Mission and Vision
	The mission of Holy Spirit Episcopal School is to provide a unique and outstanding high school preparatory education, which combines the best traditions of learning with relevant and contemporary programs that promote excellence in scholarship, richness of soul, Godly character, and physical well-being. The vision of Holy Spirit is to be a highly sought-after private school in West Houston. Holy Spirit will be recognized for developing children of character by providing a safe environment, strong academics, unique enrichment program offerings, and a global perspective on learning. We offer a very unique and supportive environment in which your child’s intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth is accompanied by spiritual and moral growth. Our exceptional faculty and staff continue to expand their knowledge base through professional development to deliver new, innovative ways to educate your child. Holy Spirit is known for its dedicated faculty, staff, and caring community, as well as its small class size and unique environmental and cultural exchange programs. Holy Spirit is accredited by the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools and is affiliated with The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.   Holy Spirit offers a small classroom environment and a consistent level of excellence in curriculum and instruction in each of the school’s divisions. Your child will receive age-appropriate programs in all areas with distinct benefits:       A low student-to-teacher ratio Well-trained, degreed faculty An active discovery and experiential learning environment Essential life and social skills, including service learning programs Foreign language programs  Contemporary math and science curricula Chapel services with messages designed for children of all ages Integrated language arts and vocabulary development Frequent communication between parents and staff Core Values   A heart stands for our loving, nurturing, joyful environment, which is essential to the healthy development of our students.   A sunburst represents our spirit of optimism and a commitment to diversity, which prepare our students for the larger world.   An open book symbolizes our strong, research-based academic programs, which combine traditional and experiential learning methods.   A leaf signifies enrichment and growth through offerings that allow each student to follow their unique path.   These elements are bound together by the symbol of the cross, in recognition of the strong core of faith-based character that we strive to build in every member of our school community.   HOLY SPIRIT OFFERS A UNIQUE INFANT THROUGH 8TH GRADE PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES SEEKING A PRIVATE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.   Child Enrichment Center The goal of our Child Enrichment Center (“CEC”) is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children ages infant through three-year-olds. Our facilities include a gross motor room and an age-appropriate playground. Your child will be offered numerous opportunities for active play, social interaction, spiritual growth, and individual nurturing. Early Childhood The goal of the Early Childhood (“EC”) program is to provide the most enriching environment possible for our students. We place enormous value on your child’s intellectual exploration and personal growth. Our teachers are experienced, caring, and strive to foster a sense of self-confidence, independence, and intellectual curiosity in every student. Lower School The Lower School (“LS”) program for kindergarten through fourth grade students builds on the core subjects of language arts, math, science, and social studies. Spanish and health/fitness complement the academic programs, while fine arts classes offer creative expression through music and art. Enrichment programs will provide your child with opportunities to address real life situations within the school and global community. Middle School Our Middle School (“MS”) offers an exciting, safe, and supportive atmosphere for students in fifth through eighth grades. The fifth and sixth grade programs are designed to help transition students into Middle School in preparation for high school. The Middle School’s research-based program is designed to meet the needs of your early adolescent learner. Your student will experience a rigorous high-school prep academic program, as well as numerous character development programs that support healthy adolescent growth.   HOLY SPIRIT EPISCOPAL SCHOOL PREPARES YOUR CHILD FOR THEIR PATH IN THE WORLD. Our age-appropriate programs build esteem at every developmental stage of a child’s life. We build esteem in our youngest students by providing a safe and secure environment that is full of love, nurture, and encouragement. We build esteem in our Lower School students by providing a strong foundation for academic performance and numerous opportunities for experiential learning. We build esteem in our Middle School students by providing challenging academic programs and enrichment activities that foster character and confidence. Our students graduate from Holy Spirit as whole and passionate learners who are ready to find their path in the world. SPORTS – FINE ARTS – ECOLINK GLOBAL OUTREACH Holy Spirit offers numerous enrichment programs and opportunities that promote whole-child development. These activities include athletics and fitness, performing and visual arts, student government and leadership, academic competitions, community service, outdoor education, and a unique cultural exchange program with Costa Rica. Some programs are described below. Athletics Holy Spirit’s athletic programs develop your child’s physical skills, sportsmanship, leadership characteristics, and ability to work as a team. We offer a variety of sports for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade through our Youth Sports program. Beginning in sixth grade, your student will have the opportunity to compete in one or more Junior Varsity and Varsity sports throughout the school year. Visit our web page at www.hses.org to view the sports offerings. Visual and Performing Arts We inspire confidence through our visual and performing arts program. Music and theater arts classes develop an appreciation for performing arts and offer your child a chance to perform before an audience. Students develop an appreciation of visual arts through understanding art theory, history, and the principles of art. Your Lower and Middle School student may participate in choir and various art contests throughout the year. Cultural Exchange and Outdoor Education Holy Spirit’s Costa Rican Cultural Exchange Program promotes understanding of different beliefs, cultures, and heritage. Your student will participate in our “Welcoming Ceremonies” when students from Costa Rica visit our school. In Middle School, your child may travel to Costa Rica, and you might host Costa Rican exchange students in your home. These experiences develop a global awareness and appreciation for diversity that serve students well throughout their lives. ECO-link (Environment, Community, and Outreach) is our outdoor education program which develops respect and understanding for our environment, encourages students to pursue mental, physical, and spiritual challenges while developing leadership, cooperation, and tolerance. The fourth through eighth grade trips range from three days to one week. Your child will have experiences within various types of ecosystems throughout the United States. Extended Care Program We offer an extended care program for additional academic and enrichment opportunities, and for children of working parents. Your child can make the most of the afternoons by participating in one or more of the after school programs offered. The programs may include: ballet, computer technology, lower school sports, Marvelous Math, piano, study hall, and tumbling. The study hall option gives your child the opportunity to complete his or her homework which allows for more family time in the evenings. Our staff takes an active role in activities and your student is well-monitored.