Holy Spirit Catholic School

We are a family who transferred this year from another "troubled" catholic school with a principal that was "very qualified"; however her qualifications and yrs of experience still DID NOT make her a good principal. Every family has their own experience depending on their child. Ours has been amazing starting with the interim principal; whom I think is highly qualified and cares about the school. The staff is also commendable; we have worked closely with the elementary counselor and our child's teacher and both have been "absolutely phenomenal." They have been nothing but professional, caring and friendly w/ every experience we have had. I've had lunch w/ my child and the teachers get after the kids because they play more than eat and they have a limited lunch time. Don't we get after our kids for playing too much and not eatig when they are supposed to? Every experience is different so you have to see for yourself and not take the advise of everything written; including myself. We LOVE this school, the staff, the teachers and the families. You make what you want of every experience you have. If you get involved and effectively communicate you get good results.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been with the school for 4 years. We are very happy with the school. We have to respect everybody s opinion even though we do not agree with parents that have rated the school low. My son could not be happier. Academics are strong. Teachers are very good. The environment is great for the kids and as the result, the school has great kids. There have been changes in the administration and there is still a search for a principal. Having said that, the current staff has done a great job running the school this school year. Nothing is perfect, but bottom line Holy Spirit is a very good school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been very disappointed with the academics of the school as well as the administration. I know many people that have left due to the administration but have been trying to 'wait it out" in hopes that it will get better. I know that all schools have politics but this one seems at the top of the heap. There is a lot of secrecy. The search committee consists of several staff members (have you ever heard of hiring your boss?!) and others that state that they have strict requirements for a new principal yet the current vice principal has been allowed to put her hat in the ring even though she isn't qualified according to these strict guidelines. Although a lot of aggravation revolves around the administration or lack thereof, my biggest concern at this point (one that will weigh heavily on my decision to return next year) is the lack of good teaching. My children are often yelled at, aren't challenged and very bored with busy work, and disciplined for silly things like talking in the lunch room. I pray that they get their act together in the very near future or we will be forced to look elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

First year here with two children. Teachers are good, academics seem to be decent but not to the level I would expect, and we have mixed feelings about the community. The kids like the school, but there are cliques (parental) that can be silly to deal with. It is pricey, and there is an almost constant demand for more money--sports, uniforms, meals, activities, presents, yearly registration, yearly commitment fee, monthly tithe to maintain "in parish" status etc. The volunteer program is managed loosely, at best, and some parents refuse to do their share--they sign up, for sure, and probably claim the hours, but don't show. The reasons to stay--outstanding teachers, good religious based education, and the relative safety of a private school education. Hopefully the administration will become more responsive.
--Submitted by a parent

I really give the after school program of this school a rating of 0 because they do not care at all about the kids and the lady that runs the programs keeps saying she is not responsible for the kids .. so basically she just wants the parents money. Plus she even hates kids herself and has no college nor schooling as a teacher and does not want to have kids so why the heck does she work there in the first place?The kids are treated with no compassion nor sympathy and they don't realize that. I feel very bad for the children that have to go to that afterschool. Parents do not know tmost of these afterschool teachers have no good intentions with the children,and I believe no changes will take place not even with a new viceprincipal nor a new principal.

The principal cares about, money only,but now she is going to retire,so the school will have a new principal who hopefully will be better.There is this mentality that the kids are just there to study but not to be cared about with kindness and respect. Teachers don't want to clarify schoolwork or answer questions of the students after school. The after school program's director cares 0 for the kids,she doesn't want to do anything for them. She denies the kids food if they forget to bring money from home and water if they forget to get their water. At times she and her staff refuse to wait with the kids if their parents haven't arrived,and often call the kids names and screams at them when kids are out of control. They can be very cruel. Terrible program!

With two major changes this year; both the Vice Principal and Principal no longer present, improvements should begin. Had these changes not been made, we would not re-enroll our child nor recommend Holy Spirit to others. The 'waiting list' mind set gets very OLD and is very disrespectful to the parents and children alike. Parental concerns had been approached in a cold and callous fashion with zero regard for what is in the best interest of the child; truely a very old school mentality. In this case of the changes made, change is a wonderful thing!!!
--Submitted by a parent

TThe house that Father Tony and Father Walsh built needs an overhaul. The school has been losing good teachers in the higher grades, and the (relatively) new principal does not adequately addresse parental concerns. The school's cirriculum lags behind in math relative to NEISD schools, but in other respects is roughly equivalent. If you live in an NEISD school district, then academically you can get at least and equivalent but often times better education, and put the private school tuition $$ towards saving for college. Principal is inflexible, which is not what parents expect in a private school environment, and makes inconsistent decisions with what appears to be a lack of sincere regard for parental concerns.
--Submitted by a parent

I must agree with the parent from 9/19. We have seen a change in the administration and after working with children who are struggling, there are more resources in the public sector that are available to assist them with specific challenges. The parents involvement in the school and in your childs life is crucial. Holy Spirit encourages and requires your involvement. They are focused on your child succeding as long as you have the same goal, there should not be a concern. It's a great community to be a part of!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a parent of two in the school and the previous review is completely wrong! The administration and faculty bend over backwards for the kids! However, if your child is constantly disruptive during lessons -- you will be asked to withdraw them. They don't need to put up with the behavioral disorders the public school does and it shows. The kids and teachers are focused on learning.
--Submitted by a parent