Espiritu Santo Catholic School

2405A Philippe Parkway

Safety Harbor, FL 34695

34 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 15, 2022

My child has been a student at ESCS for 3 years. Although we have been dealing with Covid-19 for 2 years so far, the school has done a tremendous job in terms of its leadership, communication, and daily approach to educating its students while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. The school has a gifted program and offers a number of extracurricular activities for the artistic, academic, and athletic interests of its students. My husband was thoroughly impressed by their approach to technology including discussing social media and internet safety from a young age with students to help them navigate the challenges they may be faced with in a real world setting. The teachers and administration all know my daughter by name, are always willing to help, and are trained in responsive classroom management, which during these times, is truly a blessing. Lastly, ESCS is a Catholic School and imbues the principles of the Catholic faith into how students interact with each other and the greater community. Each time I volunteer or work with the school community, I find that everyone comes with a purpose to lift each other and support our school and community.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2018

I have been at school for over 13 years. It had some tough moments--but with the new leadership in place and solid middle school teachers, I would happily refer ESCS to anyone I know. You will not be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2018

I would give this school 5 stars. We love it.
Submitted by teacher on March 30, 2018

Peggy Penn is holding this school back from its potential. Numbers are dropping and good teachers are leaving.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2018

It was not a good experience. The only positive was that my child was brought to mass once a week the priests are excellent I cannot say enough good things about their support of the school. It's a beautiful school thanks to all the money that has been poured in to it by the Catholic Church. after I left the school I placed my daughter in a school that is the only School in the area that is rated in a a five star school I was shocked to learn that this school is not one of them. In fact my daughter's math grades fell for a short time and I found out that year that every child in the school was doing subpar work in meth do to it problem with one of the teachers fortunately I noticed it immediately and was able to restore her so now she is in the National Honor Society I'm saving myself $9,000 a year I take her to church myself and she has a higher-rated school which happens to be public. Carwise Middle School an excellent choice if you're in the area
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2017

We recently transferred to Espiritu Santo from a nearby private school. Based on current experience, we are very happy with the transition. The teachers communicate well and provide a good learning experience. The students attending this school are very well spoken, polite and respectful. Overall we are very impressed and pleased with the school.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2017

Many of the middle school teachers and one of the PE teachers are rude and offensive to your children. The students that go here are generally good. You will not get the best of educations here, but you will be around good people. Moral of the remaining teachers needs to be lifted so that their bitterness is not carried over to your children.
Submitted by other on May 17, 2017

Having our children attend this school has been an unbelievable experience. The administration and staff are exceptional and the sense of community was exactly what we had hoped to find. The gifted program has really brought out the best in our children. I would highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a safe and nurturing environment.
Submitted by other on May 09, 2017

My children have attended ESCS for over a decade. Their education, at ESCS, has been first rate. In fact, all three of my children have been recognized through the Duke Tip program for outstanding scores on standardized testing. (They scored in the top 5% (in the country) in Language Arts, Science/Social Studies, and Math Computation.) This would not have been possible without the AMAZING teachers at this school. My oldest was even in "on-level classes" here, yet he still excelled tremendously...and continues to do so! (He recently found out that he scored in the Top 5% in the nation on the LA section of the PSAT and he's been recognized for his academic success in all Honors/AP classes in high school.) It's ALL because of the SUPER STRONG LA Department at ESCS. The teachers are outstanding! It's not just my children. Whereas local public/private school have a small handful of students recognized by the Duke Talent Identification Program, Espiritu Santo Catholic School consistently has at least a third (if not half) of the entire class make it. The students also excel in local high school admissions test (this year's class had a 100% testing-acceptance to Jesuit), local IB programs and several have been recognized as National Merit Scholars. The academic foundation, established at ESCS, is truly incomparable to others Bay area schools. Combined with a top-notch Drama department, successful competitive Math-Teams, incredibly strong athletics, and dedicated parental volunteers, ESCS is simply outstanding. I highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2016

Great School!...We have three children at the school that all started there during pre-k years. The teachers are amazing and loving to the students and parents. The parent participation is very high and we have made great friends that will last a lifetime. Academics are a top priority and you would be hard pressed to find a better primary school in the entire country with higher scores on verbal section of standardized ITBS testing. Our understanding is that enrollment is over 400. Father Brad is an incredible addition to the community and spiritual life of the school and we would recommend anyone considering ESCS to take a visit and spend time with some of the families.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2016

It used to be a good school. Principal is mean, rude and incompetent, Do not believe numbers, it is now at 380 because so many have left. Principal Penn this year has caused over 20 students to leave. She has also fired or pushed seasoned staff to leave who even looked at her funny. She needs to go!
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2016

We have only been at this school for one year now, but we have had an amazing experience so far. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful. Our child loves his classes, teachers and the faith based environment. It is so obvious that the teachers and staff really do care about the children. It does indeed feel like a family...
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2016

The teachers at this school try their hardest to teach, but is made impossible by the current Principal, Mrs. Penn. The lack of respect is astounding and extremely disconcerning. I wanted my child to have a christ-centered education, but we recieved quite the contrary. She doesn't care about anyone but herself, and only seems to focus on keeping her job, which is the only thing she has successfully accompplished. Also, I was just recently notified that Mrs. Preble, the last teacher who knew what she was doing, has quit. I have a strange feeling Penn had something to do with this. I wish the best for this school, but it is near impossible to accomplish something when your "leader" is holding everything back.
Submitted by other on April 06, 2016

Before enrolling your child here ask about #1 the math program over the years and #2 why the decline each year in enrollment. Do your homework on this school. ESCS has a terrible principal. A petition would not get rid of her. She is protected by the diocese. The only positives about this school is the beautiful building and security system.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2015

We have been at ESCS for several years and have enjoyed being a part of a wonderful community. The school families and teachers are very warm and welcoming. ESCS is a beautiful school, not only visually, but how they approach the teachings of the Catholic faith. Each day begins and ends with pray. It's a safe environment and always well maintained. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and willing to help the students whenever they are needed. I feel any child or children attending this school gets an exceptional education. For us and our family, this is by far the best school around. We feel blessed to be a part of ESCS.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2015

We have been a part of the ESCS shool family for 10 years and could not be more thrilled. The faculty and staff are absolutely top notch. The facility is cutting edge and the curriculum is challenging. The children thrive in a loving and supportive environment. Communication and our own personal experiences have been amazing. I encourage you to contact a current family about their experiences and also compare the objective data that proves our students excel. A personal visit will convince you.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2015

ESCS is a wonderful school! We love the small community feel of the K-8 grades, and caring atmosphere. The teachers are highly qualified, loving and care about all of the children. We feel our three children are challenged academically, are immersed in extra curricular activities, and are being taught values and character through Catholicism. We highly recommend ESCS!
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2015

We have been at Espiritu Santo for 10 years and could not be more thrilled with our experience. It is a vibrant, faith filled community where the teachers and parents truly care about the education and formation of our children. It is a small school where my children in the younger grades can walk through the halls and be greeted by name by older children and teachers. They are not just one anonymous child in a large grade, but are each recognized as a welcomed part of the community. We could not dream of a better place for our children to be.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2015

This teachers at this school are wonderful. They are caring individuals who know my children well and foster their growth in a Christ-centered environment. The emphasis on service to others is outstanding and is a mindset also adopted by the parents. The parents have formed a wonderful, close-knit community that supports each other during happy times as well as difficult ones, such as when a family member is ill. The location is also ideal. The facilities are nestled in a tranquil area of Safety Harbor that promotes a peaceful and safe learning environment. After reviewing many schools when we moved to Florida, we selected ESCS as the best fit for our family and we are very happy with that decision.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2015

My son has gone for three years and it is pitiful all the administration focuses on is their outside image, money, and the well-being of themselves.They are sexist too. My son was wrongly accused of bullying and every boy in his class knew he didn't do anything but because it was a girl that accused him she got him in huge trouble with the "authority figures."