School Spotlight: Holy Family Regional School

[sws_blue_box box_size=”493″] As part of our Education posts each Tuesday, RCM is launching a monthly “School Spotlight” to help our readers learn more about private and magnet schools in Madison County. We will continue to highlight the happenings at area public schools, and are excited to expand our education coverage to include more options for local students and their parents. [/sws_blue_box]

Rocket City Mom recently interviewed Patricia Kuhn, Principal of Holy Family Catholic Regional School, to learn more about this unique school. History was made in September of 1963, when Holy Family (then St. Joseph’s) played a quiet but important role in integrating the Alabama school system.

Name of School: Holy Family Regional Catholic School
School Phone: (256) 539-5221
School Location: 2300 Beasley Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35816; Located just off of Pulaski Pike, three blocks south of University Drive, next to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Holy Family Facebook Page

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:9 for pre-K, not more than 1:25 for other classes

School Mission: At Holy Family, we believe that emphasis on educational fundamentals has resulted in our students consistently scoring well above the national average on standardized tests. We teach through tactile, kinesthetic, spatial, auditory and visual styles. We promote good citizenship and effective Christian service.

Grades/Ages of Students: Pre-K through 8th grade

Religious affiliation: Catholic

Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:9 for pre-K, not more than 1:25 for other classes

What is your school’s predominant educational philosophy?
We believe that all children can benefit from Christ-centered learning, with a challenging curriculum in a safe environment. Individual development includes spiritual, physical, mental, artistic and emotional growth. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

What sets your school apart from other area programs?
Later this year, we will be celebrating our historic 50th anniversary as the first racially integrated elementary school in Alabama. In September 1963, just a few months after Governor George Wallace’s “Segregation Now, Segregation Forever” speech, twelve white students applied for admission to St. Joseph’s School, an African-American mission served by the Salvatorian priests, brothers, and sisters. There was no violence, no police escorts, no National Guard, just students who came to learn. St. Joseph’s merged with St. Mary’s School in 1979 to become Holy Family School. We are proud of our history and our diversity, and we are honored to still be served by the Salvatorians.

As we observe Lent and prepare for Easter, our students are participating in service projects to feed the hungry and provide Easter baskets to needy children. In this way, we teach more than just what is in the book or on a standardized test.

Another unique aspect to Holy Family is the “buddy” system. Kindergarten students are assigned a buddy in the 6th grade, and they stay paired up through the years until their buddy graduates from 8th grade. This gives the younger children an advocate, a friendly face in a new school, someone to read to them once a week or help them with art projects, while it teaches the older children responsibility, patience, kindness, and how to witness their faith.

What extracurricular opportunities exist for your students?
Athletics include basketball, soccer, track, and volleyball as part of the Huntsville Independent School League (HISL). Students can participate in Lego Robotics, science, math, art, and religion competitions as well as the Book-Enders reading club. The 7th and 8th grade students who are members of the Beta Club offer peer-tutoring twice a week throughout the year. We have spring and Christmas concerts, dances sponsored by the student council, an annual talent show, Family Game Night, and many other activities.

I am also proud to add that Holy Family won first place at the Science Olympiad regional competition at UAH this past weekend and will be headed to the state competition next month. We were one in 20 schools to participate!

What advice do you have for parents looking for a school for their child(ren)?
You do not have to be Catholic or even Christian to attend Holy Family; we welcome all faiths and creeds. We have daily prayer and weekly liturgy. We have the amenities of a much larger school, including a computer lab, a reading resource teacher and a guidance counselor, while maintaining a low student/teacher ratio.

Describe your admissions process:
We invite all families to tour the school prior to beginning the admissions process. Families must complete an application and pay a registration fee. A current State of Alabama Certificate of Immunization or a state-issued Exemption is needed. Tuition can be paid by monthly debit, and need-based scholarships are available.

Additional info about Holy Family School:
We also offer before and after school care and a hot lunch program.

[sws_red_box box_size=”501″]Holy Family’s Silent Auction, their largest fund-raiser, is this Saturday and is open to the public. It’s is full of fun, fine dining, and fabulous finds ALL in support of education. Contact the school for tickets and more information by Wednesday. [/sws_red_box]