Holy Spirit High School

Well, having read the review--from parents and students--I thought it time to write one myself. I retired from HSHS in March 2010 having had the good fortune to have been part of the Spirit Family for 13 years. I saw the kids from three different perspectives. 1)Principal's secretary; 2)Guidance secretary; and 3)parent. The kids at Spirit are some of the best in the world. In my secretarial positions I met the worst, who were dealt with fairly and quickly; and the best who were appaulded and encouraged. I found the biggest problem with kids was their parents. The teachers are dedicated and wish to help their students. What few parents seem to realize is that for this to work--teachers need a certain amount of assistance from the parents. Just remember the old adage "you can bring the horse to water, you can't make it drink". Parents start taking responsibility for your children. It's true the sports programs at Spirit are great. Too bad none of you wants to put the same effort and funding into the academics.
--Submitted by a teacher

At $7000/year to what was believed to be one of the better schools in the area, I have found it not worth the money. Your child will utimately get what they put in at any school.The dress code is selectively enforced Discipline-there's plenty of that...when your late to class or school, but academically, there is little. Detentions should be issued when school work & exams are poor; poor study habits, poor grades & laziness are the behaviors that need to be punished & addressed daily. Tardiness, failing to wear your polo & wearing Ugs take precedence over failing students!? The teachers I've encountered over the past several years only act by issuing quarterly reports when due & don't reach out when concerns arise.Administrative staff also show very little concern with returning phone calls & addressing parental concerns, however, the treasurer is their most efficient employee.
--Submitted by a parent

I was very upset by the sophomore who denigrated the quality of HSHS. I am a graduate of 05, and about to be a college graduate with honors. Spirit will prepare you for college, bottom line. The school, as mentioned, could use a facelift, but it is already much nicer than it was when I attended. Given the way they use their money, I will donate to them before I donate to my undergrad institution. the teachers take a pay cut from what they could make in a public high school because they want to work with the students and like what they do. the way they track students (AP, advanced, college prep, and general [i don't quite remember its been a while]) does create an environment where underachievers can group together. However it also ensures those who work hard receive education at their level.
--Submitted by a student

Being a sophomore at Holy Spirit, i can tell you this..the tuition is too high and doesn't offer much here. Don't get me wrong, the teachers and sports athletics are great. If you want you're child to be in sports..then send them to Holy Spirit! I cheer, and run track..and i absolutely love it! Most people here are very cliquey though. I'm a very shy person so i don't talk to anyone really. I just feel like i don't fit in at this school. It is extremely boring if you are not involved with sports or clubs. The school itself is not up to date. It looks like its going to fall apart. & plus the uniforms are ugly. Even though its much easier and saves alot of money. Spirit kids tend to have a reputation 'rich and snobby' & part of that is right. I guess Holy Spirit isn't for anyone.
--Submitted by a student

with out a doubt this is the finest school in atlantic county. The school emphasis is on academic excellence, quality character and athletic achievement.some other schools in the area try to match holy spirits academic level by inflating grades over 4.0 or eliminating class rank. The bottom line is that the spirit kids are the best prepared when they go to college. More important they are good kids who are well behaved!!! The facilities are being up graded with new lockers, new gym seating and new bathrooms. The spartan athletic teams are always the best overall in the area. I would give spirit the highest rating!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers, geat student support and family atmosphere.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school for a safe enviornment and discipline. The leadership is great and they have an adequate choice of courses. The building is very old and could use a makeover. There is no air conditioning. The teachers are adequate at best. But the school is a big improvement over the public school choice available in the area, mostly due to safety and discipline. This school is run extremely efficient and everyone is extremely nice and helpful. Everything is very organized and you will get results as soon as you call.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated in 2002 and i thought it was a pretty good experience. Sure the building seems like its about to fall apart, but you make up for that with great teachers. Most make less than the average public school teacher, but yet they still teach there (some even 20 years and/or longer!). a teacher told me that people teach in public schools for money, even though its not that much, but people teach in catholic schools for less money because they love teaching and the environment is better. the school didnt have security then, because there was no need for security. i dont know how it is now. drug problem? name me two schools in america that doesnt have a drug problem.
--Submitted by a former student

HSHS is not up to date. Only about 1 computer in each room and poor lockers and water fountains. How can a school that gets about 5,000 dollars per person and have that kind of setting. They probably have to have more security and on the paper for registration be more specific. Also dont ask personal questions.
--Submitted by a former student

Probably better than other competing schools, however, facilities are kind of shabby, food can be improved, library upgraded, more funding for non-sports related activities (music, for example) and less emphasis on athletics (although very important) and more well roundedness. The school is obsessed with (almost to a point of fanaticism) the Spartans teams. Could improve image as well.
--Submitted by Class of 98 98, a former student