Holy Family School

Pros: - Class Sizes: Primary grades have about 20 kids per class with a teacher and an aide. -Teachers: The teachers hired in the last 5 or so years are quite good. The administration seems to be trying to improve on the quality of their teachers by hiring better teachers in recent years and firing some bad. -Facilities: The school buildings, materials, and facilities are nicely kept -Improving: The administration is forward thinking and is always coming up with ways to try and improve the school. -Families and parental involvement: Most of the families are very nice, and are involved in the school. -Safe environment: The school is practically hidden and is far off the street. The principal is a real stickler on safety and following all mandated guidelines. Cons: -Technology: While there is a nice computer lab with weekly classes, most of the primary grades do not have projectors, etc. to use -Administration: Big ideas, but doesn't always implement it well. Tends to play favorites among some of the families and some longtime teachers and lets them get away with things. -Teachers: A few long time teachers really need to go, and hold the school back from real growth.
—Submitted by a parent

The positive: there are some wonderful families at this school. The negative: There is a severe bullying issue at this school and the adminstration does not deal with it, even though there is a process documented in their handbook. If anything, they try to cover things up.The instruction provided at the school is at one level only. Any child that falls outside of that level is treated poorly and receives bad grades. We attended the school for 3 years and only had one "decent" teacher. The teachers are not very communicative unless they are complaining about your child and they don't offer solutions. At least the teachers we had didn't. The adminstration is unapproachable. They say one thing and do another. One of the teachers we had was very emotionally abusive and many children suffered under her instruction. There is not much with regards to extra curriculum. The music program is weak. There are few to no field trips. Overall, I don't think this is a healthy environment for most children.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child attended this school for 3 years. The administration is unfriendly. Several of the teachers are bullies. There is a bullying problem at the school and, although a policy exists, it is not followed -- no matter how severe the issue. The bullying seems to come from the top down. If children fall outside of the one level the school chooses to instruct at, they are singled out and ridiculed regularly. The self-esteem of several students at this school has been destroyed. The administration and staff seem unethical. Example: One teacher was hired to tutor our child after school. The teacher left the child unattended for the majority of the tutoring session to talk to other teachers, parents, etc... This has happened to more than one child. Parents are very involved at the school, but some of the helicopter parents that have become entrenched are also very toxic. This is unfortunate and lends to the oppressed culture of the school. Do your research, there are several other private schools in the area that offer stronger academics, extra curricular programs and an over all more positive atmosphere where your children will get a well-rounded education and excel.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at Holy Family and have been there for eight years. We are very happy with the school in general. Safe, family environment, great teachers/staff and after school activities/daycare. Lots of opportunity for parental involvement, during and after school.Would highly recommend this school. Parent
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my children attrnded Holy Family. We loved the warm family atmosphere and caring staff. We have made life long friends through our involvement with the school and consider Hioly Family a second home.
—Submitted by a parent

All of our children attended Holy Family school. While it was a sacrifice to pay tuition, we feel it was more than worth it. The faculty, staff, parents, and students present a warm, nurturing,and caring atmosphere where students can excel.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful community. The visibility of the administration is unlike anything I have ever seen. My family is so grateful to be there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing. Not only are my children getting a great education but the community is supportive and wondrful.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Holy Family School, this is our 5th year at the school and my kids are happy to get up in the morning and go to school. We've made some great friends at the school. The teachers are great and understanding and work well to make the kids feel good about themselves. Holy Family school has some great after school programs: Spanish, Chess, Schmahl Science, Lego Robotics, Newspapers, Homework club and more. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has been at Holy Family for 8 years with 2 students at the school now. We have 1 waiting to start Kinder. We have made life long friends and love our community. Our teachers and staff are the best Northern Cal. has to offer. They are family.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at this school for 8 years and have met life-long friends. Our children love it here! The best thing about this school is that it produces well-rounded individuals - children are challenged academically and spiritually. Children see the importance of giving back to their community. It is a wonderful place.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter goes to Holy Family and we all love the school. The teachers are very well-trained and are very good teachers. The teachers are well liked by the students also. The principal is very hands on and is ever present to the students and encourages them to have respect for teachers, themselves and parents. 98% of graduating 8th graders are going to the High School of their choice. The school has an almost brand new science lab, computer lab and library. There is a hot lunch program, sports and other after school clubs, and before and after school care at a reasonable rate.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our family's 4th year at the school and we couldn't be happier. This year HFS became the largest feeder school into Presentation High School and had the largest number of acceptances to date in to Bellarmine. The valedictorian at Archbishop Mitty this year is a past HFS graduate. The principal from Valley Christian has repeatedly complimented our graduates on their academic achievements, well-roundedness and attitude. Truly a terrific school as evidenced by the success of our graduates following their years at HFS.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our family's first year at Holy Family School and we've been impressed with everything! The Staff is second to none - always putting the children and their education first. The Principal is excellent - a great listener and takes pride in her school. We have found a wonderful community full of supportive parents, teachers and well rounded children. Great Christian based learning institution. We look forward to the next few years at Holy Family School.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the first year that I have my 2 children enrolled in Holy Family School. I am very happy and impressed with the caring Principle and the very responsive staffs. Both of my kids (one in first grade and other in 4th grade) are happy with their teachers. They are treated with great care and love which they don't quite have it at their previous school. Lots of encouragements are given to the students so it make a great learning motivation for young kids. I am very satisfied and happy with Holy Family School; and would not hesitate to recommend HFS to all parents. Needless to say, the school 's facilities are fabulous! Yes, HFS got all my votes!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so pleased our son attends Holy Family school. He receives a faith based education and is encouraged to reach his highest potential on a daily basis. Fabulous teachers, passionate principal, wonderful office staff and a community of parent volunteers that are second to none. Holy Family gets at A+!
—Submitted by a parent

Great community, dedicated teachers and staff, major involvement by parents, strong academics, emphasis on Christian values.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of the Holy Family community for 3 years. As a family ,we did extensive research on the best private school both academically as well as the community of the school. From the beginning we were extremely impressed with both aspects. The administrative staff as well as the teachers are strong as well as caring , we could not ask for anything better. The Parent Teacher Group is extremely active and truly has great communication with the administration therefore issues and concerns are addressed immediately. Overall,this is an excellent school with caring and loving teachers, the school has open houses all year long or just schedule a private tour to find out how wonderful this school truly is. Good luck!
—Submitted by a parent

Academics are ok, lower than what we expected for a private school. Math and Science for 6-8th grade level extremely poor. They offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities. The daycare staff is wonderful!
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Family School is the best school for me. The staff is friendly, the students are welcoming, and the academics are outstanding. The community is sympathetic and understanding. It fit my lifestyle perfectly, my parents were able to be helping even in the back of their own child's classroom! The extracurricular activities were amazing. I am able to join in things such as choir, ministry of movement, altar serving, chess club, homework club, spanish, safety patrol, girl scouts, boy scouts, student council, National Junior Honor Society, art vista, basketball, volleyball, softball, football, track and field, and several community service opportunitiesw. For me, the best thing was the Catholic community, growing up morals and values help me become a more responsible young adult. It helped my faith grow along with my love for Jesus. In this community I have grown up to be the best I ever could be! Go class '07!
—Submitted by a student