Holy Cross School

We chose Holy Cross as a safer alternative to the public middle schools which is a disaster. While she was physically safer, we were not happy with the school/home relationship or the relationships between our child and her team of teachers. The teachers we had did not communicate with the parents about problems/issues or good things. My child's self esteem was almost nonexistent after one year at this school. We could no longer justify paying money to send her back and continue to feel like trash. Middle school is hard enough to navigate. When we were making our choices, I heard a lot of negative comments about the school. However when I took the tour and met with the vice principal I could not have been happier with my choice or made to feel more welcome. However from day one, my daughter being new to private school was glaring and instead of helping her adjust and explain how things work..she was made to feel unwelcome and stupid.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely fablous school with dedicated teachers and staff. There is an emphasis on fundraising, but that is because it is a Catholic school that is not granted a lot of money like the surrounding public schools. There are true Catholic values to those who are willing to accept them. My children are all thriving. The former principal, who was creating a negative atmosphere, is gone and the current principal and vice principal are extremely competent. I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a wonderful, safe environment for their children. This is my eighth year at this school and look forward to another eight. Holy Cross has challenging academic programs, plenty of enrichment programs, and lots of love built in, as well.
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Cross is an excellent school with teachers who are committed to providing the best education for their students. My son has a mild learning disability, but has flourished at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I ended up pulling all of my children from this school, due to the unfriendly atmosphere and the main focus of raising funds. There is little to do with Catholic values, I feel. I would not recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Cross is a family and community-centered environment. They are getting state-of-the-art science labs this summer. The principal has a vision, and has rearranged the classes to build on strengths of the faculty.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not happy with the quality of education received. They let my son fall though the cracks and do not update the parents on daily grading. I removed my son from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! My older son who graduated from Holy Cross is now excelling in high school. My younger son in 4 th grade loves school and also is doing very well.
—Submitted by a parent

im going into 7th grade at holy cross and the school is great.we currently got a new princlepal and she shows a ton of leadership.the school is good in education because the teachers try a prepare you for the future
—Submitted by a student

Excellent school. The teachers are truly dedicated to the student's success. Would highly recommend it for families.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a student in the Junior High. This school is okay, I guess. The principal is not very friendly to us, and a lot of us dislike her. The teachers are so-so, except for the 6th grade social studies+religion teacher, who has to be my favorite. The school's music programs are average (but the chorus program is fun). Sports are pretty good. I guess this school is fine, but it's not something to get excited about. It would be a lot better without the principal.
—Submitted by a student

The staff was very unfriendly and lowered my daughter's self-esteem. If you're looking for a Christian environment, look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of Holy Cross. They provided me with a high moral and excellent educational foundation that I could never repay. Everyday I thank my Mother for sending me to Holy Cross.
—Submitted by a student

A school that has good teachers but is in a difficult leadership change. The principal does not seem to be in-tune with the community causing some internal issues that are spilling out into the community.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of the Holy Cross School community for five years now and could not be happier. As a product of public schools in DE and having taught at both the middle school and high school levels, I am a HUGE fan of public education in principle. I grew up viewing private schools as close-minded and unable to cater to the needs of either the exceptional or challenged student. Holy Cross has changed that perception. As parents we are very active in the PTO, my wife much more so that I. The teachers as a group are strong educators and I could not ask for more. HC is the most diverse private school I have ever seen. Families there are from all walks of life, ethnicities and backgrounds and have become part of the HC for one reason - the betterment of our children. Unfortunately for 99% of us, there is a very vocal minority that does not like the fact that the current administration is not as easily pushed around as previous administrations have been. Those parents that are not getting their way in certain situations are unhappy. My only complaint with the school has nothing to do with anything outside of these vocal few who hold secret meetings and do nothing more than add drama and stress to the vast majority of us that love Holy Cross. You could do far worse than send your children to Holy Cross...
—Submitted by a parent

The faculty, as a whole, is experienced and committed, but dis-sprited. The present principal is another in a line of poor leaders and is not open to any parental input--to the point that it seems they are a nuisance. The pastor is a non-entity, so there is really no recourse other than leaving, which more parents and children will do. Despite its 'spin' Holy Cross does not possess a Christian or Catholic spirit. Yelling at the children about their uniforms is confused with gudiance and discipline. Holy Cross is academically sound but spiritually suspect. Check other options first.

I just recently graduated from Holy Cross on June 6th. I was there for 8 years, and I couldn't have imagined being anywhere else. Holy Cross is a wonderful school. most of the teachers there are understanding, but as you move up to each grade, they get tougher and tougher. but most of them are great people. They are reallly understanding and will help you whenever needed. and the Chorus there is amazing! we got to sing at Saint Patrick Cathedral in NYC, and at Hershey Park! I hershey, we got superiuor ratings and won 1st place in the competition. Holy Cross is my home, and i love it! it is the place to grow up. i reccomend no other school. Go HC!!
—Submitted by a student

We have children in both Kindergarten and 5th grade. My wife and I have both been very impressed with the curriculum, the teachers, and the administration. We think it is a great school for our kids particularly because it helps to reinforce the values that we practice and teach in our home.
—Submitted by a parent

holy cross is a good school for education but the teachers from 7th and up are pretty mean and very unfreindly! they treat me very rudly and i think thats something they need to work on. on the other hand my favorite 7th grade teacher is Mr. Smith, and my favorite 8th grade teacher is Mrs. Fair. they are very good with thier work and are very kind.
—Submitted by a student

This school did nothing but tear down my children's self-esteem. I also was not thrilled with the curriculum despite expensive tuition costs. Many of the teachers from Grade 3 and up were very unfriendly. For our family, Holy Cross was a horrible experience for 5 years!
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Cross provides a challenging curriculum and an opportunity for children to incorporate religion into their daily lives. The teachers are of the highest quality and the administration requires respect from the students.
—Submitted by Robert Schleifer, a parent