Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Q: Is Holy Spirit School accredited?
A: Yes, Holy Spirit School is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Holy Spirit School is re-accredited every 6 years.
Q: Are Holy Spirit School’s teachers credentialed?
A: Per Diocesan policy, all our teachers are credentialed or actively pursuing their credentials. In addition, many of our teachers hold advanced degrees in their subject areas or in Education.
Q: Do students have to wear a uniform?
A: Holy Spirit School students are required to wear uniforms. The uniform for boys is: navy blue pants or shorts, school logo red, blue or white polo, school logo sweatshirt or fleece jacket. Girls wear a red and blue plaid skirt (jumper for grades TK-3), navy pants, shorts, skorts or capris, school logo red, blue or white polo, school logo sweatshirt, fleece, or jacket.
School Programs: In the Classroom and Beyond
Q: Do you have teacher aides and if so, in what grades?
A: We have teacher aides in TK through 4th grade. TK-2nd have one full-time dedicated classroom aide per classroom. The two 3rd grade classrooms share one aide, as do the two 4th grade classrooms.
Q: What are the class sizes and student ratios?
A: We have two TK classrooms, one can accommodate up to 20 students; the other can accommodate up to 28 students.
Our K-2nd grade classrooms can accommodate up to 32 students each. The maximum ratio in K-2nd is 1:16.
Our 3rd-4th grade classrooms can accommodate up to 32 students each. The shared aides in these two grades make the maximum ratio 1:16, but only half time.
Our 5th-8th grade classrooms can accommodate up to 32 students each. The maximum ratio in grades 5-8 is 1:32.
Q: What does the curriculum include?
A: Holy Spirit School follows the California Common Core with additional enhancements.
Q: What curricular enhancements does Holy Spirit School offer?
A: We offer a variety of programs. Music, PE, and Art are an important part of our academic program. We incorporate technology into all of our classrooms and we offer a variety of clubs and after school programs to suit a variety of interests.
Q: What high school do most of your students attend?
A: Our students have an over 95% acceptance rate to Bay Area Catholic High Schools. In the past, a majority of our students have been accepted to and attended: Bellarmine, Presentation, Notre Dame, St. Francis, and Archbishop Mitty.
Q: Do you offer before or after school care for students?
A: We offer extended care for students in TK – 8th grade. Morning extended care is available from 7:00 am - 7:50 am and after school extended care is available until 6 pm.
Q: Do students of Holy Spirit School receive their sacramental preparation at school?
A: Families are responsible for registering their child for sacramental preparation in their home parish.
Q: What extracurricular programs or activities does Holy Spirit School offer?
A: We offer a variety of after-school programs. Our sports program is available to students in grades 5-8 and features Football and Girls Volleyball in the Fall, Basketball in the Winter, Boys Volleyball, Girls Flag Football, and Girls and Boys Track in the Spring. We host Girl Scout and Cub Scout troops, Running Clubs, Robotics Teams and our R3C Recycling Club. Our student leadership opportunities include Student Council and the Student Ambassador programs. Our Show Choir and School Band practice regularly and perform at local venues throughout the year. In collaboration with other arts programs, our students perform in a Fall and Spring Musical production. Speech and Debate, Chess, Fine Arts and other enrichment programs are offered throughout the year based on student interest.
Q: Are service hours required of the students?
A: All of our students participate in age-appropriate community service projects. Students in grades 5-8 have a required number of community service hours.
Q: What type of involvement do you have with the Catholic High Schools?
A: We host a High School Information night each fall. In addition, our teachers and administration are in regular communication with all the local Catholic high schools. These frequent meetings allow ensure our curriculum is preparing our students for success in high school. These meetings also allow us to help our students better understand the HSPT placement exam requirements and how to navigate the application process.
Applying to our School: Process & General Community Info
Q: What does the entrance assessment cover? Does my student need to be screened to apply to Holy Spirit School?
A: Kindergarten applicants are assessed for readiness. Kindergarten screening includes letter and number recognition, fine and gross motor skills and social and emotional readiness. An entrance assessment is administered to entering 1st-8th graders. Entrance screenings include some math, reading comprehension and languages arts. Assessments are administered by the grade-level teachers and reviewed by the administration.
Q: Are there any spaces open at Holy Spirit School and what are my chances of getting in?
A: Space availability depends on current class size, the number of returning students and number of applicants. Enrollment is offered per the acceptance policy. At this time, we have openings in almost all grades.
Q: Does Holy Spirit School accept students mid-year?
A: Applications are taken year round and enrollment may be offered if space is available.
Q: When do you accept applications for the following school year?
A: Applications are available online at the beginning of November for the following school year.
Q: I have a student I would like to transfer to Holy Spirit School, what process should I follow?
A: Students wishing to transfer to Holy Spirit School should follow the general application process.
Q: When am I notified if my child has been accepted to Holy Spirit School?
A: For applications submitted November-January, acceptances are mailed in January. Mid-Year applicants are notified as soon as possible.
Q: What is the minimum age to enroll in TK or Kindergarten?
A: TK applicants must be 4 years of age by September 1st of entrance year. Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years of age by September 1st of entrance year.
Q: Can I tour the campus?
A: Yes, call the school office at (408) 268-0794 or fill out the form to schedule a tour.
Q: Do you have a new student orientation program?
A: The New Family Welcome Program partners new students and their families with a current student in their new homeroom so that the incoming student AND their family has a point of contact to help them navigate their first year at Holy Spirit School. Social events are planned during the summer and Parent Ambassadors work with the Welcome Program parents to organize community building activities year round.
Tuition Assistance (Financial Aid)
Q: Does Holy Spirit School offer tuition assistance? How much can we get?
A: We are fortunate to be able to offer tuition assistance to current families in need. Each need is evaluated and aid is awarded based on each individual situation. Please visit the Tuition Assistance page for more information.
Joining our Community
Q: If we belong to another parish do we have to register at Holy Spirit Parish?
A: No, you do not have to be a Holy Spirit Parish member to attend Holy Spirit School.
Q: Do we have to be Catholic to apply to Holy Spirit School?
A: No, you do not have to be Catholic to be a part of the Holy Spirit School community. Twenty percent of our current families are not Catholic.
Q: Are volunteer hours required of parents?
A: Yes, we require 40 volunteers hours per school year per family. There are many varied opportunities to volunteer on campus or off. There are numerous ways to meet this requirement while strengthening your family’s ties to the community. We try to provide options that fit into your busy schedule.