Peter Hobart Elementary School

In 1996, we found Holy Family Catholic Parish in St. Louis Park when we were in search of one that would teach the Truth about our Catholic faith, in season and out of season. At that point in our lives, 3 of our 4 children were already in college, but we had become acutely aware of the importance of solid Catholic teaching in both our parish and our children's schools. Over the next 5 years, we added to our family by adopting 3 more children, so we were delighted when Father Dufner announced the re-opening of our parish school in 2001: Holy Family Academy. Our 3 youngest children attended this school for all their elementary years (K-8th). A start up school always has its challenges, but we were a group of parents and staff who were dedicated to building a school community whose mission was to be strong academically, morally, and spiritually. From the devoted and purposeful Principal, who treated each student as a precious child of God, to the determined and focused librarians, who hand-picked each book that would be safe an age appropriate for the library, to the Catholic teachers who were willing to take an Oath of Fidelity to the Catholic Church, to the parents hungering for a great Catholic school for their children, the foundation had been built. Our children graduated from Holy Family Academy well prepared academically for high school and college. Among many other gifts, such as teaching of virtues and morals and prayer throughout the school day, which were a part of this foundation and continue today, we believe the greatest legacy is starting each school day with Holy Mass. It is hard to imagine any better way to begin each morning than to pray together at Mass, receive Holy Communion, hear a holy priest's homily and be sent off with a priestly blessing. We are thankful for Holy Family in our lives, and we are proud to continue to support this school financially, physically (I continue to volunteer there), and spiritually.

We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Good Shepherd School. From the moment we joined the community, we felt an incredible sense of belonging. The staff and families are warm, welcoming, and truly supportive of one another. The academics are outstanding—challenging yet nurturing—and we’ve seen our child grow in confidence, curiosity, and character. It’s a place where kids are not only taught well but loved well. We’re so grateful to be part of a school that feels like family and provides such a strong foundation for our child to thrive.