About Us

Holy Family Catholic School is accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA). WCEA accredits Catholic elementary and secondary schools in nine western states (26 (arch) dioceses) and the US Territory of Guam. WCEA co-accredits and is in partnership with three Regional agencies (WASC, NAAS, NCA CASI) and two private agencies (CAIS and HAIS). WCEA began in 1957 in San Francisco and has a long and successful history of assisting school improvement through the accreditation process.

Mission

Holy Family Grade School is a Catholic elementary school community whose purpose is to educate the whole child through spiritual development, a curriculum with high academic standards, the arts and physical education. We strive to inspire our students with the knowledge and values that will lead them to be faithful Catholics throughout their lives.

Vision

In a Catholic Christian environment, Holy Family Grade School forms students to be the intelligent, caring leaders of tomorrow.

The educators of Holy Family Grade School believe:

• That the aim of Catholic education as stated by the Bishops of the United States is to impart the Gospel message, build community, provide for prayer and worship, give service and practice justice which offers the direction for Catholic education in the Holy Family Community.
• That the principles of Catholicism are basic to the development of the whole person.
• That each child is a unique personality first loved by God, and therefore to be respected and loved by all people.
• That parents have the primary responsibility of educating their child, and that the faculty assist the parents by creating an atmosphere and providing experiences which will lead each child to the fullness of Catholic maturity: spiritually, mentally, socially, psychologically, emotionally and physically.

History of Holy Family Grade School

Holy Family Grade School opened in 1925 under the direction of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There was a B.V.M. Sister as principal from 1925 until 1990 when the first lay principal, Mrs. Marian Heintz, was appointed, and after 30 years of dedicated service, retired in 2010. She was succeeded by our new principal, Miss Fidela B. Suelto.

The school is a vital part of Holy Family Parish which consists of 4,000 registered families. Father James Bevacqua, who arrived in 2008, succeeded Father Joseph Shea. Father Shea had replaced Monsignor Arthur J. Lirette, who retired after 21 years of service and passed away in 2007. Each of the former pastors has been a staunch supporter of Catholic Education and of the school, and Father Jim is continuing this tradition.

A second structure was built in 1963 to fill the need of increased enrollment. About ten years later the school once again became a one classroom per grade as it presently is with the addition of the Kindergarten which was opened in 1987. In 1993, a Pre-K was opened and continued for three years. After evaluation, it was found that the facilities were not optimum for this age group and that Room 14 would be better suited for the kindergarten which had been in the older building. In 1975, a kitchen was added for the benefit of the school and parish organizations that used the auditorium. In 1988, the gift of the Writing to Read Program enhanced the primary curriculum and introduced the children to computer technology. Presently the school’s network consists of 44 computers with Internet access, of which 22 are in the computer the lab. Each teacher has a computer and color printer in the classroom for his or her use.

The school year 2000-2001 was the 75th anniversary year. School opened with a brief but wonderful ceremony which included several civil representatives who presented proclamations, Bishop Wilkerson who blessed the school, Sister Mary Elizabeth, B.V.M. who was the Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Mrs. Patricia Livingston and Sister Monica also from the Department of Catholic Schools and many parents. On February 3, 2001, a special 75th anniversary Mass was celebrated. The main celebrant was Bishop Gerald Wilkerson. In attendance were forty B.V.M. Sisters and ten priests. Some of the alumni include Bishop Joseph Sartoris, Bishop Donald Montrose, Bishop Pierre DuMaine and Father Paul Hruby who is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale. As part of the 75th anniversary celebration the school’s spring concert was held at the Alex Theater, a historical landmark in Glendale.

The school is located one block east of Brand Avenue and one block south of Colorado Boulevard in Glendale, a city of two hundred and ten thousand people. This area is referred to as South Glendale. In the 1970’s many single family homes in the area were demolished to make way for the apartment dwellings that now exist. The area surrounding Holy Family Grade School is a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood of small shops, single family homes, and apartment buildings. The Glendale Galleria and Glendale Financial Center provide additional economic resources for the area. In April, 2008, adjacent to the Glendale Galleria, the new development, “The Americana”, was completed. It includes upscale shopping, a park, condos, theaters, and much more.

Many of the traditions begun years ago continue to endure: Weekly School Masses, May Crowning, Catholic Schools Week, and annual Passion Play. Spiritual development, academic challenges, sports competitions, physical education, the arts, and service to the community help each student reach the Schoolwide Learning Expectations to the best of his or her ability.

Almost four thousand students have graduated from Holy Family Grade School with an outstanding Catholic education during the past eighty-four years. This is accomplished due to the dedicated faculty and staff and the ongoing support of the parents of Holy Family Grade School.

In a Catholic Christian environment, Holy Family Grade School forms students to be the intelligent, caring leaders of tomorrow.

Schoolwide Learning Expectations

A Graduate of Holy Family

Loves God, self, and others. Is a follower of Christ in daily life. Makes moral decisions based on Catholic teaching. Demonstrates gospel values. Takes an active part in liturgical celebrations. Gives service to the community. Leads and inspires others by example.

Reads, writes, and spells with proficiency. Can solve problems and draw conclusions. Has knowledge of history and current events. Participates in academic competition. Is technologically literate. Can access, gather and apply data from a variety of sources. Accepts challenges. Is well-prepared for high school.

Communicates effectively in speaking and writing. Produces quality poems, essays, and stories. Participates courageously in classroom discussions. Applies critical thinking in forming opinions. Adapts easily to experiences in the arts. Is enthusiastic about extracurricular activities.

Respects life and all creation. Is physically fit. Takes responsibility for words and actions. Works well with others. Takes pride in school and community. Appreciates different cultures, traditions, and ideas. Shows patriotism for the United States of America. Is environmentally aware of resources.