Holy Family Regional School

"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts." C.S. Lewis I am a proud parent of 3 HFRS students, I am also a public school elementary teacher. I am a product of Troy Public Schools, k-12. I have an undergraduate degree with special education and social studies endorsements as well as a graduate degree in language art and literature. I have taught middle school in Berkley as well as substitute teaching in the Rochester Public School system. With all of that being said, I wholeheartedly DISAGREE with the previous review taking aim at the academic standards and quality of education at HFRS. Parents sending their children to Holy Family are not on receiving an awesome education they are receiving so much more in terms of educating the whole child. I have NEVER been to a school (and I've been to many as a consultant and a teacher) where the students are as respectful, hard-working, and morally balanced. Yes, I have seen the flip side to that coin, but it is the minority, not majority at HFRS. I encourage everyone of you to be free thinkers, ask the parents, interview the kids, don't make your decision based on the opinions of others.
--Submitted by a parent

HFRS touts their academic program as "second to none" I respectfully disagree. Having sent 2 children through 8th grade at HFRS and 1 one through 6th grade then moving to Hart, I believe I can honestly speak about both systems. Like so many HFRS parents, we too believed that all our children were brigher than average. After all, my kids were all straight A students. My oldest and youngest were both in "advanced" math and involved in FPS. Certainly they were ahead of the public school kids right? Wrong! Our eyes were opened when our youngest got a reality check at Hart. No longer was he in the top math class. There were kids who were leaps and bounds ahead of him - how could this be? He was in an academic program which was "second to none". If you hear nothing else, please hear a bit of wisdom which I overlooked for too long: TELLING IS NOT TEACHING AND MEMORIZING IS NOT LEARNING - then look at the work your son or daughter is bringing home. As to school atmosphere, kids are kids, don't be fooled into thinking otherwise. There are kids making good and bad decisions at both schools. A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf, chew on that a moment.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son attended the North Campus K-3rd and then attended fourth grade at the South Campus. My husband lost his job and we were forced to enroll in Rochester Community Schools. While we had a very good experience at HFRS I must come to the defense of RCS as there are some disparaging and very undeserved remarks in earlier reviews. My son now attends Hart Middle School and previously North Hill Elementary. The cirriculum is very demanding (I think it was revised some years ago) the teachers are amazing and very dedicated. My son has made nice friends and we couldn't be happier!
--Submitted by a parent

My children all went to Holy Family and received a great education. They were very well prepared for high school. The faculty and staff at Holy Family are very dedicated and go above and beyond to help students and families. There are many extra-curricular activities available for students. The parental involvement is excellent and provides so many opportunities for the students. The tuition that we paid was one of the best investments that my husband and I have ever made. I would highly recommend Holy Family.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a former student of Holy Family Regional School. It is a great school, but there is a TON of homework. In order to survive this school it is easier to start here at a young age. I can't imagine going to a public school and jumping into Holy Family in the 6th or 7th grade. Yes, they do have some petty rules, but it is for the students' own good. Most of the teachers are great and the former principal was amazing! Unfortunately, she recently retired so I don't know how the school will turn out in the future. Both of my sisters go there today and are doing well. The littlest one has made more friends than ever and has excelled in her work. I would definitely recommend this school if the student is willing to put in the effort. Holy Family made me who I am today and I was seriously disappointed going into a public high school. It was so easy, the kids fooled around, and the teachers were only willing to help when they were getting paid by the hour. (Stoney Creek) Shhhh...... Heck, please send your children to a private high school like Holy Family. It is for the best.

Great experience at North campus (K-3) Not so great at South campus (grades 4-8) May be looking elsewhere for middle school.
--Submitted by a parent

One thing is clear about this school...the staff is extremely dedicated to the well being of every child. The teachers are there because they want to teach and nurture the children, not because they have tenure or a good pension plan. The class sizes may be a little bigger, but there is a teacher and an aide in every class, plus an ample amount of support staff to assist. This is an excellent school.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased HFRS. My child previoulsly was at West middle school, where in 1 year I saw how his academic skill decreased, but I was lucky that I finally found an openning at Holy Family and was able to move my student. The teachers here are great and very involved with the students, my child loves this school and has improved greatly academically. There is no greater thing for a parent to see that your child is happy when leaving for school in the morning, and happy when he comes back in the afternoon and shares all the new interesting things that he is learning in school each day. The teachers are well qualified and really enjoy teaching. HFRS is a great school that I absolutely recommend. The Principal is wonderful because while being able to enforce the school's rules is very well liked by the students. HFRS really offers a great learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers have an excellent focus on educating the students. They instill values, respect, and the desire to be all that they can be to take their education to a higher level. Children succeed here and holiness is present.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough great things about Holy Family. Both of my kids are students and both have had some special needs that have been more than addressed by the teachers and faculty. There is no school perfect for every child or family but if you want your child to get a top-notch, competitive Christian education then this is the school for you. The frequent remarks regarding class size baffles me...I have neices and nephews in the Rochester public school system and they are the exact same class sizes as HFRS. For all of you that complain...get out of the Rochester District and see how large the class sizes are in other districts. My friend teaches 4th grade in Warren...she has no assistant and 40 kids. Now that's something to complain about.
--Submitted by a parent