Espiritu Santo Catholic School

School is the pits. You will get more school and christianity at St. Cecelias or Our Lady of Lourdes. The principle does everything she can to avoid any parental involvement. She is a disappointment. If you are not the YES Parent, you'll get no where. She's like the evil dictator and has removed anyone who has ever disagreed with her. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!
--Submitted by a parent

Overall school is disappointing. Core cardinal virtues are not taught (moderation, prudence, justice, fortitude). Nothing is in moderation and atmosphere encourages excess and waste. Looking at other schools which encourage more spiritual and academic learning rather then $25,000 two day trips to the Kennedy Space Center for the 5th grade class.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school! So far we have graduated two of our children and we have been happy with everything about Espiritu Santo for the past seven years! We hope to be part of the ESCS family for many years to come. THANK GOODNESS the principal got rid of the parents and staff members who were so negative and counter-cultural to the excellent CATHOLIC community which has been built! Espiritu is such a fabulous place!!
--Submitted by a parent

The Principle quality is poor. The principle is unpredictable and does not take well to any other opinions other than her own, even if those opinions are for bettering the school. If they were not her ideas, they cannot be used. The teachers are good though, if in middle school you are in the accelerated classes. There is not much of a chance for those not in accelerated to get into it again. Through fourth-fifth grade, if the student is having trouble, they aren't necessarily given the attention or helped needed. She has been there five, going on six years and has not improved.

My son has been a student at this school, and I must say that we are extremely dissapointed. The leadership at this school is very bad, and the teachers are intimidated by the leadership so they are afraid to speak up, because if they do, they most likely will loose their job, the principal will see to that. The tuitution rates are also waaaaay to high for what you get. I wish we hadn't wasted our time at this school. Be aware and do your reasearch before you apply.
--Submitted by a parent

As a member of the ESCS team of educators, I am blessed to work with some of the finest people I have ever known. The teachers at ESCS truly have the best interests of the students at heart. The administration is supportive of faculty, students and parents which is a difficult balance to achieve. As in all schools, there are people who disagree with policies and procedures, but for the most part, the support of the parents is outstanding and there is a true partnership between school and home.
--Submitted by a teacher

ESCS is by far the greatest school I've ever attended. The teachers are wonderful, especially the middle school teachers. As a 2009 graduate and I'm EXTREMELY proud to say that I attended ESCS from the 1st grade in 2001 to the 8th grade in 2009. I learned so much with every teacher and made long lasting friendships. ESCS is my second home. I feel welcome there EVERY single time I walk in those doors. It is a Catholic environment in all meanings of the word. Children would be very very lucky to attend ESCS. The principal, Mrs. Penn, made so many wonderful changes that I, as a student, was lucky to witness. She made the middle school special and different from the elementary school, providing cool privileges every year. She is one of the most Christ-like people I have ever met. ESCS is a fantastic school and I highly, recommend it.

As a parent of an ESCS graduate, I have to comment on the fact that my child was more than aptly prepared for high school. She not only felt safe at ESCS, but felt it was her second home and she was surrounded by family who cared about her well-being; physically, academically, and spiritually. She is still volunteering her time after school at ESCS. We have been a part of the ESCS family since it opened its doors and have never regretted being there.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been involved in the growth of ESCS since the beginning. It has taken 9 years but ESCS has become the premier Catholic Elementary School in the Diocese of St. Petersburg. The administration, teachers, teacher aides and support staff are the best. The students are always our first priorty. ESCS may not be the perfect school for all students but it is one of the best.

My children have attended the school since it opened. Our family is proud to be part of such a wonderful Catholic school community. The teachers are excellent! We have been extremely happy with the middle school language arts program, headed by Mrs. Preble.
--Submitted by a parent