Holy Cross

150 Emmett Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

17 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 03, 2023

In Junior High, my parents sent me to Holy Cross School. I went from public to Holy Cross. I was not happy at first, but it was the best experience. I was welcomed and made some life long friends. My kids who are in 5th and 7th, have been there since kindergarten. It's a sense of community, stability, kids are kind to each other. And the education that they are receiving is phenomenal. Field trips, Middle School science fair, Mission Report, Egyptian tomb project, learning Spanish, Religion (but you do not need to be Catholic). And then there is the athletic program which is the best. The children do not have to try out for the teams. They just get to be on them and experience team sportsmanship, learn the love of the sport, connection, sense of belonging, and it helps them get better at the sport as they start them young. I learned the love of basketball there as I played for HC, and went on to play in high school. My children love the school, and so do we!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2023

My two grandchildren attend Holy Cross, and I cannot say enough positive things about this special place. The teachers, faculty and staff are attentive, professional, warm and caring. There is a strong sense of community overall. The environment is welcoming, safe, and inclusive. I love hearing the stories from my grandson (2nd grade) about how he connects with not only his classmates but also the older students -- he respects and admires the bigger kids and loves the opportunity to play with them on the blacktop and on the court/field! My granddaughter (middle school) is so very happy to have the chance to participate in a variety of sports, sing in the choir, serve in student government and also sincerely embraces any requirement for service hours. I feel very confident that Holy Cross has instilled precious values and provided a foundation for my two grandkids that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2023

I cannot express enough the gratitude I feel daily when dropping off my two daughters (1st and 6th grade) at Holy Cross School. Every morning, rain or shine, the principle, is waiting by the front doors to help kids out of their cars and offer a friendly hello to each student as they arrive. School wide morning assembly follows shortly after, with each grade (Kindergarten included) taking turns leading and practicing their public speaking skills. The sense of community at Holy Cross is palpable, with staff and students looking out for each other - you can really see this with the older grades, who proudly strive to be examples for the younger students. At Holy Cross, even in 7th and 8th grade, it is cool get first honors, bond with your little buddy and be respectful to teachers and staff. Academically, Holy Cross is absolutely excellent. Because of the small class sizes, they are able to meet each student where they are at, helping everyone to reach their own highest potential. In areas where they excel, students are given the resources they need to continue growing; in in subjects that provide challenging, students are supported and helped to feel proud of their accomplishments. Diversity is key at Holy Cross, and whether you and your family are Catholic, secular or of another faith, Holy Cross and their general message of global citizenship, caring for others, striving to always hold space and do the right thing, are beautiful goals for us all. I only wish there was a Holy Cross high school as well!
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2023

Holy Cross is a great school. Both of my children received an excellent education in a loving and caring environment. Holy Cross is more than just a school, it is a family.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2022

We’re a current family of Holy Cross School. We moved here in 2021, and Holy Cross was an easy choice for us. We love the small community, the effort and enthusiasm the principal, Ms Patano, and all the teachers put into learning and every other special event. The families of Holy Cross are also really involved and all contribute in one way or another to help make this environment one of the best we’ve experienced. Even under all the restraints and unknowns of pandemic, unforeseen drills and even in general life hurdles that come along in, this community stands united, supporting and genuinely caring. Both our children have flourished and grown in confidence and ways we could only wish for. To say we highly recommend Holy Cross doesn’t even come close to how incredible we feel Holy Cross has been for our children. We are grateful everyday we chose this school for our children.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2022

Holy Cross is an excellent choice academically and an affordable education.
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2022

I had never considered parochial school for our children, and only did so when the pandemic happened- when public schools went remote. We have been so incredibly thankful for this change. We LOVE this school, and our children, ages 9 and 7 years old, LOVE it. And my children are challenged academically and step up to it, and love the structure of their day. This is our second year. Growing up, even though I did well in school, I never actually wanted to go, and it's strange to see our children accountable, even asking to go to school when they are sick?!? It is seriously a wonderful and supportive community, with the staff, the principle who knows everyone's name, and all the parents within the school. It's evident how happy the children are, when they break out for lunch, and they are running around in recess. For a school that is smaller than public, the resources are amazing, and the spirit is incredible. A visit will make you believe, and you will feel the charm and the pride. It's also quite honestly much cheaper than other private schools in Santa Cruz, and I quite honestly do feel like I am paying for a better eduction than in public. My 4th grader is being given extra math homework, because he accepts it, and in turn, he is not bored, understands that he is "not good at everything, " and well, continues to try even when he gets things wrong. And in terms of the Catholicism. Whatever the religion, hopefully, it comes with faith. And I am thankful that my children are learning about that right now. That even when their lives feel hard, they are ultimately not alone, and they are always loved. They are learning about Love. It's a lesson that many adults have forgotten or never learned.
Submitted by student on February 11, 2019

The teachers are nice enough, but the principal is abysmal. Other than that, it's just what you'd expect from a catholic school.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2019

Excellent teachers, great activities and programs, excellent school!!
Submitted by other on January 26, 2019

It’s been such a pleasure sending our daughters to Holy Cross. When we arrived a couple of years ago, we were looking for an exceptional school experience for our, then, three year old. We found Holy Cross Pre-school and never left. Our oldest daughter loves her school. She loves her classmates, teachers, staff, and curriculum. She asked to stay there until second grade, when they do their communion. Then, she asked to continue on to third grade because that’s when the choir can go to the risers. Her faith is strong and I can honestly say that it is because of her school. She is now part of a girls running club and is looking forward to what other great opportunities she can be part of with her friends. My you hear daughter just started going to Holy Cross in their preschool and she LOVES it!!!!! I pick her up from school and she is as happy as when I left her. It truly is a great way to receive your children after a long day at work. Both my partner and I work full time, so having an extended care built in is a great way for the children to be part of other activities within the same school. I appreciate the dedication of the teachers, the principal, Ms. Catalina, the PARENT ASSOCIATION, staff, and the community. Go Panthers!!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2018

Excellent I have been more than pleased
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2018

This is a great school if you desire a place for your child to succeed is academics and build a moral compass. The parents are involved and strong. They have control over behavior and use the tools they have to better the whole child.
Submitted by teacher on July 20, 2018

It was the worst experience of my life.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2017

Extremely impressed with all aspects of this school. Attentive and highly committed faculty and staff. Students receive excellent education and enrichment. Dynamic and caring community. All around amazing place!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2013

My son has been here one year and we can't say enough great things about this school. The teachers are all very professional and the school of focused on many advancements in technology including iPad use and smart boards. Detected Spanish, technology,and PE teachers coupled with a great life lab program give this school amazing depth in instruction. Holy Cross also has a great sense of community and excellent leadership. A great school overall.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2013

I have had 3 children at this school for the past 11 years. It has been a wonderful learning and nurturing environment from preschool through 8th grade. The teachers and staff have been wonderful. It is truly a family environment where you really get to know the families of your child's classmates. I feel that my children are very safe and there is a strong focus on educating the whole child. I love that it is a K-8 program. Not only is it convenient to have my kids at the same school for a longer period of time, the "buddy" program between older and younger students is priceless.
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2010

My children have been at Holy Cross for the past 7 years, including preschool. I have nothing but good things to say about the school. The teachers are top notch, the environment is nurturing yet academically challenging. The focus on community is something we appreciate daily. I think the skills my kids have learned at Holy Cross will last a lifetime, both academically and spiritually.