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Northwoods Catholic School

Private | PK-8 | 250 students

Forming leaders with a strong foundation through Integral Formation®.
 
 

Living in Spring

Situated in a suburban neighborhood. The median home value is $140,900. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $1,250.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 4 ratings
2012:
Based on 7 ratings
2011:
Based on 3 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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33 reviews of this school


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Posted November 9, 2004

This is the 4th year our 4 children have attended Northwoods. We are thoroughly happy with the school as are our children. We've been to many other schools in the area over the years. None of them come close to the quality of academic and spiritual formation that Northwoods offers. The teachers periodically evaluate each child individually and set new goals in the 4 main areas of formation: academic, social, spiritual, and human. We have witnessed our children blossom in the environment of the school. They will be well prepared to face the challenges of life as true leaders for Christ.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 7, 2004

Northwoods is the ONLY school for my children! As a single mom, I had to plan over a year in advance to have the finances available and to move to this side of town, just so my children could go to NCS. The benefits are evident every day that I see my sons (6, 8) share their knowledge, respect, and love for Christ. Northwoods truly makes education a FAMILY event, extending beyond the beautiful buildings. The teachers are more than professionals; they are friends, faith-filled Catholics, and individuals dedicated to our children - our future. Fundraising is part of everyday discussion, but for some families, like ours, our gift is tuition because that's all we can give. I thank God everyday for the gift of Northwoods!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2004

We moved into the area in time for the 2004-2005 school year and were greatly impressed by the effort that was made by the administrative staff to welcome us to the school. Class sizes (8,6,4) are relatively small and each of my children get an appropriate level of assistance when it is needed. The Principal works hard to advance the academics and athletics at the school and the volunteer coach for the girls volleyball was excellent.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2004

This is our sixth year at the school. My wife and I are very pleased with the academic, human and spiritual formation our children receive. Scores from yearly Iowa standardized tests verify our belief that the children are receiving a high quality academic education. Grade appropriate projects encourage the children to embrace learning as an ongoing process. Critical thinking and reasoning are taught to enable the children to apply lessons learned to real world situations. The faculty and staff address all issues that arise swiftly and fairly, always using Christ as a role model. Northwoods is our partner in educating and forming our children into leaders for Christ and the Church. God has blessed us through Northwoods Catholic School.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2004

I have found the school to be sincere in its love of molding and teaching children. The teachers all seem to love what they are doing and make a safe environment for students to learn in. I do although have a bit af a problem when it comes to the the cost of the school and the amount of fundraising and donation hunting that goes on. Every school project or event that takes place at the school seems to be tagged with a donation request. I fully understand their desire to build additional facilities but I am paying for the education of my child and not for their desire to build more buildings in the shortest time possible. I suggest more of what they do best; teaching.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2004

This is my son's first year at Northwoods Catholic School. He loves it! He is in Pre-K3 and goes three full days a week. His teacher is a highly experienced teacher whom my son loves. When my son 'runs' into school in the morning (he runs because he is so excited to be there) the principal, dean of academics, admission director and other teachers greet him by name! What I like best about the school is the leadership formation. We feel very blessed to have Northwoods in the Houston area. There is not another school like in the greater Houston area.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2004

Our son is in his fourth year at Northwoods and we could not be more satisfied with the education and formation he has recieved from the faculty and staff at Northwoods. There is a great mix of academics, religion, discipline and love that each and every child is exposed to. We really like the smaller class sizes, which allows for advanced cirriculum. In the past year we have become more involved in volunteering at the school and have found the family atmosphere and fellowship rewarding. The school does have growing pains, but continues to move forward. Extra curricular activities continue to expand enhancing the social development of the children and athletics (Northwoods fielded a football team this year and actually won the homecoming game!)for both boys and girls are offered.Come to an open house (Nov. 18 from 6-8pm)and you will see why Northwoods is a great place for all God's children.
—Submitted by Greg Dailey, a parent


Posted November 4, 2004

We moved from the far west side of Houston to be close to Northwoods before our children were old enough to enroll. Northwoods is the only school for my children! The kids are immersed in a relationship with Christ in everything they do and learn at school, and the faculty loves these kids! Each faculty member knows and believes he or she is doing Christ's work. It is also wonderful to be associated with so many parents dedicated to the faith. Our children will attend Northwoods Catholic School from Pre-K3 through high school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2004

My son is in his second year at Northwoods and currently in kindergarten. It is amazing to see how much he has developed in the two years. Friends, family and aquaintences are amazed at how impressed they are with the development my son has attained just as a kindergartner. Northwoods develops the person spiritually, acedemically and socially.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2004

We love this school. All 5 of our children attend and even though it is a financial sacrifice it is worth every penny. We believe in the mission of the school and can feel the presence of Christ in every aspect. We thank God for this great school and the fantastic academic and faith formation our children receive.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2004

I am shocked at this review. We found the school to be the most warm & inviting environment we have ever experienced. We have moved over the summer to a new state & we still feel a void. As far as academics, the school is a year ahead of the grade level. I had to find another school for my son and needed to compare an average curriculum in Colorado and Houston, such as the curriculum offered in all diocesen schools, & have found that there is no comparison to the curriculum offered at Northwoods. In addition, my son's total growth as a whole person was phenominal. My personal experience with those 'disgruntled' parents has led me to believe that the level of commitment required on the parent's part is burdensome to some who wish to pay tuition and leave the total upbringing of their children to a school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 4, 2004

Our 3 children attend Northwoods (grades 1, 4, and 7). This is their first year there. Already I have observed a happiness and confidence in each of them. My daughter (7th grade) has commented that the teachers are specifically trained in the areas that they are teaching, therefore they are able to teach clearly without heavy reliance on the text. As a result she is now excited about learning and getting A's despite a previous history of reading difficulty. Previous reviewer's comments are noted - I can agree on one thing - there is no library. But that doesn't bother me as I find the internet to be more efficient, comprehensive, and up-to-date than most well-stocked libraries. There are so many other great aspects (virtue program, after school activities - gymnastics, piano, martial arts, ballet, etc.). Most importantly, they are being formed as Catholic Christians and that will last a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 5, 2004

Northwoods Catholic School has promised a 'challenging curriculum' and delivered one that is below average. Program lacks direction and good training for teachers. Children are being short-changed. Don't be fooled by the building and the PR. Religion--A+, Curriculum and Instruction--D
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

We currently do not have any test score information for this school. Unlike public schools, private schools are not always required to report data about their schools or not required to take the same tests as public schools. Many private schools take different standardized tests; however, that information is often made available only to families of enrolled students. We strive to acquire additional private school data whenever available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school
White 72%
Hispanic 20%
Black or African American 5%
Asian or Pacific Islander 3%
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 9N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Art teacher(s)
ELL/ESL Coordinator
Librarian/media specialist(s)
PE instructor(s)
Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • None - the school offers no services

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Math club

Arts & music

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Creative writing
  • Poetry

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • PE instructor(s)

Gifted & talented

Clubs
  • National Honor Society
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 8:15 am
School end time
  • 3:30 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • Before school: starts at 6:30 a.m.
  • After school: ends at 6:30 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Kristen Thome - principal
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Principal - Kristen Thome
Age at which early childhood or Pre-K program begins
  • 3 years old
Gender
  • Coed
Boarding options
  • Day school
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Affiliation
  • Roman Catholic
Fax number
  • (281) 350-0330

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • None
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Religious
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • None - the school offers no services
Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • ELL/ESL Coordinator
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Cafeteria
  • Chapel/spiritual reflection center
  • Computer lab
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Tennis
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cheerleading
  • Cross country
  • Tennis
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Creative writing
  • Poetry
Media arts
  • None

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Chess club
  • Math club
  • National Honor Society
  • Student council/government
School leaders can update this information here.

Photos

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join NAPA
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?


7 out of 10students were accepted for the 2012-2013 school year.


Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
60
Applications received for the 2012-2013 school year
90
Students typically come from these schools
Private Preschool / Daycare / Mothers Day Out Programs
Area Public Schools
Other Catholic Schools (relocating to area)

What does it cost?

Tuition range for the 2012-2013 school year
$7000 - $8000
Vouchers accepted
No
Financial aid offered
Yes.
School-based aid
The Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Duchesne Academy
St Thomas High School
John Cooper
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

5500 FM 2920
Spring, TX 77388
Website: Click here
Phone: (281) 350-0300

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