Holy Spirit Preparatory School

We have attended other Catholic school schools in Atlanta and HSP has exceeded our expectations. This is based on my child's standardized testing scores, and his overall happiness at school. The school offers a program for their advanced students at the lower school which has not only challenged my child but given him outstanding confidence. He has tried out for and participated in many of the extra carriculars offered that surprised me like the talent show, book club competitions, and many of their sports. He loves his teachers and is the happiest, kindest, smartest kid you would ever meet. I give HSP credit for a lot of this.
--Submitted by a parent

As you can read from the reviews enclosed on this school, this school is very controversial. Unfortunately, the administration allows and contributes to a school with a very toxic environment. The faculty doesn t stay very long, once they find out the direction the school is going in (downward spiral) they move out quickly. We were misled as to the educational capabilities the school could provide. Worst decision we ever made for our children, once we paid, we tried to register for high school classes and realized there was no process, no room, no good quality teachers the math and science expertise is absent from this school and there is no attention to writing skills - a critical element for every child. Carefully evaluate your educational decisions for your children - good first step looking here to see the "real" scoop. Good Luck and move to an established institution - Newly formed schools like HSP are a dangerous choice - pick a 100 year old institution. There is a reason they are not affiliated with Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) - they don't want to be regulated or controlled, the administration can do whatever they chose - DANGEROUS!
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at HSP and it would be impossible for me to be any happier with our decision to send our children here. We have been at the school for 4 years and are constantly amazed by the staff, the school, the education my children are receiving, and the Catholic morals they will have with them their entire lives. The staff's credentials are absolutely amazing and FAR above what I would have expected from Elementary teachers. They have many enrichment programs for advanced students needing additional stimulation as well as programs for students that need extra support in particular areas. The only complaint we ever had about the school was regarding the need for rennovations at the lower school (including our muddy soccer fields). However, that thought is a distant memory! The school underwent an amazing renovation over the summer and is now absolutely beautiful - including astro-turf soccer fields!! This school is a bit pricier than other local Catholic schools - BUT WORTH EVERY CENT AND MORE! In the hustle and bustle and stresses life deals us every day, our child's education is the one thing my husband and I NEVER worry about. How can you put a price tag on that?!?!!?!
--Submitted by a parent

We have had an amazing experience at Holy Spirit. The teachers are fabulous and my children are thriving in this positive, individualized environment. The dedication of the teachers and administration to help each child reach their fullest potential is outstanding.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent School - We have found the teachers and the administration very supportive of every child. Our children are thriving in this smaller and focused enviroment. The small class sizes allow the teachers to provide attention to each student. Our family is not lost in the "numbers game" at this school. We love the focus on education in a truly Catholic environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I am also very disappointed with this school. The athletic program is very weak. They still use parent coaches. You spend $18,000/yr and they can't afford to hire real coachs? The baseball diamond is a disaster and they rent space to play football. Their football league is not sanctioned. Everyone is crowded into one basketball court. If you want sports avoid this school. Overpriced !!! Go to Blessed Trinity or Marist.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school! We loved the overall experience at Holy Spirit. Lovely families and great education. One negative was when we moved out of state with a great deal of advance notification. The school would not refund our prepayments. We lost a lot of money! Don't sign their contract or pay unless you are DEFINITELY going to be at the school! Their contract doesn't seem clear on this, disappointing from a Christian school.
--Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school that challenges our children in both academics and personal development. We have been so impressed with the quality of the administration and the wonderful faculty. Because the classes are smaller, the teachers can be more attentive to the needs of each child. Our children have thrived in this environment and are gaining a strong foundation in the Catholic faith. The parents are very involved and there is a good partnership between parents and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

I have always had the highest regard for Holy Spirit Prep and I believe I always will. However, I was shocked and horrified at the behavior of our President and Headmaster at a varsity basketball game last week in our gymnasium. We were playing a local rival school. The players on the court and the student cheering sections were competing fiercely throughout the game. Suddenly, very near the end of the game, the Headmaster walked to the visitor cheering section and physically pulled a very young student and preceded to throw him out of the gym. Apparently, the Headmaster did not like the morph suit the student was wearing for some reason. When a female parent from the visiting school came to the Headmaster to understand what was going on, he physically grabbed her and was screaming at her. Luckily the incident cooled down before it escalated because a number of visiting parents (a few men) came to the lady's rescue. The Headmaster then proceeded to scream at one visiting parent after another. After completing these actions the Headmaster gave high fives to some students in our cheering section. I don't believe the actions or the celebration with our students were appropriate.
--Submitted by a parent

We chose Holy Spirit Preparatory after looking at several private schools in the Buckhead area. This is our second year at the school and we couldn't be more pleased with our choice. Our child has a warm, caring teacher who "gently" coaches her to excel. She is doing work one grade level higher in both math and english. When our friends with same age children at other schools discuss what their children are learning, we are always amazed that it is the work our child was doing last year. As a Catholic school, religion is an intricate part of their teaching philosophy but it is not obtrusive. Our child is thriving with the perfect mix of religious and academic education.
--Submitted by a parent