Holy Ghost Catholic School
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: (505) 256-1563
Fax: (505) 262-9635
GreatSchools Rating
private • Grades PK-8 • 173 students
Holy Ghost Catholic School is a private school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is coed and Roman Catholic affiliated, serving 217 students in grades PK-8.
Holy Ghost Catholic School is a private school located in Albuquerque, NM. 173 students attend Holy Ghost Catholic School.
Posted: June 30, 2026
This school was so awesome! Shame on the Archdiocese for closing this school. The principal was amazing .staff teachers & students were great! The whole asking for money is the Catholic religion. Any Catholic Church & Archdiocese all they want is money. Its sad that they closed this school and not letting anyone know in advance. 2nd and 3rd grade yes was combined but obviously you didnt know how it worked to think 3rd graders were being taught 2nd grade curriculum.
Posted: June 30, 2026
Posted: June 30, 2026
Posted: June 30, 2026
Posted: June 30, 2026
Posted: June 30, 2026
Posted: June 30, 2026
Posted: June 30, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
Posted: May 16, 2026
This school was great until the new principal came in named Nichole Dominguez-Chávez. A majority of the senior faculty that made the school great have left since the new principals arrival. The number of students have dwindled down. The 2nd and 3rd graders are one class. I would not be happy if my third grader was being taught 2nd grade material. Everything seems like a money grab as well now with constant text give money for this or that. It really is sad what this school has become now. They pulled their google reviews as well to try and hide the current reputation of the school.
Posted: June 15, 2023
just now
NEW
My son came to Holy Ghost from another private Christian school. Hands down, he is getting the best education at Holy Ghost. The staff's main priority is the children's education and keeping our children safe with love and grace. I highly recommend this school to everyone.
Posted: June 15, 2023
Posted: June 15, 2023
Posted: June 15, 2023
Posted: June 15, 2023
Posted: June 15, 2023
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Posted: June 15, 2023
Posted: April 28, 2021
Holy Ghost is an amazing school with amazing teachers, staff, and administration! They truly know and care about my children! They helped guide us through some reading struggles with my 3rd grader. They provided guidance and extra one on one learning for him to overcome. He is now reading at his grade level. Administration was attentive to his need and made every accommodation possible to help get him to where he needs to be academically! I am forever appreciative for the time, resources, and guidance that we received! Quality education and quality care at the highest level!
Posted: April 28, 2021
Posted: April 28, 2021
Posted: April 28, 2021
Posted: April 28, 2021
Posted: April 28, 2021
Posted: April 28, 2021
Posted: April 28, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2021
Holy Ghost is such a wonderful school!
Our two oldest children transitioned from public school to HGCS and were immediately embraced by the students and facility. Our youngest saw how much his brothers loved there school and was excited to enroll.
They are learning to be accountable, independent, and are always being pushed to reach there full potential.
HGCS has established covid safety protocols, so the kids can stay in school face to face.
Posted: April 24, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2021
Posted: April 24, 2021
Posted: April 14, 2021
My experience with the school has been nothing less then exceptional. My daughter loves the school and the teachers. The approach to learning is highly effective for understanding and application. The staff and teachers are approachable and really care about their students. The environment is also positively diverse.
Posted: April 14, 2021
Posted: April 14, 2021
Posted: April 14, 2021
Posted: April 14, 2021
Posted: April 14, 2021
Posted: April 14, 2021
Posted: April 14, 2021
Posted: January 21, 2020
Posted: January 21, 2020
There are no perfect schools but this school is perfect for my family.
Posted: January 21, 2020
Homework is balanced -- traditional and technology based as well as the amount. I like that the work is to reinforce the classroom learning and not just busy work.
Posted: January 21, 2020
Posted: January 21, 2020
Posted: January 21, 2020
Adminstration really connects with the students and staff. You can't help but feel the sense of family from everyone.
Posted: January 21, 2020
Posted: July 28, 2019
Posted: July 28, 2019
Posted: July 28, 2019
Posted: July 28, 2019
Posted: July 28, 2019
Posted: July 28, 2019
If you want a clique school that caters to those parents who have extra time to spend gossiping in the front office...well this school is for you! My kid attended Holy Ghost from Pre-K - 8th grade and during 8th grade graduation which was suppose to be a good day turned into a complete nightmare! We advised Dr. Copland (principal) that my kid had made honors for the whole year of 8th grade and was not recognized appropriately during awards ceremony. She insisted that our kid did not make honors 3rd quarter we showed her proof that we held a certificate/grades for each quarter of 8th grade, including 3rd quarter. After all the money we have put into this school (mind you never asked for financial aide) the least we could have expected from the principal was an apology. During the graduation after the awards ceremony, the principal avoided us and would not approach us after being advised by her, herself to bring in proof of the 3rd quarter honors. We have had continuous issues throughout the year; however, this was one that was most impacting as it took away from a special day.
Posted: July 28, 2019
Posted: December 20, 2018
Students are involved in service learning projects, both in the community and in activities at school.
Posted: December 20, 2018
Dr Copeland is a committed and engaged principal. She is accessible to the parents and really cares about the children in the school.
Posted: December 20, 2018
Posted: December 20, 2018
Bullying has not been an issue, the school does not tolerate it.
Posted: December 20, 2018
Outstanding! My child was new this year and I highly recommend Holy Ghost Catholic School.
Posted: December 20, 2018
Posted: December 20, 2018
The teachers are fantastic. Communication with parents is excellent.
Posted: December 10, 2018
School provides an amazing supportive learning environment.
Posted: December 10, 2018
The teachers emphasize learning through homework and provide feedback.
Posted: December 10, 2018
They tailor the educational material based on interest and ability of individual students.
Posted: December 10, 2018
Great community school where values are a must
Posted: December 10, 2018
Principal has a very strong team and strong communication across the community.
Posted: December 10, 2018
Teachers have regular meetings to enable students to learn and excel.
Posted: December 10, 2018
no bullying is tolerated in school. Students understand consequences for their actions
Posted: April 18, 2018
Any incidents of bullying are dealt with swiftly and appropriately.
Posted: April 18, 2018
Posted: April 18, 2018
Posted: April 18, 2018
Posted: April 18, 2018
The teachers here are fully engaged and passionate about doing their best for the students.
Posted: April 18, 2018
Holy Ghost has become a home for us. Dr. Copeland, the faculty, the families who are so involved in the success of this school have become our community, challenging our sons academically, socially, and in their civic and moral duties. The military is moving us once again, and we sadly have to leave soon. Holy Ghost has become the bar by which we will measure every other school after this. The academic program has exceeded our expectations and given our boys a strong foundation. The homework and classroom environment are structured to foster personal accountability and self motivation. The teachers are fully engaged, and this comes across loud and clear to their students. My 4th grader recently told me "the teachers at Holy Ghost are on high alert." They don't miss a thing. If someone is being unkind, they're called out and the situation is dealt with appropriately and lovingly. Dr. Copeland truly leads by example. Her strong leadership and decades of continuity set the tone for her teachers and for the students. I can't speak highly enough of this school. It's the kind of place in which you want your kids to grow up.
Posted: April 18, 2018
Appropriate amount of homework and challenging to the students, reinforcing what they've learned during the school day
Posted: February 28, 2018
Posted: February 28, 2018
After trying three other schools in the city (one private school, APS, and one charter school), I can say I am so happy I never settled. There is no question Holy Ghost offers far superior quality education.
ACADEMICS:
Our children are challenged daily, and while there is some homework, it is simply reinforcement of what they have already learned in the classroom and includes concepts learned in previous weeks, so topics are remain relevant. Their 6th grade math was challenging even to my husband, who has a degree in math and a PHD in physics! Children get rewarded for reading and 20 min of their school time is devoted daily min daily only to reading.
THE COMMUNITY:
Everyone (no hyperbole here) was very welcoming to our family when we enrolled. Other parents introduced themselves in the parking lot, teachers made sure our children could adapt at their own pace, and the students were so kind to our children. Bullying is non-existent.
THE EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
There are a lot of options for sports, music, as well as other special interests. My son loves the magic club. PE now includes archery. Sometimes even their regular classes will involve other disciplines making it far more interesting and integrating (eg: their history class put together a very fun play about Ancient Greece; environmental science class has field trips to national parks where they have hands on experience planting trees).
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT MADE EASY
There is an online system where you can easily check the homework due each day, every grade posted, pay online, etc. You can download the app and keep track of it all on your phone. The email system is efficient and teachers reply within min-hr. If theres an upcoming quiz they think your children need to put more effort towards, they will contact you. In summary, you get to be as involved as you want, but you will never have to work on a science project on your own (their assignments are always theirs alone, and they have all the support in the school to get it done).
I just wish we had found it sooner. As a parent, I know there is no greater peace of mind than knowing your children are safe, happy, and getting great quality education while you are away.
Posted: February 28, 2018
Posted: February 28, 2018
Posted: February 28, 2018
Posted: February 28, 2018
Posted: February 28, 2018
Posted: February 1, 2018
Holy Ghost provides a faith based education that holds students to high academic and moral standards. Being a small community you get to know all the teachers and parents and the support from everyone is incredibly important. We have made many friends at this school both for our child and for us. The children also have many sports and extra curricular options.
Posted: February 1, 2018
Posted: February 1, 2018
Holy Ghost has an effective and supportive administrative team which translates to the teachers / faculty. This is not a large community so everyone works together.
Posted: February 1, 2018
Students are held to a high academic standard and are expected to participate in service projects that benefit home, school and community.
Posted: February 1, 2018
My child required additional support in reading and was given the support he needed and is more confident in his reading.
Posted: February 1, 2018
I have not experienced bullying with my child but I do know the principal is approachable and willing to listen to issues that involve students to resolve problems.
Posted: January 31, 2018
I love the people at this school. Everyone is so nice and the principal will listen to you.
Posted: January 31, 2018
Posted: January 31, 2018
Posted: January 31, 2018
The kids are required to complete service projects in their community.
Posted: January 31, 2018
Posted: January 31, 2018
Posted: January 31, 2018
The administration does not tolerate bullying. The teachers teacher peer mediation and conflict resolution.
Posted: February 2, 2017
I appreciate that Holy Ghost feels like a family and strives hard to make each child feel welcomed and loved. They have a challenging curriculum for all students and I really appreciate their integration of music, art and athletics into the curriculum. They offer a great assortment of after school activities as well. There are always ways to become involved in the school and they want the parents to know what is happening and be involved. Overall, good school and would highly recommend.
Posted: November 16, 2016
At the first signs of bullying - teachers intervene and there are meetings with the kids who are guided through a mediation process and resolutions are met.
Posted: November 16, 2016
Teachers here are willing to work with youth of different abilities and help them shine. Kids are included and there is no bullying allowed.
Posted: November 16, 2016
A wonderful group of folks that also lead by example!
Posted: November 16, 2016
All of the children participate in activities to help the community, to volunteer, to learn about sharing and respecting others. They are big on community service!
Posted: November 16, 2016
My child has 2 teachers for home room - one in the morning and one in the afternoon and each is 'WONDERFUL"! They are very effective at encouraging the children to learn and to become responsible, kind, community members.
Posted: November 16, 2016
All children in my child's class have planners and a folder to keep track of all homework and help them stay on task. They learn to be responsible for themselves and learn a sense of pride for doing well.
Posted: November 16, 2016
Our daughter has been going to Holy Ghost since Pre-K and we love it! She gets a wonderful education, loves to read, learns respect & kindness for others and nature.
They have sports clubs and chess and other activities. The teachers are top notch and there is a strong sense of community among all parents and kids.
Posted: June 16, 2016
My grandson has been at HGCS since Pre-K (going on eight years now). While he had some developmental delays that stemmed from a congenital condition at birth, the staff has been instrumental in accommodating his needs and helping him to continue progressing through his educational and spiritual development. He is very happy at Holy Ghost. The Pastor, Fr. Mark Schultz, is a wonderful, loving pastor who shepherds the school staff, the children, their families, and all others who give of their time, talent, and treasure. The Principal, Dr. Noreen Duffy Copeland, guides and inspires the teachers and other school personnel so well that they can, in turn, continue to affect the best interests of the students by cultivating learning and instilling values. We see happy, excited, involved children at assemblies, masses, school events, and in the halls and playgrounds. All continue to work tirelessly to achieve the schools vision to be a Community of God, inspired by the Spirit, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, and its mission to be a School Community that provides all students with opportunities for academic success and the demonstration of Christian values through service to others. HGCS is a terrific school in all aspects; we couldnt be happier!
Posted: June 16, 2016
Teachers inspire and encourage the students. They are firm but fair. They are consistent with their approach whether in the classroom, on field trips, on the playground, in church, or at extracurricular activities.
Posted: June 16, 2016
Given the current educational environment, the homework being assigned is preparing the students to be even better prepared for their secondary and future education.
Posted: June 16, 2016
Honesty, fairness, integrity are fostered in the everyday activities of the school. When an issue arises, it is dealt with immediately.
Posted: May 16, 2016
Posted: May 16, 2016
The amount of homework is fair and just for the appropriate age of the student. It is not too much nor is it too little.
Posted: May 16, 2016
Posted: May 16, 2016
My kids have have been going there for over 8 years. Not only has the school meet my expectations and exceeded them in my kids education, it is the environment that the principal (Dr. Copeland), administrative staff and teachers promote which makes it excellent. Encouraging service learning, extracurricular activities, positive learning environment, reading logs, etc all help the student to become a well rounded student. I highly encourage any parent who is concerned with their childs education to visit the school and talk to the principal.
Posted: May 16, 2016
This is a wonderful school and caring community. The teachers are dedicated, kind, and stay up to date with the best educational practices. The principal takes the time to know each child and identify their strengths.
Posted: May 16, 2016
Posted: May 16, 2016
Posted: May 16, 2016
Posted: May 14, 2016
This is an amazing school. The teachers and staff are wonderful and truly care about the students. The school truly feels like a community in which everyone works together for a common goal: to teach students to become well-rounded, educated and kind people. I would highly recommend this school. As a military family, I can honestly say that Holy Ghost will be the hardest part about leaving Albuquerque. If we could take the school with us, we would.
Posted: May 6, 2016
Holy Ghost Catholic School is a great school! The teachers and staff are very focused on providing the environment in which the students can grow as a whole-person: intellectually, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Our kids have gone here for the past 8 years, and everyone has helped them grow in all these ways. Dr. Copeland has been an amazing principal for over 20 years, guiding the school to national recognition as a Blue Ribbon school (one of the first private schools and for several years the ONLY Catholic school in New Mexico). Small class sizes are great, and discipline policy is tough but fair. Perfect school for those parents who consider their children's future well worth the investment in time and money (which is much less than many other private schools in the area).
Posted: May 6, 2016
Each student is different, so reaching everyone in any school is a challenge. With small class sizes (average is <20 students per grade), this is much easier at Holy Ghost. Years after my children leave a grade, the teachers at Holy Ghost still ask us about them and how they're doing.
Posted: May 6, 2016
While this varies by grade and time of year, the amount of homework averages out as just right over the course of the year.
Posted: May 6, 2016
Holy Ghost is very focused on whole-person growth: intellectual, emotional/behavioral, physical and spiritual growth. This is demonstrated in their grade appropriate programs, discipline policy, and religious education at all grade levels.
Posted: May 4, 2016
The school is a fine school. What I find most appealing about the school is that everyone (Parents, Teachers, Admin Staff) all care about the children's emotional as well as mental well being. It is a great environment for kids to learn in as there are minimal distractions or bad actors. The teachers are firm, but fair and challenge the kids to perform to their best and reach for the stars.
Posted: May 2, 2016
Our grandkids are thriving and the teachers have been very involved. For a small school, there are so many "extras" for them-- music, sports, field trips--- all with the priority teaching of our faith.
A grandparent
Posted: May 2, 2016
We recently moved to New Mexico and decided to enroll our kids at Holy Ghost after a very rocky start in the public schools. Immediately, we saw that the kids were happier, back learning at the level that they were before we moved, excited (almost too excited!) about reading and making friends. The school has very high expectations of students and parents, and backs that up with teacher support and great communication. It is a gem in Albuquerque.
Posted: May 2, 2016
The teachers at the school are obviously caring professionals who receive a lot of support from the school leadership. They help each student where they are and are very helpful.
Posted: May 2, 2016
The school is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition and holds honesty, integrity and fairness as important traits that they work to instill in the students. It is obvious that the staff tries to practice this as well.
Posted: May 2, 2016
Posted: May 2, 2016
Posted: May 2, 2016
Posted: May 2, 2016
Love the school. Extremely caring teachers and very involved parents. My kids have been going to Holy Ghost Catholic School for 6 years now. Highly recommend it!!
Posted: April 30, 2016
They are exceptional and use best practices in teaching. Technology is integrated into their teaching.
Posted: April 30, 2016
My daughter has a reasonable amount of homework. She is able to participate in sports and still has time to do her homework without staying up late. There is an emphasis on mastery learning through studying in small increments over a long period of time.
Posted: April 30, 2016
Students are expected to do the right thing. There is a discipline system in place that helps students reflect on their choices and make better choices when needed. Students are held accountable for their behavior in a constructive way. This is clearly communicated to the students and parents.
Posted: April 30, 2016
Holy Ghost is an excellent school. My daughter has attended this school for 8 years. She loves the principal, teachers, and the students. We love this school because of the emphasis on academic excellence, service, and treating others with respect.
Posted: February 12, 2016
Posted: February 12, 2016
Posted: February 12, 2016
Posted: February 12, 2016
This is an amazing school! My children are being educated in a way that prepares them for success in both academics and in life.
Posted: December 20, 2013
The principal at this school takes the time to know each and every student and parent. The atmosphere is wonderful with a lot of extracurricular activities. Highly recommend this school.
Posted: November 11, 2012
I have two children at this school. I love the tough but fair atmosphere. So far all the teachers my children have had are very well qualified and work with the children to keep them challenged. I appreciate how they expect parent envolvement and the relationship bewteen the teacher and the parent is a true partnership. I value the Catholic teachings my children receive and see that in the family feeling of this school.
Posted: January 16, 2012
Bad principal, bad teachers, old facilities, over fundraising. My child was bullied and the administration did nothing about it. One teacher played favorites to an extreme extent.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeast Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Albuquerque | NM | 5.9 mi | |
| 2 | Blossom Ridge at Anderson Hills | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Albuquerque | NM | 9.2 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albuquerque | Albuquerque | NM | 4.4 mi | |
| 2 | Taylor Ranch | Albuquerque | NM | 9.6 mi | |
| 3 | Rio Rancho | Rio Rancho | NM | 12.8 mi | |
| 4 | Ventana Ranch | Albuquerque | NM | 12.9 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Kirtland AFB | 4.3 mi. |
