapping up 13 yrs at the school (2 kids). It's a safe school with zero tolerance for abberant behavior (expulsion). The principal is retiring after this June & a search for replacement is in process. Teachers are generally friendly, some harshier than others, but we don't feel the kids are challenged enough. Ample team sports with volleyball, basketball, baseball, scoccer. The kids participate in an annual Christmas singing pagent, and 8th graders in a class musical - this yr,'Oklahoma', but the school lacks a strong music program. No band, chorus, orchestra. Parents have a mandatory committment of 25 service hours annually, easy to fulfill, as there's lots to do for the school. Parents are very friendly, supportive & helpful and the best way to meet them is to have your child join sports or participate in the church. Participation in fundraising and donations expected.
—Submitted by a parent

This is great school with strong leadership, nice and qualified teachers, wonderful art and sport programs. You must see annual musical or attend school basketball game to understand how much students are enjoying being and working together. Academic program is strong and compare to overall low level of American education system is really giving us a hope for better future of our son
—Submitted by Yelena, a parent

Awesome school academically. Excellent sports program.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had an excellent experience at Holy Name School. The principal, office staff, teachers, extended care staff and students/parents have been wonderful. Thus far, my son's teachers have been excellent. As a true testament of their effectiveness and great work, our son scored an Above Average on the standardized test.
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Name School has a very strong academic program. Proof is seen in the history of high school acceptance statistics. Holy Name graduates always get to the college prep or high school of their choice. With its strong spiritual foundation, Holy Name children are taught to be respectful,compassionate, responsible and contributing members of society. Parents' participation in fundraisers, sports, school activities such as field trips etc. are always encouraged, welcomed and appreciated. We are very pleased and glad that our children are in this school.
—Submitted by Ron Alcaraz, a parent

Sending our son to HN was the best decision we made. We transferred our son in the middle of his 7th grade to HN because he was struggling academically in his previous school. Thanks to HN's incredibly supportive staff, teachers, parents and peers, our son flourished. He is now a freshman at one SF's best parochial high school and has recently made the honor roll (first time in his academic career)!
—Submitted by Lynn & Rafe Brown, a parent