Holy Family Catholic School
- Private, Catholic
- AUSTIN, TX
Catholic School
Holy Family Catholic School
- grade B minusOverall Grade
- Private, Catholic
- PK, K-8
- AUSTIN, TX
- Rating 2.75 out of 5 16 reviews
Holy Family Catholic School Reviews
Rating 2.75 out of 5 16 reviews
This school was near and dear to our family for several years. Unfortunately, after two difficult years in a row where our children struggled academically, socially, and/or emotionally, we just can't return. Most of the teachers and support staff who were our children's biggest supporters have left for their own benefit. The lack of communication, responsiveness, and willingness to correct mistakes we have witnessed from school leaders is completely unacceptable. Unless the leaders at the top change, we cannot recommend this school to others.
Holy Family CS had some wonderful teachers who practiced what they preached and approached each child as a child of God, deserving the opportunity for a Catholic education. Then in 2021, a new administration took over and over 50% of these caring teachers left, bullying and behavior issues became extreme, and new hires were so unqualified to work with children that more than one had to be fired mid school-year. There is no stability left for children to thrive in. And children with learning differences are being rejected. Many changes need to happen to make this school acceptable, starting with a new administration. However, diocesan leaders do what they do best and turn a blind eye to all of the problems, providing little hope.
Our child has been in Holy Family since they started school and we are very happy with the community and school. There are devoted teachers, administration and staff who are committed to the betterment of the school. We've seen so much growth in our child on many levels and we see such a strong faith being formed as well. The community of parents is truly a unique and amazing one to be a part of. There are so many ways for the parents to be involved throughout the year. Looking forward to the years to come!
This school is filled with some wonderful, faith-filled people. But the blessings stop there. Academically, they fall short in serving and including all learners. There is very little help offered to students who learn outside of a very narrow box. The new administration has caused a lot of problems and divided the school community with blatant omissions of truth, secrecy, and deception. Many students have suffered the emotional consequences of bullying this past year, and the discipline policies keep changing to cover for the administration not doing their job.
Our child just finished 10 years at Holy Family and it has been a great experience for our family. I have seen him grow in faith and virtue, and supported by wonderful teachers. The active parent and grandparent involvement in the school's service and fundraising committees advance the mission of the school. I'm thankful that he found his place here, and I found mine as well. Looking forward to a few more years as our other child finishes and am thankful for the foundation that both my children were given here.
Holy Family C was once a place where Catholic values, and the growth of the whole student WERE the backbone of the learning environment. These past 3yrs the mission and values are not what they speak of. There’s a lack of disciplinary action in situations where consequences are warranted (sexual harassment, bullying, physical altercations).When confronting administration about these instances, they provide responses without action to correct. But they ARE vocal when it comes to fundraising, and coach your kids well to guilt you into donating $. There are teachers, even admins, that lack experience/training/certifications for the positions they hold.A family donated a large amount of $ to start a program to aid students with learning disabilities, but nothing became of the program. Where did that money go?Many voiced concerns about deficiencies in the school community to school and diocese leadership, and received a response yielding little confidence that the issues will be addressed.
An incapable administration has single-handedly ruined this school over the past 2 years. Rampant teacher turnover, uncontrolled bullying, insufficient academics are the norm now.
Holy Family Catholic School is true to Catholic Doctrine and for the most part a faithful community. Unfortunately, academics, specifically curriculum and instruction are lacking. There are no remediation or enrichment opportunities for students at either end of the spectrum of learning. They follow the TEKS and the new administration relies heavily on standardized tests.
Holy Family is a faith filled environment where it feels as if everyone is on the same page of putting the kids first. They work hard to make it feel like a family atmosphere and the teachers partner with the parents to try to challenge, encourage and bring out the best in our kids. In a tough year riddled with pandemic challenges, the staff bravely worked, allowing students to attend classes in person and online.
Great school, teachers, and community! Academics are strong and students are happy, every day. Parents are all-in, which helps make this community so amazing.
I feel my child is safe at this school.
Because of private status, funding is limited and variety of non-academic activities is very limited.
Academically, the school is great. There is VAST room for improvement in both the administration's and staff's organizational and communication skills. For example, they have back to school night events for students - but only after school has started. They have sports tryouts the first day of school but only put this information on the website - no email communications to the parents (vs. weekly communication during the rest of the year). Vast majority of school events accurately set parameters for the event. (e.g. building location is rarely specified, itineraries not provided (e.g. set times for activities vs. open house environment where you can come and go at any time within event time frame). Because it's private, the school also lacks a variety of electives and extra curricular activities.