Holy Family School

My daughter currently attends HFS and I have to say that we are horribly disappointed in the quality of the education. We thought that she would be getting a better education by attending a private school, but in all honesty she would probably be better off attending a public school. She has been taught absolutely nothing she does not already know. I was absolutely appalled when the school's 8th grade valedictorian could barely read a handout during an assembly. The school is struggling financially, so rather than focusing on the children, all of the meetings share the same theme of telling us how we need to do more fundraising and/or donate more of our money the school. Our daughter will NOT be attending HFS next year. The principal makes exception for certain families, allowing them to break rules that the rest of us are still expected to follow. Rather than focusing on the school's failing math and science "programs," they are too busy starting a gimmicky Spanish program in an attempt to increase enrollment, even going as far as offering half off tuition for some, but not for others. Please avoid making the same mistake of wasting thousands of dollars on this joke of a school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the 8th year my child has been at Holy Family. She hardly every has any homework. A parent who just pulled her child out had him tested at another school. Although her son was an honor student at Holy Family, he tested below his grade level at the new school. I did not want to change schools after all these years, but maybe it is time to go, as the quality of the education simpy is not there. I don't think we have any teachers that have been there more than 4 or 5 years. Not pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

I really like the teachers and the attention that they give my daughter. She has started kindergarten not knowing her abc's. She is excelling. I would recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

When I picked up my child from the after school program, he had bumps on his arm. I asked the director and she denied seeing the bumps, even though they were clearly red. I later found out the sleeping cots and bug infestation. The after school program needs to be more clean and attentive of children. One staff member was on her cell phone instead of watching the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't appreciate the way that the new principal militarily dictates the school. That is why I, a student, left. I also didn't learn any math the second quarter of fifth grade. At all.

Very caring staff, Takes that extra effort to make sure the kids are understanding what is being asked, Very good school. They get an A+ in my book
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Family is a private Catholic school which accepts non-Catholic students as well. The students are the most diverse ethnically in Seattle, and most are highly motivated academically. The quality of academic instruction is excellent, the teachers are knowledgeable, and the new principal, Mr Lutz, is a parent of eight and very involved with keeping the school on track academically; he knows most students' names and is concerned for them. There is a good music program, although no art program, there are several sports programs through CYO. The parents are closely involved, both by choice and because 20 service hours per parent are required. Parents are required to participate in fundraisers. This is an excellent school, however it does not offer specialized help for children with learning disabilities or other problems. The public schools are better able to help out with that.
—Submitted by a parent