Holy Family Catholic School

Jacksonville, FL 32256

Phone: (904) 645-9875
Fax: (904) 899-6060

NR

GreatSchools Rating

private • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7, • 416 students

Holy Family Catholic School, a private school located in Jacksonville, FL, serves grades PK-8 in the .

Holy Family Catholic School is a private school located in Jacksonville, FL. 416 students attend Holy Family Catholic School.

Posted: April 5, 2026

If you go to this school you will have 2 experiences based on where you fit in. Its either going to be a 5* or a 1*, we have called the 5* experience “the club”. If you are in the club, you can skip classes, you will be graded on a softer grading scale, teachers will host test/assignment workshops on the weekend and you will be invited to this. If you are not in the club and are late to class by 1 min they will get a tardy, they will hand in an assignment and everyone in the group will get a 90 but my child will get a 70, no help for tests. At the same time my child gets to hear how some of the club kids have only attended 25% of class and are rocking an A. In grade 5, 6, 7, and 8 there are areas where club kids can socialize while class is going on and not be counted tardy. If you are not in the club they will basically run you off, you are not welcome it will be obvious. Don’t try and work with the administration they exist to help club kids be all they can be.

Posted: April 5, 2026

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Posted: June 3, 2019

They do not overload our children with homework. They are allowed to complete it in class time permitting.

Posted: June 3, 2019

Good communication with us. They use text and email to keep us informed.

Posted: June 3, 2019

Children are always complimented on field trips for being very respectful and polite.

Posted: June 3, 2019

Positive and fair. The principal has developed a very good environment with the students, faculty and parents.

Posted: June 3, 2019

The school does a good job accommodating children with different learning levels to keep them motivated.

Posted: June 3, 2019

Bullying is not prevalent at this school and issues are addressed immediately. No tolerance for bullying. mike

Posted: June 3, 2019

We love this school and the families that attend. My oldest just graduated and has been at this school for 10 years. We have 2 more children still attending. Highly recommend this school. Families are very involved and make this a great place to learn.

Posted: May 15, 2019

Posted: May 15, 2019

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Posted: May 15, 2019

Posted: May 15, 2019

Posted: May 15, 2019

Our experience has been fantastic. My son is about to graduate and my daughter is in 6th grade. We love Holy Family! Administration has been fantastic!

Posted: May 14, 2019

Posted: May 14, 2019

Posted: May 14, 2019

Posted: May 14, 2019

Posted: May 14, 2019

Excellent. The children leave with a high level of education

Posted: May 14, 2019

The kids have a daily and consistent delivery of homework that supports the class development of the children

Posted: May 14, 2019

Posted: February 12, 2019

We have had a great experience over the last seven years.

Posted: February 12, 2019

Posted: February 12, 2019

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Posted: December 5, 2018

The Current Principal and Assistant Principal are both phenomenal. I always feel like the Principal has the children's best interest at heart.

Posted: December 5, 2018

Posted: December 5, 2018

This year has a strong anti-bullying policy. One day, my child was watching a show on bullying. He said, "That would never happen at my school." I love that Holy Family creates an environment where even the youngest children know bullying is unacceptable.

Posted: December 5, 2018

My child is in a younger grade and has homework Mon to Thurs only. Each night, less than 25 minutes is typically spent on homework. However, there are plenty of resources provided that we can use when there is a concept my child struggles with. Also, since the teacher communicates what is being taught each week, it is easy to see that their homework compliments the classwork.

Posted: December 5, 2018

We have been so grateful for each teacher we have had. The teachers here are amazing and selfless.

Posted: December 5, 2018

Teachers here truly demonstrate how to be good people. Some of these teachers remind me of saints, in that they have endless patience.

Posted: December 5, 2018

Holy Family is a wonderful school. Not only is my child being provided a strong academic experience, but the teachers provide a warm, nurturing environment. From the moment you walk in the front doors, you will meet amazing staff members. Shadia and Allyson in the office are some of the first people to welcome you, they are so kind and are patient with all the questions people have. When you meet the teachers, you will be impressed by their passion and their genuine concern for the children. We have enjoyed a great experience at Holy Family and we are thankful to be a part of this community.

Posted: October 23, 2018

We have been very happy with the school so far. Each year has a learning curve as your child will get a new teacher but that is to be expected. We have made what we hope are life long friends for our children and for ourselves. We hope that the school continues to grow in the current direction!

Posted: October 23, 2018

Homework is based of what the children are learning in the classroom. It allows more practice in areas where they need it and also allows for me to supplement at home.

Posted: October 23, 2018

We've been blessed with several years of really great teachers. Each one cares more then the next and it shows in their daily interactions with the students.

Posted: October 23, 2018

With the new discipline plan each child is learning to be responsible for their actions and inactions for that matter. We have been very pleased with the schools responses to any issues we have had.

Posted: October 23, 2018

With both a new principal (Came in half the year last year) and new vice-principal the school has set itself up for success. They both truly care about the success of the children and the school. The church and school are now working together better than ever to make this the most successful school in the diocese.

Posted: January 29, 2018

Posted: January 29, 2018

There are very few good teachers. Most of the great ones left when the last principal was here. The new ones are mostly parents at stage school and not good teachers at all. They show blatant favoritism to students who are neighbors or friends of their kids. Some barely teach and tells the kids to take notes with no direction.

Posted: January 29, 2018

Posted: January 29, 2018

Brand new principal, hard to say so soon.

Posted: January 29, 2018

Posted: January 29, 2018

Posted: January 29, 2018

It has been a very negative experience.

Posted: September 1, 2017

Posted: September 1, 2017

All the teachers that my children had and have this year are great teachers. I am writing this review because I was shocked at the language used by a previous parent review. Even if we disagree with a teacher for whatever reason, we have no right insulting her. The Spanish teacher for grades 5-8 is awesome! She has a big heart and many kids including my kids love her. she is open to discuss any issues a student or a parent may have, and I am talking from a personal experience. Please, you as a parent have the right to agree or disagree with a teacher but you have no right to insult her, it is just not the right way especially not the Christian way.

Posted: September 1, 2017

Posted: September 1, 2017

Posted: September 1, 2017

Posted: September 1, 2017

Posted: September 1, 2017

My kids loves the school and the teachers, it has been a positive experience for them

Posted: April 23, 2017

This is huge at Holy Family; I don't even know where to start. Students are encouraged daily to think of others and support one another, and this is reflected in everything from their weekly assemblies to the work displayed in the hallways to the endless opportunities to get involved in the community.

Posted: April 23, 2017

Our family has been at Holy Family since 2010 and we still have a long way to go. We have had a wonderful experience throughout the years and have only seen positive changes as the school seems to get better every year. As in any school, we've had many teachers that we've absolutely adored and a couple that we perhaps didn't click with, but the good so far outweighs any criticism I could offer. Anyone who is active in the church or school can easily see the cohesion between the two, and there's just no way to describe the connection you feel to your school community when you greet each other at church each week. Our children are taught so much more than academia at Holy Family. They are encouraged to empathize with others and are immersed in opportunities to celebrate and support one another (most recently when our school FaceTimed a deployed soldier during an assembly and just a couple of weeks ago when the children participated in a fundraiser in memory of the beautiful soul of Kate Amato). There are countless ways to get involved in and outside of the classrooms and parents are always eagerly encouraged to provide feedback and opinions. In addition to feeling like a family, Holy Family has recently expanded their campus and increased campus security and safety. It is obvious that the faculty and staff at Holy Family are continually looking for ways to improve and meet the expectations of their families. I feel so blessed to be a part of it all and our family looks forward to continuing to grow in God's love with Holy Family.

Posted: April 23, 2017

Holy Family is extremely proactive and seems to address the issue of bullying before it ever occurs. In the rare instances that I've heard of any issues where a child feels bullied, parents have told me that they feel confident and secure in the ways in which Holy Family dealt with the issue.

Posted: April 23, 2017

I don't have much experience in this area at Holy Family, but I do know of two teachers in particular that work one-on-one with students that need individual help with specific areas of learning.

Posted: April 23, 2017

There have been so many positive changes at Holy Family over the past few years. Families are warmly welcomed from the moment they enter the school each morning, the principal is easy to talk and engages the students, teachers are energetic and happy, and students are hands-down the most polite, respectful young people you'll encounter.

Posted: April 23, 2017

Holy Family staff and faculty all are "on the same page" and are easily accessible and eager to help.

Posted: April 23, 2017

Homework always reinforces topics taught and practiced at school. Students are required to complete homework and are given an opportunity to turn in assignments late with a point penalty.

Posted: January 13, 2017

A firm understanding of what it means to be a decent human being is deeply rooted in knowing God and what He expects of us. With the way the world is heading, I wanted a Catholic education for my children, as I had growing up. This is probably the only reason I have kept my child at Holy Family. It is my home parish and we can't afford to pay non-parishioner tuition rates elsewhere. It is only our second year at the school and tuition is going up again next year with no explanation as to why the increase is needed, other than a vague "to balance the school's budget." The Principal is not as responsive as one would expect or hope and any concerns seem to be ignored or dismissed. If your child is advanced, they will not be challenged, at least not in Kindergarten or 1st grade. Despite teachers' claims to challenge individual students at their level, this does not happen. As another parent told me, 'they cater to the middle.' I have found this to be true so far, but have also heard this gets better at the higher grades. I know that my child would get a better academic experience at a magnet school, based on feedback I've received from parents who have their child in one. The religious education and the incorporation of Catholic values in the every day experiences a child might have in school is why my child remains at Holy Family. I am disappointed with my experience as a parent overall, although my child seems to like to the school. I expected better and unfortunately, with the tuition continuing to increase, may have to reconsider re-enrolling. It is disappointing that the advantages of a Catholic education comes at such a high price, at this or any Catholic school.

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

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Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: October 23, 2015

I guess with everything you are going to have those that have bad experiences. We've been at the school for 8 years now and feel that the teachers care and are preparing our kids for the next step in their education. The new principal was/is a much needed change and is only improving the learning environment. As far as the politics go, I'm sure there's some of that everywhere but you have to get involved if you wish to make an impact or change the culture. Our kids love the school and relationships that they've made and I can't think of another school that we'd rather be associated with.

Posted: May 26, 2015

Posted: May 26, 2015

Posted: May 26, 2015

Posted: May 26, 2015

We were very satisfied with this school when we first started five years ago. It was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 2012. However, in the past couple of years, this school has really gone down hill. First, there has been a lot of turnover on this school since the new principal has been hired. Some of the good teachers left and some not-so-good ones were hired. Second, the amount of politics in this school is just mind-boggling. There is a handful of parents that have the ear of the school and church administrators. These "privileged" parents exert their influence on the school and get their way all the time (i.e. getting teachers fired). Third, the level of favoritism and bias in this school is sad. It's unfair to the kids.

Posted: April 26, 2015

This school is incredible, and teaches everything my children need to learn to participate in today's society. Their mission statement in itself speaks how important each child's life is to the faculty and staff at Holy Family -"Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Holy Family Catholic School community commits to fostering deepening faith, academic excellence, responsibility for self, and concern for others." My family couldn't ask for a more loving, caring staff. It seems that the people who are unhappy about the school had a negative experience. Certain comments they have made are inaccurate and/or inappropriate - if we are called to follow Christ's example, we will speak love to others, even if they made a mistake in the past (casting anonymous stones via this website isn't the way to go). Meeting the principal, conversing with the teachers, and attending events to get to know other parents are all ways you can research for yourself what the truth is about Holy Family Catholic School. And if you are considering this amazing school, take all comments here with a grain of salt, pray wholeheartedly if this is the best fit for your family, and trust that God will provide.

Posted: April 25, 2015

If we really want the school to improve then it is important to provide face to face feedback, so people can create awareness that can lead to corrections. After all, we all have areas of strength and areas where there is room for improvement. Reputation is an important aspect of the human person, and personal judgment about a performance or situation must be done without forgetting that every person bears the dignity of being made in the image of God.

Posted: April 21, 2015

Has anyone checked out the accomplishments of the leadership which has come the last few years? Do you know his past? Did anyone call for references? Seriously, the rep has gone down hill. Everyone knows it, and yet everyone is afraid. This does not make sense. The school was blue ribbon before and what is it now. A disgrace. We should be hiring those who have not been asked to leave other schools. Who made that decision.? What does he stand for? what has he done good for the school, who in the school would give him an A for Effort, Kindness, Care for the children and teachers, willingness to work with parents and teachers for the betterment of the children? Is there any staff, parent teacher or student who would have his back when the times are hard - probably not. We need to find out why he is here?

Posted: April 15, 2015

After 4 years of Holy Family Catholic school, I will be removing my child. This will be the end of the 2nd year of the new principles term and I can say without a doubt he has taken this school to an entirely new low. He lacks the compassion and motivation to keep the school together as a family as he disregards the students as well as his own teachers. Holy Family is now a business being run by a boss and not a leader or mentor. Until this changes, I do not see this school as a healthy environment for my child.

Posted: February 11, 2015

My child attended HFCS for 5 years before we pulled him out. It was a big sacrifice for us to afford this school but we thought it was worth it. After all , it was a blue ribbon school! Like other reviewers said, the environment was militant and unforgiving. Sadly I didn't see the stress that my son was put under to live up to the schools "blue ribbon" reputation. It was awful. The teachers were cold and the administration even colder. I never realized this until we placed him in a different catholic school. What a difference!! He tells me every day how much happier he is. He even told me once that he had a nightmare that he had to go back to Holy family.

Posted: September 18, 2014

What is going on here? Why are we hiring a divorced man who is living with his girlfriend, who was asked to leave his past employment at another Catholic school! With all the exceptional teachers coming out of college, don't we need to set out standards higher? We need to create a Catholic community that support our religious beliefs. I am very disappointed in this and other activities I see going on at the school. I am concerned with the administrations decisions this year!

Posted: April 21, 2013

It's very disappointing to see that some parents have had bad experiences at Holy Family. Unfortunately, that can happen anywhere. I have had children at Holy Family every year since the school opened (in August 2002) and we are pleased with the school. Are there days when we wish we were in charge and would tweak something at the school? Sure. Are there many more days when we are perfectly satisfied with the school, the staff, and our fellow parents? ABSOLUTELY. We and our kids are very happy at the school, and look forward to continued success. If considering Holy Family for your children, it's vital to visit the school, meet the new principal, talk to parents of current students. Based on the feedback here, there have been five positive reviews and three negative. Considering that people tend to be more vocal when they are unhappy, I'd say that this is generally a pretty good endorsement of the school.

Posted: September 23, 2012

Congratulations to Holy Family Catholic School, a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. One of 50 schools in the nation, but the only Catholic school in Florida. This school is a hidden treasure!

Posted: April 15, 2012

I came across this website and was surprised to read negative comments about HFCS. My child has attended HFCS since Pre-K and is now in the 7th grade. Our experience has been excellent. The teachers challenge the children and hold high standards. Over the years there have been many creative projects that have sparked interest in geography, science, religion and culture. The experience level of the teachers is impressive. There are extracuricular activities for all interests - sports, chess, reading and math clubs, music, service clubs. Last year there was a drama production. There is even a support group called Rainbows for children who have suffered a loss. HFCS has been a kind, nurturing Christian environment for my child to grow up in.

Posted: November 15, 2011

I made the unfortunate decision to place my two children at this school and I wish I had first read the review posted here from September 14, 2009. This school, for all it's "Christian" posturing IS militant and unforgiving. My children, by all objective measures, (even Holy Family's!) were smart, kind and well behaved kids, YET endured primitive disciplinary tactics in their middle school prgram, some of which are just coming to light now in therapy. If my review gives one person pause, then maybe it will offset some of the guilt and pain with which I am trying to live.

Posted: May 28, 2011

My two sons just started in HFCS. They like the school very much. I feel I made the correct decission by choosing the school. All this time since my first visit seeking a placement I have all good nothing negative. The principal and the tutorial staff are awoesome. Pastor too very devoted to the school and keep track on devolopment.

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