Holy Redeemer School

We have been part of the Holy Redeemer community for two years and are very happy with the quality of the education being offered. The teachers, staff , and administration are very dedicated and go out of their way to make sure each child is viewed as an individual. For the cost, the school is a fantastic value. I encourage any parent looking for an alternative for their child to visit the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Holy Redeemer! We were looking for a school for our two children and knew on our first visit that this was the right environment for our their education. We have been very pleased with the teachers and staff and have made life-long friendships with other parents. Our children have thrived in their classes. For example, we have noticed a marked difference in one of our children's (Pre-K) attitude, behavior, and enthusiasm for learning as well as his sense of respect and care for others. This was no small feat! While we personally like that it is a Catholic school, we have met other parents who are there solely because of its educational standards and who have found the school and parent community to be very open-minded and welcoming. Of course it isn't perfect, but in looking at the big picture the negatives really are unimportant. The teachers and staff, whose level of education exceeds the standards, are special in that they all know and genuinely care for the students. We are not alone in having been inspired by the dedication shown by all - from the janitors, faculty, and lunch staff to the Principal, Pastor, and Vice-Principal. It really is a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

We have a child in pre-K who will not be returning next year. The teacher has seemed not to appreciate our child's qualities. We have had to ask her to find a few nice things to say about him, because she had so many negatives. We've gotten generic comments back that show she really does not know him very well. We quickly sensed that the school itself is not welcoming to parents, who are not permitted to walk with their children in the hallways, nor to spontaneously engage the teacher. If one tries to have a momentary chat at drop-off, you will be chased down in the hallway and escorted out. The extreme closed campus is not a post-Newtown thing, nor ADW policy -- it's for the convenience of the staff, who don't want parents milling about or disturbing them before class. Your experiences may differ, depending on how well your child can conform to a tightly-structured, rule-bound atmosphere. Our child has since been accepted to a highly-selective private school that values the very same qualities that got him in trouble at HRS: enthusiasm, energy, playfulness, love of games and jokes, gregariousness and wild imagination. P.S. HRS gives homework and report cards in pre-K.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience with Holy Redeemer has not been good. It started out great in the beginning. And then unfortunately things started to go down hill quickly. You can tell teachers and the administration have favorites. Other children are not treated equal. The administration tries to brush their bully problem under the rug. They tend to make children feel little and beat down their self-esteem instead of trying to build them up. Many quality parents and children have left the school because the administration won't address the issue of unqualified teachers year after year that are brought in. There are a few good teachers left, but they are burnt out. Turnover is high.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former student and life long parishoner of Holy Redeemer there no question where my husband and I were going to send our daughters to school. I couldn't believe all the positive changes the school has made to better educate our kids. Adding a resource teacher was the one thing, having the children learn spanish and italian starting in PreK, teaching computer technology along with art, music and PE were all wonderful aspects to the curriculum. The faculty and staff have welcomed my children with open arms and treat them as one of their own. I am so happy that we made the right decision in sending our daughters to Holy Redeemer and knowing that they are receiving a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

Both our daughter and son went to Holy Redeemer - College Park. Our son will graduate this year and we will truly miss the school. We watched both of our children blossom here. Families who value an academically strong program with music, art, foreign language (even for Kindergardners!) technology, and PE should take a look at HRS. We watched those things being cut at our previous public school and were happy to see the value placed on these areas at HRS. Students are expected to do a lot of writing, which is now paying off for our daughter who is way ahead of her peers in high school on essay writing. One other thing I love about the school is that since it is small students are able to do a lot of high-quality field trips (Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Museum of Visionary Art, Holocaust Museum, etc.). If you visit there, be sure to ask to see the art studio!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Redeemer School is FANTASTIC! My child is a student at Holy Redeemer School! I have been overwhelmed since Day One with how we were welcomed with open arms into the community. The one on one attention my child has received to keep him up to speed has been phenonmenal. When a personal matter occurred outside of the school, the *entire* administrative staff and the pastor were there immediately to make sure my child felt safe, and was happy and comfortable! It is so obvious how much the staff loves and cares for the students, as if they were there own. My child is performing above grade level in several subjects and truly looks forward to going to school every day. The tuition rate is below the DC area average. I couldn't ask for more in a school!
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in Pre-K at HRS and so far we have been very pleased and impressed with the school. Our child loves going to school everyday and engages in many fun and interesting extra curricular activities. Her religious education has greatly expanded. She is safe and happy at school, she is learning new things everyday. I have also found the other parents and students to be enthusiastic and kind, and have only had good experiences with the school thus far. At this point in time we are very happy with the school and would certainly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

When my friend told me that HRS in CP was rated highly I nearly fell off of my seat.!! There is good and bad in every school, but if the school leans far more to the negative there is a problem. Our family found that much was being swept under the rug in terms of problems at the school! Many parents would never dare say anything and we found it unusual that the parents know who the problem groups are, but they say and do nothing to try to help correct what is wrong. We were seduced by the low tuition and small class size, but later on disappointed by the teacher turn-over rate, disregard by the teachers of legitimate issues, unavailability of teachers and principal, the constant cycle of mistakes which leaves one to wonder why am I paying money to have my children in this type of so called "Christian" environment? So many agree that when the kids and their families do not practice good manners and respect--the schools culture suffers. I read the ratings of those who feel the school has helped their child, then that child is either part of a HR clique, or brand new to the school or unconscious to many facts in their child's everyday life. Pity.

THIS IS A GREAT SCHOOL!!! From the principal to the staff, the experience my child and family have had is beyond what words can describe. My son considered it his second home. My son graduated last year and the experience that we had with this school is beyond our expectations. My son was a transfer from another catholic school. When we transferred him to Holy Redeemer we had knots in our stomach because we didn't know what to expect--whether he would or wouldn't have bad performance again. We know our sons potentials; he was with the wrong crowd at the other school. He adjusted so well with the help of everybody. It is a caring place for our children. The teachers are caring but tough when it comes in the classrooms. My son thanks them for this because he received the best academic foundation - he is using this wealth of experience at his new school. And to this day while attending DeMatha as a freshman, he still participates actively in activities at Holy Redeemer.
—Submitted by a parent

IAM A GRANDPARENT RAISING A GRANDDAUGHTER WITH ADHD/ MOOD DISORDER. I TOOK HER OUT OF PUBLIC SCHOOL AND I COULD NOT BE MORE HAPPY WITH HRS. YOU CAN NOT IMAGINE HOW SHE HAS CHANGED(BEHAVIOR TOO) SINCE ATTENDING HRS. I CAN NOT THANK THE TEACHERS ENOUGH FOR HELPING ME WITH HER, THE SCHOOL IS GREAT. MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN WENT ALL THRU PAROCHIAL SCHOOL,NOW DAYS IT IS A DIFFERANT WORLD OUT HERE, THESE KIDS ARE OUR FUTURE .
—Submitted by a parent

As a graduate of Holy Redeemer School, and a life long parishioner, I am proud to be a member of such an amazing community. The principals of this school have been wonderful, the teachers and staff passionate about their mission. I absolutely love the education I received and many of my former teachers are still there. The friends I made as a student remain my closest friends today. The connection between parish and school community is strong and Holy Redeemer immediately feels like home. If I am still in this area when I have school aged children, I will undoubtedly be sending them to Holy Redeemer.

We are looking forward to another great school year. Unfortnately, this will be our last school year here. Our child is entering 8th grade this school year and I feel that my child is better prepared for high school. It will be sad to say good bye to all the wonderfull teachers and administration this year. I know in my heart that Holy Redeemer School is the best kept secret in PG county and was the perfect place for us to call home the last six years.
—Submitted by a parent

HR is a little gem of a school. The community is vibrant and welcoming. Parents are involved. The teachers (by and large) are committed and caring. Class size is less than the local public schools and the academics are more than adequate. The school provides a safe and caring environment for students. My children love Holy Redeemer!
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Redeemer has been a gift for our family ever since we moved to this area. Teachers AND other families have been very welcoming and friendly. Our children are eager to go to school every day and are making progress in leaps and bounds with their learning.
—Submitted by a parent

My family has had 3 generations attend Holy Redeemer, and plan to continue the tradition! Mine and my brother's kids attend there now and we have all been very happy. The teachers are caring and committed, and the subject matter and teaching methods really interest the kids. My nephew was in last year's 5th grade class and there was defintiely a problem with the teacher not controlling the class well. The principle offered to meet with concerned parents, and I konw from my brother that she was open to hearing all their feedback. That teacher is no longer at Holy Redeemer, and the new teacher seems to be a great improvement. I trust the principle and staff to act in the best interest of our kids. We love the focus on Catholic values, and feel that there isn't another place we'd rather send our kids than Holy Redeemer.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had a wonderful experience at Holy Redeemer since our children started in the lower grades there. The staff is dedicated and excited about our children's learning. The curriculum is rigorous and yet the teachers balance that with nurturing care and attentiveness. Our boys have blossomed since entering the school. I heard that there was a problem with the 5th grade teacher last year, but administration was responsive and her contract was not extended this year. A wonderfully welcoming community of staff and parents alike. Our school is thriving when other Catholic schools aer closing their doors. Our children are truly learning Christian values. We are blessed to have found Holy Redeemer.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is finishing kindergarten at Holy Redeemer this year and we have been fairly happy with it. so far. She feels safe and cared for and she has been encouraged to challenge herself academically. The school seems to be in a transition period right now with a newish principal and the influx of many students due to the future closings of St. Hugh's and St. Mark's. We are somewhat concerned about the class size in the upper grades, but that seems to be par for the course at Catholic schools now as smaller parish schools are closed. My daughter has loved going to school every morning and that is the primary issue for us. It is unfortunate that the school had to remove the sibling discount for multiple children at the school, but that was an Archdiocesan decision, so I'm not sure what the greedy comments are about.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! I thought I was the only one that felt this way! OK, my daughter was bullied at the school for 4 years. When I tried to talk to the teachers and administration about this their reaction most of the time was 'kids will be kids.' The parent of the child was very involved in the school/church so it was a touchy subject. Not much was done about it. Years later, I have spent a lot of money on counseling for my child who now suffers from social anxiety. School is very cliquish and snobby. There are a few nice families but I never felt like we 'fit' in there. Was never happier when I didn't have to step foot in that school again....
—Submitted by a parent

Just the facts: Overcrowded, burnt out teachers. I would not recommend sending any child there. Glad my child is no longer there.
—Submitted by a parent