Holy Family School

Do your research before going to this school. Like most people, my wife and I were looking for a nice Catholic school where our child would feel loved, respected, and safe. HFS is not one of those schools.

The administration is quick to find fault with any child that does not fit the ideal mold, especially boys. Expect to be "pushed" into paying for tutoring and for in-house occupational therapy sessions based on teachers and parent aide's diagnosises. We did. After having our child tested through an "outside" professional program, we found that our child was perfectly fine for his class level.

There is a large bullying problem at the school. The bullying handbook is posted on the school website and we found that the vice principal and principal never follow it and ignore parent email requests to discuss issues.

The faculty is not well versed in differentiated teaching....They only teach at ONE level and if your child is not at this level, oftentimes the only feedback you will receive is negative or that your child should STAY behind. Our efforts to work with teachers on development plans were ignored and we received bad grades without records or documentation. Grades were based on vague general statements from the teachers.

We are not alone. According to SJ Unified school district, more students are sent their to get tested for learning differences and ADHD issues than any other school in valley. Many parents take these tests on the premise that the school will assist or provide a development plan for their children, but have found that the school uses the results to push their kids out. Having said that, with so many students being sent to the school district, the rumor is that these tests are administered within HFS by a reading aid.

Lastly, while I am frustrated with the administration, I must say there are some really nice parents who, like us are trying to get the best for their children and want them happy. Unfortunately, as I said earlier HFS is not a good school. It is run by a stern and unapproachable principal, a clueless vice principal and many schoolyard helicopter moms who focus on purshing out any kid who does not fit THEIR mold.

Our child attended this school for 3 years. The administration is unfriendly. Several of the teachers are bullies. There is a bullying problem at the school and, although a policy exists, it is not followed -- no matter how severe the issue. The bullying seems to come from the top down. If children fall outside of the one level the school chooses to instruct at, they are singled out and ridiculed regularly. The self-esteem of several students at this school has been destroyed. The administration and staff seem unethical. Example: One teacher was hired to tutor our child after school. The teacher left the child unattended for the majority of the tutoring session to talk to other teachers, parents, etc... This has happened to more than one child. Parents are very involved at the school, but some of the helicopter parents that have become entrenched are also very toxic. This is unfortunate and lends to the oppressed culture of the school. Do your research, there are several other private schools in the area that offer stronger academics, extra curricular programs and an over all more positive atmosphere where your children will get a well-rounded education and excel.