Academics & Spiritual Development

Academics

Holy Family School's curriculum is based upon the Diocesan Guidelines and the Ohio Standards. Holy Family School is 100 percent compliant with the Operating Standards for Ohio's Catholic Schools. In May 2004, the Commission of the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association granted Holy Family School full accreditation, with reaccreditation occurring every six years. Holy Family students and teachers have been awarded numerous honors and distinctions through the years and offers one of the best private education experiences in the Youngstown area.

The total curriculum includes the development of Catholic values and attitudes, as well as the attainment of knowledge and skills necessary for the student’s spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical development. As a parochial school, Holy Family follows the Diocesan course of study. The basic curriculum of the school, but not necessarily for each grade, includes the following subjects: Religion, Reading, Language Arts (English, Spelling, Handwriting), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Cultural Arts (Art and Music), Health and Safety, Physical Education, Computer Education and Library.

In addition, Holy Family School implements a Family Life Program that begins in fourth grade for girls and fifth grade for boys and continues through eighth grade. This program explains physical, emotional and psychological changes that begin at these ages and includes advice on health, hygiene and good grooming.

Holy Family School has procured OptionC, a secure student management system that provides parents with a secure 24-hour access to student grades, assignments, and a discipline module notifies parents when an infraction occurs. Complete medical and sacramental records are stored online as well.

Please see the Parent / Student Handbook for additional information regarding academics at Holy Family School.

Spiritual Development

The primary responsibility of religious training lies with the parents. “Because they have given life to their children, parents have a most serious obligation and enjoy the right to educate them; therefore, Christian parents are especially to care for the Christian education of their children according to the teaching handed on by the Church.” (Canon 226)

Holy Family School is a partner in this development and provides religious instruction daily. Students at Holy Family School study the journey of Christ and learn the meaning of his mission and message to all Christians. The importance of prayer, participation in liturgy, celebration of the sacraments and living in God’s footsteps is the foundation of building their personal relationship with God.

• Preschool students attend monthly Mass.
• Elementary and Middle School students attend Mass bi-monthly and on Holy Days of Obligation. They celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation at Christmas and Easter.
• Second graders prepare for and receive First Reconciliation in early winter and First Communion in the spring.
• Third through eighth graders are invited to participate in the Holy Family Youth Choir.
• Grades fifth through eighth have the opportunity to assist at Mass as Altar Servers.
• Eighth graders prepare for Confirmation by the Bishop.

Furthermore, Holy Family School has numerous activities planned during the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week. Please consult the School Calendar for specific dates pertaining to all of our important events.

Catholic Schools in The Diocese Of Youngstown Educate Students To:

Develop and strengthen a personal love for Christ by...

• growing in a meaningful prayer life and understanding of Catholic beliefs, sacramental life, and moral teaching, leading to total commitment to the person of Christ
• forming a Christian conscience and developing decision-making skills based on Gospel values, fundamental, permanent virtues, and the moral teachings of the Catholic Church
• appreciating and respecting the beauty, value and goodness of all creation
• developing attitudes of justice, concern and respect for others
• choosing to be involved in Christian service, particularly to the poor.

Develop a wholesome self-image by...

• recognizing, developing and respecting the God-given talents in themselves and others
• developing self-discipline and assuming personal responsibility for their attitudes and behavior
• developing leadership skills
• developing respectful relationships and collaborating with others for the common good.

Assume personal responsibility for life-long learning by...

• developing a work ethic, self-discipline and study skills, which promote lifelong learning
• developing their life of faith and relationship with God through ongoing study, prayer and participation in the sacramental life of the Church
• developing and applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all areas of the curriculum
• fostering an appreciation for scholastic achievement and intellectual leadership, acquiring proficiency and clarity in oral and written communication
• developing skills of scientific inquiry, math competency and technology literacy
• experiencing and appreciating aesthetic value in art, music, and literature,
• developing habits of healthful living and skills for physical fitness, sportsmanship, and recreation
• participating as responsible citizens in the democratic society
• becoming aware of career options and leisure pursuits and seeking guidance in the application of one's talents.

Participate in the Church and society of the 21st Century by…

• participating regularly in the sacramental and community life of their parish, recognizing and responding to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives and discerning their particular Christian vocation in the world, in marriage or single life, in the priesthood or consecrated life, or in the permanent diaconate
• developing a sense of responsibility and commitment, both as citizens of a global community and members of the Church to economic justice, multicultural diversity, and protection and care for the environment
• recognizing the interdependence of the global community and translating that awareness into direct action as responsible, productive citizens for the service of others. Making informed judgments and decisions, acting in accordance with the principles of Catholic social teaching and our democratic society
• respecting life in all its forms and at all its stages
• engaging in critical reflection and application of Church teaching to the unique moral and ethical challenges of the 21st Century.

Helpful Links

• Holy Family Parish
• Diocese of Youngstown
• The Vatican
• Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association