Testimonials
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Our Community SpeaksDiverse Testimonials Reflecting Excellence and Compassion
Welcome to our Testimonials page, where the heartwarming voices of our school community come together to share their experiences and reflections. At Holy Family Catholic School, we take immense pride in our commitment to continuous improvement and our unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional educational environment for all families. Our diverse range of testimonials, from single parents to couples and grandparents, represents the tapestry of our community.
These testimonials highlight the various aspects that make our school truly special. Some emphasize our affordability, while others emphasize the sense of family that permeates our community. Many share stories of our staff's extraordinary dedication, going above and beyond to nurture and support our students. For some, it's the deep-rooted religious values that resonate, while others have found refuge and joy after transferring from challenging situations elsewhere. These testimonials are not just words; they are the authentic voices of those who have experienced the difference at Holy Family. We invite you to explore their stories and discover what makes our school a place where every child thrives and belongs.
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Presbyterian Pastor "Thrilled" With Faith-Based EducationReverend Allan Drake
"Some people might think it’s odd that a Presbyterian Pastor sends his child to a Catholic school. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the spiritual foundation that Aaron receives at Holy Family and the fact that he is in a highly Christ-like and love-filled environment. The care, attention, and expertise of the faculty and staff at Holy Family reaffirms my personal decision to send my child to private religious school."
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A School Truly Focused on the Overall Well-being of Your ChildKristen Hunter Perrin"Holy Family School is truly focused on the overall well-being of your child. I love that on top of the rigorous academics, my son is cared for and known by name throughout the staff. He’s not just a number. Thank you Holy Family!"
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We Don't Believe This Can be Found Anywhere!Mary Anick-Parrotta
"My boys have been with HFCS since preschool. We love the close-knit family feel of this school and don’t believe this can be found anywhere!"
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Transferring Our Son Was One of the Best Decisions We MadeThe Kolar Family
"After experience in local public schools, we can confidently say that transferring our youngest son to Holy Family was one of the best decisions we made with him. He became a successful graduate of Serra Catholic and is now excelling at the University of Pittsburgh.
We hadn’t realized how important of a role our faith played and could play in the educational environment. A Christ-centered education instills much needed lessons for life that we need in today’s world and looking toward the future."
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The Best Decision We Have Made for Our ChildrenCarla Mazurek
"Our decision to send our children to Holy Family Catholic School is the best decision we have made for our children. They are happy, confident, respectful, and spiritual children.
The lessons that are taught go beyond reading, writing and arithmetic. Values and morals are instilled in every subject, not just during religion class. We are so appreciative to the staff and families at Holy Family for their unending support and love, and we are proud to be a part of this family!"
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Holy Family Exceeded Our Expectations for All 5 of Our ChildrenScott Edmundson“It is reassuring to know that what our children are being taught at home is being reinforced every day in school. It is comforting to have a strong bond of friendship with other parents who share the same values that we do in our Catholic faith.
It has meant everything to us that our children are growing up in a school that places such strong emphasis on academics and faith; Holy Family has exceeded our expectations in both.”
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Affordability Without Compromising Academic or Extracurricular QualityRebekah Kozub
"As a mother of six children with a range of ages and interests, choosing Holy Family Catholic School has been an incredible journey. From my oldest successfully continuing his education at a Catholic high school after graduating from here, to my youngest embarking on the exciting path of kindergarten this year, Holy Family’s affordability allowed us to provide a faith-based education for our Catholic family without compromising academics or extracurricular offerings that help my children to be well-rounded. The faith-based environment resonates deeply with our Catholic values, but it's equally welcoming to families of all backgrounds.
One of the aspects that truly sets this school apart is its commitment to a well-rounded education. My children have not only thrived academically but have also been actively involved in a variety of athletic opportunities. From volleyball to basketball and cheerleading, they've found their passions and built strong friendships through sports. Even outside of school, they've pursued hockey with enthusiasm. The school's emphasis on nurturing talents extends to the arts, as my kids have also found joy and growth in choir and drama.
Beyond the academics and extracurriculars, what truly makes this school exceptional is the genuine care and sense of community that envelops its family. Holy Family is more than just an educational institution; it's a place where families feel valued and connected. The dedication of the staff and the commitment to creating a supportive environment are truly commendable. This school is more than just a choice; it's a second home where every child's potential is nurtured, and families are welcomed with open arms."
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A Leap of Faith: A Single Father's Investment in His DaugherKeith McHenry"As a single father with sole physical and financial responsibility for my daughter, I was nervous about the cost and transportation logistics if I enrolled my child in Holy Family Catholic School’s preschool program. Despite these worries, I took a leap of faith, placing her education and future above all else. She is now in her second year of preschool and thriving.
Holy Family has become more than an educational institution—it's a supportive village that has rallied around us. I work tirelessly to provide for my daughter, often navigating missed emails and communications due to my demanding schedule. In these moments, the school has consistently gone out of their way to accommodate our situation with unwavering kindness and patience.
Their genuine compassion for our little family's journey touches me deeply. They understand the adversities my daughter has faced, and their warm embrace has provided a nurturing environment for her growth. While I wasn't raised in a religious tradition and am not Catholic, I see the positive influence of her education, not only in her understanding of God but also in the universal values she's absorbing—values like empathy, compassion, and kindness.
Her enthusiasm for school is evident, and I can clearly see the strides she's making in her learning journey. She loves the holiday musical performances they practice for and put on for families in the church. She loves the Dr. Seuss and other celebrations in school. She loves the special visits from the local police and fire departments. She loves showing off what she learned in school when she comes home. She's gaining knowledge, confidence, and skills that will undoubtedly place her ahead of the curve when she enters kindergarten. I love her, and I see all of this as a testament to the critical investment I am making in her education.
Despite the financial and logistical challenges we face, the school remains committed to our well-being. They proactively explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid options, underlining their genuine care for our family. Holy Family Catholic School isn't just an educational institution; it's a compassionate, family-like community that's not only preparing my daughter for academic success, but also instilling values that will guide her throughout life."
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Teachers Know and Nurture Every Child as an IndividualDr. Jamie Lee Korns
"Several years ago, my husband and I initially chose a very popular school in our own town, but we realized very quickly the fancy facility and high tuition was not reflective of academic quality and what happened inside of the school. There, it felt like children were clearly perceived as “numbers” and the faculty and staff applied a “one-size-fits-all” approach–that was absolutely not a good fit for our family!
After that very brief rough start, my husband and I literally evaluated every option in the east suburbs of Pittsburgh. Holy Family Catholic School may not boast the fanciest building, but the moment we started to examine what it does offer, we knew it was the right choice for our three sons. As other parents know, even in the same family, children can be very different from one another. The faculty at Holy Family clearly recognize this and take the time to get to know and nurture every child as an individual, fostering a love for learning, creating a positive environment, and teaching and guiding each to fulfill his or her own unique potential.
We have also been impressed by the dedication of the school administration and the teachers to Holy Family’s mission and vision. They “practice what they preach” and every decision embodies their core values. This is particularly refreshing, as it helps to ensure a consistent and exceptional educational experience in a world where so many other schools seem to succumb to political pressures and change direction frequently.
It may be worth noting that I hold a doctorate in education and have nearly two decades of experience as a teacher and administrator myself, as well as observing and training teachers and administrators. I truly recognize the traits that shape and create a standout education, and I can very confidently assert that the genuine care and expertise at Holy Family makes it an exemplary choice for any families seeking the finest educational foundation for their children. Undoubtedly, the school's proven track record of academic excellence, values-driven ethos, and its warm, tightly-knit but welcoming community collectively contribute to the unparalleled educational experience that defines Holy Family Catholic School."
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Transfer Student Found "Her Place to Shine"Amy Willard Santora
"Transferring my daughter to Holy Family Catholic School in third grade was a transformative decision. Her previous school was marred by instances of bullying and unkindness, an experience that broke our hearts as parents. However, from the moment we stepped into Holy Family, we felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and inclusion. It was a complete reversal of what we had endured before.
The kids at Holy Family embraced my daughter with open arms, radiating kindness from day one. The stark difference in their behavior was a relief beyond words. Our family didn't just find a school; we discovered a place where we truly belong. The nurturing and compassionate atmosphere fostered by the teachers, staff, and students is beyond compare.
This environment extended far beyond the classroom. Through involvement in the band and other activities, my daughter found her place to shine. She was welcomed into these groups with the same open-hearted acceptance that characterizes Holy Family. This year, she's eagerly gearing up to run track, a testament to the confidence and belonging she's gained here.
In choosing Holy Family, we didn't just find a school; we found a haven where our daughter's true potential is nurtured, and where our family has found a community that uplifts and supports us in every way."
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A Blessing and an Investment That Helped Our Son ThriveKaren Zavacky
"My son attended Holy Family from kindergarten through grade 8. I feel so blessed and fortunate that I was able to give my child a faith-based education, and he could not have been happier, either! The teachers are not only excellent educators but they are loving, caring and nurturing to all the children.
At Holy Family, children are not only taught the academic curriculum, they are also taught values, respect and manners. This was not just a school to us; it was a second family. We have made so many close and lasting friendships with parents and teachers.
Holy Family offers so many ways to reduce tuition to make it more affordable, and this was invaluable to us. My son is thriving now as an honor student at [Pittsburgh] Central Catholic, and we can clearly see that sending him to Holy Family was an investment that provided him with a good, strong academic foundation for his future."
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Shaping Generations: The Inspiring Impact of Catholic SchoolElaine Lee"As a grandmother and a product of Catholic education myself, I have a deep appreciation for Holy Family Catholic School. My own education in a Catholic school played a significant role in shaping who I am today. I truly loved my education at Catholic School and believe it really formed who I am today.
One of the standout features of this school is the small class sizes and the unique relationships teachers build with each student. They don't just educate; they inspire, recognizing that every child is different. This personalized approach helps bring out the best in each child, not only academically but also in terms of their individual personalities and potential.
As a retired teacher, I honestly believe that every child does deserve a Christ-centered education. As a teacher, parent, and grandparent, I really believe a Catholic School does offer a far-superior education, and I believe the children can focus more on that education than in a public school. I am SO grateful my daughter sends her children to HFCS!"
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Our School, Our FamilyAmy Bick RobertsonMy kids have been at HFCS since they started school. HFCS isn't just our school but our family.
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The Foundation to ExcelNick, Alumnus“During my time there, Holy Family inspired me to learn. The school sparked my curiosity and instilled in me a desire to learn more every day. After graduating, I realized how great of an education I received when I excelled in my high school classes. I took advantage of the knowledge I had previously along with my continued Catholic education to be accepted to every college and university to which I later applied. I am now about to begin my junior year of college, and I am still thankful for the opportunity my parents took to send me to Holy Family."
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We Can Openly PraySavannah, Alumna“I like Holy Family because we can openly pray to God. We can pray for the sick and all of our armed forces.”
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We are a FamilyJustin, Student“We are a family at this school.”
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Preschool Program Prepared My Children Academically and SociallyB. Dapra"The preschool program at Holy Family is just wonderful! Both of our children attended and had such a wonderful experience. Not only were my children very prepared academically for kindergarten but socially as well. The teachers very loving and caring, which was exactly what my children needed to feel comfortable at school and enjoy going to class! "
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