Holy Names Academy

Holy Names has provided me with the best high school experience I could ask for. I came from an advanced program in a public middle school, but felt that the experience that a small, all-female school could provide me was something that was wholly beneficial. Which was completely correct! The workload is challenging yet not too much, the teachers and students capable and friendly, and the sense of community remarkable. I feel completely prepared, and every day I look forward to going to school.
—Submitted by a student

I have no personal experience of HNA but I would love for my girls (currently in elementary) to have the chance to attend. I know a young mother of four who was a math teacher at HNA in her previous life and I asked her if it really was as good as it seems. She said it was better! Just an excellent school. Also a recent graduate who had gone on to Gonzaga spent her summer last year as a nanny for our three young children. She was an emotionally mature, intelligent and delightful young woman who was a complete credit to herself, her parents and HNA.

My daughter has less than 21 days left at Holy Names. It has been the perfect school for her. She is a good student but not a prefect student. They have managed to help her become a great person, student and human being. She has learned to be her own strong young women. Not having the boys around makes such a difference. I used to teach and I can see the value in Single Sex education.
—Submitted by a parent

I came to HNA from a large public middle school hoping to be truly challenged for the first time. unfortunately, the work has proven to be surprisingly easy. It really was such a disappointment to find that many of the other students were accepted due to sports, legacy or the potential to bring in racial diversity. it is an incredible environment for freshmen or for anyone who is looking for a great name on a college application. After spending time in another school, I have realized just how unprepared I am for any system outside of that of HNA. The incredibly strict math system does not allow for flexibility, forcing capable students into much lower levels with students who are in need of much assistance. The sports can provide great community, and though poorly attended, are incredibly successful and fun to participate in. Teacher highlights: ms.shope, mr.jenes, mr.harris
—Submitted by a student

The school reaches out to you in even the most personal aspects of your life. Holy Names Academy strives to help students lead a fufilling and successful life.
—Submitted by a student

i used to be very quiet and shy before i went to HNA but now that i am at HNA i have gotten more confidence in myself and the people around you are kind and supporting and make high school the best time especially because at HNA us girls can just be ourselves and not have to worry about what the guys are going to think. We do have an all boys school near by and we do everything with them but just being apart from the boys lets us do what we want and actually have a quality education. Sports at HNA are fun and a great part of HNA you meet new people and you have time to get closer to the friends you already have and we are just overall really competitive and we always place really well in every sport that we have.
—Submitted by a student

This was definitely the best choice for a high school. The atmosphere in Holy Names is great! the girls, the teachers and everything is like a family. There is no rivalry inside the school because there are no boys to compete for :) and it is really a sisterhood. They offer great athletics that are as fun to watch as they are to play. It is such a motivating environment set by the teachers and fellow students. I'm so glad that I enrolled here! It is worth every dollar even though it IS really expensive, it's really going to prepare for college.
—Submitted by a student

This school is unbelievable. It has made me a better student and a better person. I wasn't sure I'd like it, but I've fallen in love with this place. Holy Names has an amazing support system, so if you're feeling bad or having trouble in any way at all, there are teachers and students who have your back. Go HNA!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter just graduated from HNA (June, 2008). As most reviews will reflect, Holy Names is one of the most respected private schools in Puget Sound. The quality of education top notch. The teachers simply superb. But parents should not underestimate the challenges associated with attending such a high achieving school. This school may not be for your daughter if she is concerned about issues such as class rank and very tough academics. Make no mistake, the majority of girls who attend HNA probabably have a GPA of 3.8+. As for my daughter, she graduated from HNA with a 3.66 ( with 5 AP classes) in the lower third of her class. This rigorous curriculum meant very little down time or social life in between the required volunteer hours, extra curricular activities, etc. (not to mention the long commute.) Will she regret her decision to attend HNA? Only time will tell.
—Submitted by a parent

This school, HNA, has been my home away from home for the last three years. becoming a student was the best thing I've ever accomplished.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter enjoys going to school everyday. I tried to convince her to switch to our neighborhood public HS to no avail. She loves the academic challenges as well as her extracurriculars where she has a lot of leadership opportunities. She's maturing really well as a fine young woman and we don't really have to worry about the problems girls face in a much bigger public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Holy Names is an excellent school that creates a strong community among the girls. It is especially good for active, athletic and/or outgoing girls. There are many clubs and activities as well as sports. It is a high quality education. It is primarily Catholic and students take 4 years of religion but it is not fundamentalist or otherwide overwhelming. It is also a beautiful school in a nice area. As compared to other private schools, it is more diverse.
—Submitted by a parent

This was my daughter's favorite school when applying to high school. I had reservations due to hearing about large amounts of homework and how most students are on the honor roll. I have to say that I am suprised at how wonderful this school really is. I have never seen an environment where each student is treated as an individual and all of the teachers know and care for each girl. This explains the large numbers of honors students. The school works with any girl that wants to achieve higher grades. The core classes are excellent. The 'no boy' environment allows girls to express opinions without fear of ridicule or social consequences. There does not seem to be social problems that many of my daughters friends encounter at their coed private schools. Excellent music, art, sports programs. Many clubs. Extremely high level of parent participation. Top choice for high school!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school for girls of any backgrounds and interests. We encourage faith as we do academics. The HNA community is a big family working together to succeed and live safe and healthy lives. I could not imagine being anywhere else.
—Submitted by a student