Holy Cross High School

26-20 Francis Lewis Boulevard

Queens, NY 11358

21 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 17, 2024

I genuinely want to give it a glowing five-star review. The teachers, for the most part, are exceptional—dedicated individuals who truly care about their students' growth and success. They ignite a passion for learning and foster a wonderful community that feels supportive and inspiring. However, there is one area that calls for significant improvement, and that, unfortunately, is the conduct of the girls’ Varsity Basketball coach.It’s disheartening to mention, but the coach's interactions with the girls have raised some serious red flags. His attitude is simply not a fit for a Catholic school environment, which emphasizes respect, kindness, and growth. The way he communicates doesn't reflect the values we champion here. Instead of nurturing the young athletes, there are moments where one might feel belittled or dismissed.What I find particularly perplexing is how the school administration chooses to handle concerns surrounding this coach. Rather than addressing the core issues directly, they opted for a mediation approach, which feels a bit insincere given the multitude of complaints that have arisen. With each passing instance, one can’t help but feel that the school's reputation takes precedence over the welfare of its students. It’s as if they’re enabling behavior that should be revisited and rectified.I awarded the school just two stars because to me, the safety and emotional well-being of the students must always come first. We should strive for an environment that reinforces positive behavior—not one that seems to tolerate or sidestep harmful attitudes merely for the sake of reputation or fiscal support.Ultimately, I believe in the potential of this school, but I sincerely hope that those at the helm will consider making the necessary changes to align our athletic programs with the core values we all hold dear. Let's nurture an environment where every student, regardless of their sport, feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their best.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2024

This school is not safe. Do not send your child here. Kids are bullied (like the other review said) and there are constant physical fights. Vaping and pot use on school grounds and principal does nothing. Teachers don't care, most don't even teach a thing. Better off at public school.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2024

Admin does not keep a safe environment. Bullying is rife, particularly amidst the female population. Corrupt dynamic between admin and fundraiser leadership - the school is desperate for money and has a suspicious situation with certain capital projects. You are better off taking your chances on public school. Strongly recommend NOT sending your daughter here.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2023

My child is completing freshman year and will not be returning. From an academic standpoint, the education is inferior to equally priced Catholic schools in the area. Communication from most teachers and administrators was found wanting and turnover appears to be an issue. The environment is chaotic and unsafe evidenced by frequent fights that break out between large groups of male students, who convene in locker rooms and bathrooms, then post said fights in social media. This is a failing institution.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2023

Holy Cross was the best decision for my daughter. Wonderful teachers and caring staff.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2023

My son graduated in 2022. Although we had heard several negative things about Holy Cross, we allowed him to make his own decision. He regretted his decision, particularly after seeing the amazing education that his younger brother was receiving at Chaminade HS (he is a year younger). Over the course of his four yrs, he lost multiple teachers mid-yr. In addition, the communication was poor, teachers and administrators rarely returned emails or calls. SAT prep was a joke, and sadly, just about everything that we learned about the college application process came from seminars presented by Chaminade HS. If you are looking for a private / Catholic HS, your money would be better spent just about anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2023

This is the first review I have ever written, I just felt that when I was looking for school for my son, had there been more honest reviews out there, maybe we would’ve made a better decision. I would not recommend the school to any parent that does not want to feel that they are paying to have their child’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and self worth diminished. Although there are a few good teachers there , the experience of having teachers tell students that they aren’t going to amount to anything or that nothing is expected of them is beyond forgivable. There are so many other schools out there that have a much healthier learning environment. I would recommend if you are thinking about a private school using social media to have your child reach out and see what really goes on within the school instead of what the school portrays when you do a visit. Also, if you have a child who is an athlete be aware that once they play a sport for one season, they cannot play the following year in any other school if they transfer.This in many ways, traps, student, athletes in environments that are not necessarily healthy for them. This practice was put in place to restrict coaches from taking players from other schools however, it is the children who have become the victims of this policy because they are then stuck / or feel trapped in a particular school, even if the environment is toxic or simply not a good match for them. As far as academics go, they are definitely not as challenging as the other private schools in the area, this we have learned just from all the kids sharing the amount of work and expectations placed on them by school.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2023

The review by the parent given on July 2,2022 is very accurate. This happened to my son. He was warned by a teacher that the administration doesn’t like him and to watch himself. How disgusting! He was targeted and picked on and constantly given detentions for every little thing while others got away with whatever because their parents made monetary donations to the school. The principal is a weasel and pretends to be concerned. When issues were brought to his attention, never did he follow up. Same for the Assistant Principal of academics.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2022

My daughter is currently a junior at Holy Cross High School. The three years she has been there she has done amazing. I love that the students can always go to the teacher for extra help. The students must do their part as well and let the teachers know they need help. I also love that they offer clubs and activities to keep the students involved and engaged.
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2022

If I could give a zero I would. Not what you think this school is about. The truth is, there isn't positive reinforcement for the young adults. It's constant demerits. They give demerits like giving out water bottles. Your late 1 second, you’re trying to get in the school room and you get a demerit. Your book bag falls off the chair , no reason just fell, you get a demerit. Really? They have nothing better to do just hand out demerits. What about giving respect to the students. They students give respects t the teachers, but it is not reciprocated back. It's acceptable to yell at a student when asking a student when they don't understand what you’re teaching .Most of all, is it acceptable for several teachers and guidance counselor to speak to other students not to speak to this student who is struggling with their subjects. What??? Who does this? Then a few teachers felt they needed to speak to the student and parents in confidence that the "administration doesn't like him and watch your back". If it wasn't for them to bring this conspiracy to their attention, they wouldn't understand why their child handed them a bunch of demerits one being getting up from the table in the lunchroom to discard their lunch. What?? Yes, this is true, proof can be given if necessary. The scene was filmed.Now if you have lots of $$ incidents are overlooked. Sizable donations work’s wonders. What about the average family & can't grease their palms?Once you are a targeted, get out. This student was bullied throughout the years. Hmm, once punched across the face by another student when changing classes. This was brought to the administration, and they said we will check the cameras and see what happened. Parents followed up several times & no answer from them.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2021

This school is not handling the pandemic very well at all. Teachers take weeks to grade anything and if a parent writes an email to a teacher, good luck to you on them getting back to you in a timely matter. My other son goes to public school and they have handled this pandemic so much better. I’ve thrown away a lot of money this year on tuition!
Submitted by other on January 08, 2019

If you want your child to get treated like a young man or women who matters no matter what the situation please do not send them to Holy Cross High School. Kids need to be taught, and feel like they can talk to someone at school not tossed out the door for telling the truth There are several families who have experienced the same treatment from Holy Cross High School. Please email me if you have any questions. I encourage anyone who has been wronged by this school to speak out. Kids should never feel the way my son did.
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2018

My son and family enjoyed being part of the Holy Cross family.
Submitted by student on April 08, 2018

Student wise its great- all of us are a nice community of friends. I really hope the HCHS administration is reading this because i dont want to be putting the school down. Being a student there for three years now I am just so upset that what the school has stood for is being essentially erased or painted over. Its great that the girls are coming in and stuff, but the shield is being phased out, the shield that has SO MUCH symbolism amd points to the schools roots, the colors of green and gold are being painted over with grey and black? I just want HCHS to know that to expand a mission is a great thing to do, but to build on your mission shouldnt mean tearing down your legacy to do it....
Submitted by other on March 11, 2018

I graduated Holy Cross in 1969. I received a Masters Degree from Columbia in 1977. I learned more in one year at Cross than five years at Columbia. Go Knights!
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2014

I have a son who is a junior at Holy Cross high school and another going in this coming September as a Freshman. I clove this school and so do my children, they could have gone to other catholic high schools that they were accepted to but chose Holy Cross. They are allowed to be boys and come out being respectful, responsible Holy Cross men! The traditions and teachings are wonderful and stick with you a lifetime. For those parents that complain about no PTA you are mistaken it is called the Mother's Guild and Fathers Club, where fundraisers are done, guest speakers and meetings. We are not like public schools and do need to get funding from the families within the school and outside businesses, but that's ALL Catholic schools.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

My son came from the public school system and he is currently a freshman at Holy Cross HS. It is the best choice we could've made for my son's education. Recently after going to a parent orientation, I got a chance to see a typical day that my son has where we were able to meet the teachers, other staff and students. I must say everyone was very courteous and we were given information about their school work, what is expected from each student. We were also given accounts to Edline which is a wonderful way to stay on top of your child's work and it is also the best way to communicate with the teachers. I wish I had another son so he could attend this school as well.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

My son is a freshman at Holy Cross HS and he has enjoyed his experience at . There is no doubt that my son will get a quality education. Very happy we chose Holy Cross to be the school my son gets his education from.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2013

My son is currently a freshman and he had reservations because it was an all boys school. Just a few weeks into the school year he is happy we chose Holy Cross HS. He has made friends in all the grades, the teachers are respectful and he feels very safe going to and from school. In September, after the parent orientation, I felt my son would be getting a well rounded education and that he would get the help he needed if he had trouble in one of the subjects. I also like their Edline system which allows a parent to know what is going on in school, classwork, projects due etc. It is a means of communication between each of your child's teachers. What I like the most is the discipline that each of these students learn and make part of their lives because, in addition to their education, the discipline learned in school will remain with them as adults.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2013

My son is a Freshman...and so far I think Holy Cross H.S., is a great school. The faculty is amazing, so helpful even when you call on the phone, you can always hear a smile in their voice...