Holy Spirit School in Annandale | Military Town Advisor

Posted: December 15, 2025

Holy spirit school was a great experience for my children until, a new staff came. My child started coming home with tears in her eyes claiming a teacher was picking on her. The school fails to help my child pass her classes. I told my children to ask questions if they need help and the teachers seemed to agree with me on this then my children said that the teachers were yelling at them. These teachers do not act like responsible adults. Also the kids are so disrespectful to the point where I had to email parents saying to respect my child's boundaries and opinions. If you hate your kid that much send them hear, otherwise I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL.

Posted: December 15, 2025

Posted: December 9, 2025

Our family has been part of the Holy Spirit community for five years now, and we couldnt be happier. While we did have one difficult year that was very teacher-specific, that teacher is no longer at the school, and every year since has been a great experience.
The resource team is absolutely amazing. They go above and beyond to make reasonable accommodations and modify schoolwork based on each childs diagnosis and individual needs. Its clear they truly care about supporting every students success.
This is our second year with the new principal, and weve only seen positive changes come about under her leadership. The school community itself is exceptional. The parents are kind and involved, and the school does an incredible job creating fun and meaningful events for the students throughout the year.
We genuinely love Holy Spirit and highly recommend it to any family looking for a supportive, faith-filled, and nurturing school environment.

Posted: December 9, 2025

Posted: November 18, 2025

We've been at Holy Spirit for a very long time now (almost 15 years). All of our children have thrived there and have gone on to do very well in high school. The school overall has high academic standards and encourages a respectful environment among teachers and students. The Catholic identity informs all of the classes and activities, and it makes a difference how people in the building treat one another.

I think the school has done a consistently good job of communicating with the parents. More work is demanded of the students than is typical in some other schools, but the amount of homework has significantly decreased over the years, and I think it's quite manageable. My older children made friends at Holy Spirit that they still keep in touch with, years after graduation. The community of parents is very welcoming and there are several school events to get involved in.

As with any school, some classes of kids are better or worse than others, some teachers are more adept than others, and some years are better than others. No school is perfect, but we've been happy at Holy Spirit and pleased with the formation for our children. I encourage you to visit for yourself and watch interactions inside and outside of the classroom.

Posted: November 18, 2025

Posted: November 10, 2025

We have been at Holy Spirit for 4 years since 2021. We have seen nothing but improvements every year as they strive to improve and balance Academics, Safety, School Spirit, and Family Engagement. No school is perfect, however Holy Spirit is not static, they are dynamically tweaking and improving based on constant vigilance and engaging parents for feedback. Not only are we content with school experience but also their growth. We originally chose Holy Spirit, while living in another state, from a spreadsheet of metrics that include school population, campus size, outdoor recreational opportunities, social media transparency, capital improvements underway or planned, and so forth. In hind sight we are super happy and fortunate with our selection and will be sad to leave this new school "family".

Posted: November 10, 2025

Posted: October 31, 2025

We are in our ninth year as Holy Spirit parents and currently have four children enrolled. Our oldest started in Kindergarten and is now in 8th grade, while our youngest just began pre-K. When we first considered schools, we toured five Catholic schools in the Fairfax/Burke/Clifton/Springfield area.

Holy Spirit stood out thenand continues to stand out todayfor several reasons:

1) Authentically Catholic and Joyful

The school offers a true Catholic education that is both faithful and joyful, not too or stuffy. They are true to the teachings of the Church but do it with a smile.

2) Strong, Professional Leadership

Over nine years, weve experienced two principals, both highly professional even though they have different styles. . The current principal is known for being very "pro teacher," which is important given how hard teacher retention can be with parish schools. They are competing with higher tuition private schools, and with FCPS which has a massive taxpayer-funded budget.

3) Engaged Parish and Pastor

Fr. O'Donohue is the Pastor and cares deeply about the school. The Parish helps fund the school, which helps keep tuition costs as low as possible for Catholic families. He and the other priests are very active at the school and make a positive impression on the kids.

Most importantly, our children are happy and safe at Holy Spirit. They have strong friendships, are growing academically, and growing in their faith. It was a tough decision choosing a school 9 years ago, but my wife and I couldn't be happier with the decision we made.

Posted: October 31, 2025

Posted: October 4, 2025

I highly recommend Holy Spirit School. I have been there for 8 years and will try to continue to be until my three children are out of middle school. It has been such a blessing to be a part of such a great community of parents and staff. They have always looked out for my children as needed and I know they look out for their best interest. I have met some really great people that are all willing to lend a helping hand.

I think that 4th and 5th grade was a bit tough homework wise, but it prepared my daughter for middle school.

Posted: October 4, 2025

Posted: August 3, 2025

The school has a high turn over rate of teachers. Teachers do not need to have degrees in education, they eventually need to get a teaching certification. I asked for numerous conferences from a few teachers and never received a response or conference. School leadership is lacking and unwilling to work with families. Instead they seem to lean into a more negative tone towards parents and children. Reaching to the parish priest with issues during the school year led to no immediate solution or apology, but they did change accountability of students in after school programs. We decided our kids are better off in public schools than catholic schools based on this last year. In summary, new school leadership is lacking in Chris, empathy, and the school needs to be audited.

Posted: August 3, 2025

Posted: December 7, 2024

One of my biggest regrets is sending my children to this school. The volume of homework is outrageous (literally six hours of homework some nights). The high teacher turnover shows how miserable the faculty is. Some of the faculty are neither trained in education nor licensed to teach. Serious behavioral issues are not addressed by administrators. We left and found a much better school.

Posted: December 7, 2024

Posted: September 1, 2024

I love this school so much. The pastor gives us chocolate bars on our birthdays along with various candys and/or ice cream. This really helps me learn although I wish there were more advanced classes.

Posted: September 1, 2024

Posted: November 8, 2023

Although this school is effective in educating its students, it fails to deal with serious issues such as bullying and mental health. Bullying, although addressed in talks, is never properly managed. As a former student, I faced bullying and social ostracism, and I received little to no help from the teachers that I reported it to; other students who faced bullying encountered this problem as well. I finally had to bring my situation directly to the vice principal, and it was only then that the bullying slowly began to stop. This school does not do anything about bullying except give suspected bullies a five-minute talk about their behavior.

Posted: November 8, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

I love Holy Spirit School. The teachers are nice except almost all of the good teachers have left or retired. So the school has a lot of young teachers some of them in their early 20's. Also students get a lot of homework and at an early age you start getting homework everyday in 1st grade. But everyone at Holy Spirit is nice. There is no bullying at the school and the school does a lot of things that are fun like field day. I love Holy Spirit School.

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: March 5, 2023

A lot of bullying/harassment that the administration does nothing about. This school thrives off of communal punishment. Instead of punishing the kids who are actually bad, they decide to punish the entire school.

Posted: March 5, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2022

This school has gotten way worse over the years. Most of the good teachers left and the new ones are mediocre-bad. The school knows this and does nothing about it. I have been extremely stressed by the amount of homework we get (most kids have less homework when they go to high school, im not exaggerating ) and the school doesnt seem to care about mental health. The special education program is just awful, very little resources or staff and the ones they have arent great. I didnt feel safe during my time here, there is a huge bullying and harassment problem (including sexual harassment) and they dont do anything except tell the bullies to stop. The good thing about this school is that they have a lot of money, so you get to have interesting trips and spirit days. Also, there are a few great teachers who really support you and help you learn. But overall, this place is a no.

Posted: June 21, 2022

Posted: February 11, 2022

I am a parent of 3 children at Holy Spirit and we could not be happier with our experiences. Throughout the pandemic, the staff and administration have remained committed to keeping our children safe while providing them an in person experience. The administration has been more than successful in making this happen along with the support of the families. The teachers are consistently supported these same efforts and there has been very little turnover (if any) we rarely have substitutes in the classrooms. We are thankful for their commitment to the growth, development and safety of the kids..

Academically, the kids are challenged each day in all subjects. Two of my children were placed in Level IV in Fairfax County and both continue to be challenged academically at Holy Spirit in the classroom.

Posted: February 11, 2022

Posted: January 5, 2022

Average elementary school, below average middle school. The amount of homework is stressful, even for young kids. The teachers are average, and most of the good ones seem to have left a while ago. A good thing about this school is it prepares you well for stress in high-school. They have little resources for children who struggle academically or have learning disabilities, so if your kid struggles a lot in school this place is a no. I havent had much experience with bullying at this school, but what I saw was either ignored or the children were not given enough discipline at all.

Posted: January 5, 2022

Posted: January 14, 2020

This school has changed over the years. Many good teachers have left or retired.
About 20% of teachers will put the extra effort to help students who might need extra help. This school is not for those who struggle academically. FPS system provides more resources and help for the students with disabilities or to those who need extra help. One pro of attending Holy Spirit is a safer environment and religious education, other than that FSP might be a better choice.

Posted: January 14, 2020

Posted: November 22, 2019

We are in our 5th year at Holy Spirit and couldn't be more pleased with the overall education our children are receiving. It is a well run school and has strong financial support from the PTO/school families. Teachers are incredibly nurturing and truly strive to see each and every child succeed. Overall a wonderful community of the Catholic faith and would highly encourage anyone who's interested in learning more about the school to visit their website and schedule an individual in-person visit. After visiting Holy Spirit, one will quickly walk away with the notion that it's a very special place filled with joy, smiles, faith and an eagerness to learn.

Posted: November 22, 2019

Posted: October 7, 2019

Horrible School!
This is the worst school we could choose for our children. I dont even know where to start its so horrible! Extremely superficial!!! Having updated facilities and fake smiles on faces do not make a good school! Human factor and heart is missing in this school! Majority of teachers are inadequate and absolutely not helpful! Also, nothing was done about any bullying case weve heard of! I would give this school Zero stars if I could!

Posted: October 7, 2019

Posted: February 22, 2019

I have no experience with this issue.

Posted: February 22, 2019

An excellent place to learn and develop good character!

Posted: February 22, 2019

Some homework is given but it is manageable at the 2nd and 3rd grade level.

Posted: February 22, 2019

Our daughter's 2nd and 3rd grade teachers have been amazing!

Posted: February 22, 2019

The principal is very organized and effective. She does a wonderful job with maintaining a Catholic culture.

Posted: February 22, 2019

Posted: October 25, 2018

Wonderful. My son graduated from here 3 years ago and still has fond memories and is excelling in advanced classes at a local Catholic high school. My daughter is in middle school and is thriving--she is happy, has great friends, enjoys her teachers and is challenged academically for this age what more could I want.

Posted: October 25, 2018

The teachers use a system to coordinate tests in the middle school. Yes, the program is more rigorous than a public middle school, but I want my child to learn how to manage time between academics and sports and be challenged to strive for more than average. We have seen huge growth in our daughter in math which is not her strength and the pride she has in her work is amazing.

Posted: October 25, 2018

The teachers are prompt in answering emails and questions I have and they empower the students to be active participants in their own learning. My daughter is now comfortable in advocating for herself which makes me know that when she goes to high school she won't get lost among the crowd. You can tell that the teachers all get along well and really enjoy being there--just come by during spirit week and you will witness it first-hand.

Posted: October 25, 2018

The school emphasizes this from preK-8. Through the service opportunities, weekly mass, prayer services, adoration, confessions. The middle school has adopted a house system this year with the focus on positive behaviors like integrity, compassion and kindness. They have turned the focus from being punitive to recognizing the good that these students are doing daily. The students are even rewarded for their efforts which let's be honest even in middle school students need an incentive.

Posted: October 25, 2018

The resource program has grown immensely since we came to the school 5 years ago. The school is really about inclusion of students with all needs. The teachers work well with the resource teachers and there is a team mentality. One of the teachers was concerned about some issues that my daughter was having in class academically beyond the "not studying" she immediately contacted me and recommended her to the student support team. Everything worked out well and my daughter is achieving and feeling successful.

Posted: October 25, 2018

Everyone defines bullying differently and sometimes it is just the age and being mean and not true bullying. I haven't seen bullying nor has my child ever felt bullied. I do that behaviors are addressed by the teachers and administration. I know the counselor teaches monthly virtues. I think if parents have a concern they should always speak to their child's teacher and administration.

Posted: August 28, 2018

Homework load much too high and children suffer

Posted: August 28, 2018

Used to be that way but bullying is out of control. Middle school leadership is not strong and does not build character by example

Posted: August 28, 2018

Many problems with middle school leadership. Need a change in middle school

Posted: August 28, 2018

They advertise supporting special needs but resources are too limited. One special needs teacher told me phonics based decoding issues had nothing to do with dyslexia. Do not follow diocesan policies for sap and itcap

Posted: August 28, 2018

Huge bullying problems that are largely unaddressed. Has gotten worse in last few years

Posted: August 28, 2018

Elementary school average but middle school below average

Posted: November 21, 2017

The teachers seem to genuinely like teaching at Holy Spirit. They are positive and welcoming.

Posted: November 21, 2017

Maureen Ashby is a gift to the school community. She clearly loves Holy Spirit and is dedicated to both faculty and students.

Posted: November 21, 2017

I have not had any experience with bullying at this school.

Posted: November 21, 2017

We made a move from a nearby Catholic school and we have been so pleased with our decision. The faculty and administration create a warm and positive environment for students while still having high expectations for student learning. If you are in the Fairfax area and school shopping, be sure to visit Holy Spirit School!

Posted: November 21, 2017

Middle school teachers could coordinate a little more to lighten the load; however, these students will be well prepared for high school.

Posted: September 24, 2017

Excellent school! We have been very happy with the teachers and administration.

Posted: August 6, 2017

very honest and compassionate school. the teachers work hard and really care about the students.

Posted: March 5, 2015

Holy Spirit School has given our children a wonderful environment in which to grow both in their academic learning and spiritual development. The many dedicated teachers and staff create a caring, supportive and nurturing environment which creates a true school community. We feel blessed to have found this school.

Posted: March 4, 2015

I first came to Holy Spirit School as a first grader in 1977. My academic experiences here prepared me exceedingly well for high school & college. What I value most now though, is the fact that the environment at Holy Spirit enabled me to grow in my understanding of the Catholic faith and in my love for Christ. I developed lifelong friendships which are a blessing to me even now as we still share that bond of faith. I started sending my children to Holy Spirit in 2001 even though my backyard opens to a fine Fairfax County public elementary school. I want to give my children the greatest gift I can give them next to life itself; the gift of the Catholic faith and the perspective that they are part of a much larger Catholic family . Holy Spirit provides a unique environment in which the children can learn in a beautiful setting, thrive academically, and experience Christ abundantly as they observe the faith modeled for them each day. It gives me peace as a mother to know that they are spending their school days at Holy Spirit with teachers, administrators, and priests who commit themselves to the imitation of Christ and His way of love!

Posted: February 23, 2015

Holy Spirit School in Annandale, VA is an amazing school. Our 4 girls have gone or are currently enrolled there. They have all thrived in this environment - academically, spiritually and emotionally. Holy Spirit gave them the foundations that they have carried throughout all their endeavors. It is more than a school; it is a community. They have supported our family through some very tough times. They are part of our family. Truly an amazing environment.

Posted: February 20, 2015

We moved to the area because of the military and were thrilled to find Holy Spirit! Our son started here in the second grade, we retired, and he is now a sixth grader at Holy Spirit. The teachers in the elementary part of Holy Spirit were great -- generally long time employees and Moms with kids of their own who helped my son academically and behaviorally to grow up at the right pace. He is in Middle School now, and it is a hard transition and the teachers demand more, but we think he is learning discipline and accountability lessons now that will serve him well later. GREAT new principal!

Posted: May 13, 2013

This school has no experience or resources for special needs children. My daughter had a terrible experience here. Very disappointed.

Posted: July 16, 2012

My son has been attending Holy Spirit for two years and loves the school. Prior to placing him at Holy Spirit, we had considered some of the elite schools of DC area. After visiting Holy Spirit School and interwievs with the Staff, we realized that this school would provide great education and caring environment. We were right, this school is great and we feel that we have made the right choice.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Long Branch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	0.6 mi
2	Willow Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	0.8 mi
3	The Elms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	1 mi
4	Burke Station Square	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	1.4 mi
5	Cardinal Forest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	West Springfield	VA	1.9 mi
6	West Springfield	Neighborhood/Subdivision	West Springfield	VA	2.5 mi
7	North Springfield	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Springfield	VA	2.7 mi
8	Kings Park West	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	3.1 mi
9	Burke Conservancy	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	3.3 mi
10	Cardinal Square	Condominium/Townhouse	West Springfield	VA	3.3 mi
11	Orange Hunt Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Springfield	VA	3.3 mi
12	Broyhill Crest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	3.6 mi
13	Middleridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	3.8 mi
14	Stonehurst	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	3.9 mi
15	Barkley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	4.1 mi
16	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	5 mi
17	Greenwood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Springfield	VA	5.5 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Burke	Burke	VA	2.1 mi
2	Burke Centre	Burke	VA	2.6 mi
3	Annandale	Annandale	VA	3.1 mi
4	West Springfield	West Springfield	VA	3.1 mi
5	Springfield	Springfield	VA	3.5 mi
6	Fairfax County	Springfield	VA	3.6 mi
7	Daventry	Springfield	VA	3.7 mi
8	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	5.1 mi

Base	Distance
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	4.3 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	7.2 mi.
Fort Belvoir	8.9 mi.
Henderson Hall	10.2 mi.
Fort Myer	10.2 mi.
Pentagon	11.1 mi.
NRO Chantilly	11.9 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	12.6 mi.
Fort McNair	13 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	13.1 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	14.1 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	14.4 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	15.5 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	16 mi.
Andrews AFB	19.4 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	22 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	33.6 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	34.5 mi.
US Naval Academy	42.6 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	43.6 mi.
Fort Detrick	44.3 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	45.2 mi.

Holy Spirit School

Annandale, VA 22003

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Holy Spirit School

Annandale, VA 22003

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