Father James B Hay School

My son has been attending FJBH since last year.I love that the class size is small.I moved my son from another private school where I felt that he wasn't enjoying learning.When I moved him to FJBH school I noticed a big change in him.He enjoyed going to school he was more active and not just sitting and constantly learning. He also gets to do Tae Kwon Do. My daughter went to school there in Kindergarten as well I regret not keeping there till she was ready to go to H.S. All the kids are great, the big kids look out for the little ones.I can't wait till my son gets older and can learn to play the guitar which Mrs. Scott teaches along with Tae Kwon Do and is also the PE teacher. Have I mentioned how nice all the teachers are and how wonderful it is to be able to communicate with them anytime I have a concern. The PreK always has a waiting list which I think say's a lot.My sons teacher is Great! I can't wait till he goes to 1st grade to be with Mrs. Kosek who I hear is a Great teacher. I could say so much more but there just isn't anymore room. I would recommend that everyone take the opportunity to visit or call FJBH school if you are looking for an alternative to public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Father Hay is a great choice for children ages Pre-K-8th grade. We are active duty military and have experienced nine schools throughout the years with our three children, ages 18, 15 and 11. Our youngest attended Holloman Elementary during 4th grade. After one year with APS we made the change to Father Hay. In that year my daughter entered with the math level of a second grader...this after one year of school in Alabama and one with APS...by the end of Fifth grade Mrs. Jarvis had her up to a Seventh grade level of math. Her reading scores also improved from a 5th grade level to an 11th grade level in one year. Without question she will be attending Father Hay for her Middle School years. This school is a diamond in the rough and I feel extremely blessed to be a part of it. The teachers and staff are welcoming and loving. I love that my daughter gets Tae Kwon Do and Guitar lessons included in tuition. I also love that the children run a mile every week and have performances at the local theatre. We made the BEST choice!
—Submitted by a parent

Our move to Alamogordo was unexpected and happened very fast, so we didn't have a lot of time to research the area schools. After talking to the few people we did know, we decided to enroll our 1st grader into the on-base elementary school. Rather quickly, it became clear that this was not a good fit, so we began researching alternatives. We are not catholic, so although we'd heard good things about Father Hay, we were reluctant to even consider it as a viable option. A friend finally talked us into visiting the school. My husband and our 3 kids made an impromptu visit to the school on a Friday morning and were treated to a lengthy, in-depth tour and q&a with the administrator. We were introduced to the 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Kosek, who also spent a lot of time with us answering questions and giving us her philosophies and teaching style. We were so impressed on our visit that we not only enrolled our 1st grader, but our twins into the pre-k as well. It has been a great year for all 3. I cannot say enough about Mrs. Kosek or the Pre-K teachers, Mrs. Avalos and Mrs. Gallegos. The small class sizes, tae kwon do and music programs and homey feeling have made all the difference.
—Submitted by a parent

Coming from a parent who researched every school around the city, along with resorting to checking out home school - I absoutely fell in love with Father Hay and their teachers and staff. My son began Pre-K this year and I must admit my expectations were not only met, but were exceeded. The teachers are amazing, have the patience of saints, and provide great feedback on how my son is doing. He has gone from counting to about 14 to over 30 in a few months, is writing, learning so much about the world and the value of prayer...he even says grace for us before every meal! I just wish they had classes to 12th grade - as i would keep my kids there the whole way. Keep up the dedicated and wonderful work!
—Submitted by a parent

My son transferred to Fr. Hay when he was old enough for pre-k ,from an Army daycare facility. The advantages of having a real, state-certified teacher, with an aide, in the classroom cannot be overstated. The class size is small, the teacher and her aide are extremely competent and kind to the children while still being strict and demanding compliance. The curriculum for 4 year olds is comprehensive; colors, shapes, letters and letter sounds, pre-reading skills, social skills, etc. The children still have nap and playground time which is essential; for the boys especially. My family has changed from one where my son was obviously running the show at his old daycare, and tried Mom's limits anew at the start of every weekend, to one where my rules and values are reinforced throughout the day. We are so pleased with the switch that I plan to keep him here throughout elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Father Hay offers a safe alternative to public school. It provides an enhanced curriculum in which my children receive one-on-one and small group instruction. The teachers are committed to excellence and work for very little pay. The community has supported this little school for over 50 years because it addresses the whole child and teaches morals and ethics which are so lacking in public schools. The principal leads a team of caring, qualified staff who give more time and energy to this little school than I have ever seen in public schools. I am proud to have my children go to Father Hay School.
—Submitted by a parent

Father Hay offers a safe alternative to public school. It provides an enhanced curriculum in which my children receive one-on-one and small group instruction. The teachers are committed to excellence and work for very little pay. The community has supported this little school for over 50 years because it addresses the whole child and teaches morals and ethics which are so lacking in public schools. The principal leads a team of caring, qualified staff who give more time and energy to this little school than I have ever seen in public schools. I am proud to have my children go to Father Hay School.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been in enrolled in the Preschool Program since last school year. From the begining, there was a definite improvement in her academic and social skills. The teachers are thorough in their teaching of the basics in language arts and math, while providing a good, christain atmosphere. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, my daughter will be ahead of the curve when she starts Kindergarten next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 daughters that go to this school. One thing I can say about this school is that it definately has a big heart. The teachers not only push the children to achieve their best, but they also really care. The teachers are there because they love to teach, not for the pay. the only thing that I wish could change is the parental involvement. It seems like the same group of parents always trying to do everything....if only more parents would volunteer, think of what we could accomplish!
—Submitted by a parent

Available academic programs are limited and there are no activities such as sports teams to participate in. Parents show no involvement nor support of the school. The facilities are very run down and in need of major repairs. Questionable pre-K curriculum, more like daycare. Fair teaching standards but questionable problem solving skills. Discipline is lacking in a major way. Unfortunately the educational standards are substandard accross the city and state so that in comparisson to other schools in the area this one is no better or no worse.
—Submitted by a parent

I have twins in the 8th grade, and have been at the school since 5th grade. The school's administrator and teachers have all of the students' best interest at heart, and encourage and challenge each child without hesitation. The curriculum is advanced, with the 6th-8th grade areas of math and English at least 1 year if not more ahead of the public school. The school's goal is also to teach the students how to treat each other with respect as well as to be responsible contributing individuals to society.
—Submitted by a parent