Holy Cross Parish School

This school is wonderful. Everybody in the neighborhood says it is the best kept secret in Philadelphia. The children are so well behaved when they walk to and from school and the school looks so nice. I have had relatives and friends whose children have attended Holy Cross School over the years and I always hear the same thing, what a great school. This school bucks the trend of the failing Philadelphia schools. It is tops for academics and discipline. The teachers are wonderful and a few live in the neighborhood. The only complaint I have ever heard was from a parent recently who complained that the school was too tough on her child and that the teacher expected to much from her. I don't understand how asking your child to work to their full potential and step up as a parent and support them is asking too much, but I guess I am old fashioned. This year the school celebrated one hundred yeas in our community. Thank goodness the school was not asked to close, due to their good work, and allowed to remain open. I spoke to several teachers and they all tell me that just about all the children have already re-registered for the 2012-2013 school year.

I love this school! The teachers are so dedicated and treat you and your child with respect. The Principal has worked very hard at bringing in many new academic programs and keeps the place a safe and caring learning environment. If there is a parent or child who has a problem he is always willing to meet with you. The secretary at the window, who greets you, is always so friendly. The school has a band, spanish, art, gym, computer class, music and a nice sports program. I could drop my child off an hour before school starts and they will feed him breakfast and help him study at no charge to me! The school has alot of activities with the the Home and School, such as a chili bingo night or a live jazz night fish fry. The Pastor is a really nice man and works very hard on the schools behalf. Anyone who I I have talked to really supports the school and it's staff. The teachers are always professional and I hvae dealt with everyone one of them on staff here. They are wonderful and go the extra mile for you. There is a waiting list for some of the classes next year because they want to keep the class size small. I think it is the best school in the area and beyond.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is the best. If you want a good education in a safe and caring environment this is the place for you. The class size is small, there are only 15 student's in my child's class. I love the teachers that my son and daughter have had over the years. There is so much individual attention given to each child. The web-site and teacher web pages are very detailed and keep me informed. All my childs friends love this school. The only parent who would not like this school are those who are lazy complainers and do not want to take the extra step for their child. The Principal listens to the parents and has a great staff, all the teachers have their state certification and college degrees. Everyone I know is coming back next year so if you want to enroll space is limited. The person who posted people are not coming back must not have a child in the school or not care.
--Submitted by a parent

The Holy Cross Parish School is a great environment in terms of safety. My child has had a great experience with the school and the teachers until recently. There is one teacher there who is totally incompetent and ineffective and not aware of anything that goes on. My child is totally confused by the content, by the teacher's method of teaching, and the teacher's communication is very ineffective. The teacher will write down one thing on the board for homework and the teacher website has something totally different. As a result of this, numerous students get homework slips each week which effects their overall grades. Even on the teacher's website, there are a lot of misspellings. As a matter of fact, other parents have stated that there don't want their younger children going through this incompetent teacher so they have decided to pull their children out for the upcoming school year 2012 to 2013.
--Submitted by a parent

I am pleased with the curriculum at Holy Cross in Mt. Airy. Spanish, computers, dance, and more are being taught beginning in the kindergarten class. The school has incorporated the latest in classroom technologies with the addition of Smart Boards and corresponding learning activities. I encourage parents to pay this school a visit, I believe they offer an enriching learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was great in terms of discipline. Academically, I wondered whether the children were being challenged. Very big on knowing and understanding practices of catholic religion which can be difficult as your child gets older if you are not catholic. One problem with a teacher providing very little assistance with assignments. She expected you to go to her web page and did not want to provide much support/clarity. No extra-curricular. Overall, if you are simply looking for a warm environment, this is a great school. If you are looking for the total package - you may want to keep searching.
--Submitted by a parent

The school offers very little in the way of activities (band and student council are all they have). My main concern with this school was the teachers. The teacher we had experience with did not clearly communicate assignments to the parents and was unwilling to provide extra help in keeping organized to those children who needed it. Schoolnotes.com, the parental check in for school assignments was not updated regularly or accurately. Communication to parents about child's berhaviors during school was superior. Sister Rosanne's leadership of this school cannot be faulted.
--Submitted by a parent

This school offers great opprotunities, and really gets the kids ready for high school. My children go there, and they think it is a wonderful place to be, especially the friends there.
--Submitted by a parent

A very supportive and caring school environment. A principal, teachers and parents who care about our children. A well maintained campus. Sometimes the class size may be too large.
--Submitted by a parent