Military Families

Holy Spirit School welcomes and supports our military students and their families who are stationed at military facilities throughout the Washington, D.C. area, including: Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, the U.S. Coast Guard Station, Fort Myer, Andrews Air Force Base, and the White House Military Office.

WELCOMING COMMUNITY

We understand the unique needs of our military community and work with our families to ensure a smooth transition for students and their families. Our school registrar serves as the point of contact and will assist with the application process, while our school counselor is available to both students and their families during their school transition.

Holy Spirit School recognizes and celebrates our military connected families throughout the school year, including:

Veterans Day Mass and Military Families Reception
Hero Wall recognizing military and first responders in our school community
Wreaths Across America wreath sponsorship program and laying of wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery
Valentines for Vets
Purple Up! Day and Month of the Military Child (April)
Sponsor Program to connect new military families with established military families within our community

PLANNING YOUR ARRIVAL TO HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL

Visit Us

Our faculty and staff are happy to work with your family to schedule a tour and walk you through our facility, virtually or in person. Traditionally, we offer two Open Houses, one in October and one in January. Private tours can be arranged to meet the unique scheduling needs of our families. To schedule a tour please fill out our Admissions Interest Form.

Application Process

Please visit our Application Materials page for PreK-8 application instructions. Applications for the upcoming school year are accepted beginning October 15th. The application deadline for first round of consideration is February 1st, however applications are accepted beyond that date and admissions offered on a rolling basis should space be available. Families interested in applying for a mid-year transfer should contact our registrar Mrs. Lori Martin, [email protected].

Additional Requirements

Once accepted and prior to the start of school, parents must submit a Virginia Health Form and immunization records to the school nurse. This can be completed by a current family physician outside of the state of Virginia and faxed, emailed, or mailed to the school.

Virginia Health Form

Tuition & Financial Aid

Active-duty military families qualify for a Catholic tuition rate and will need to provide proof of active-duty status. For current tuition rates, please see our Tuition page. Military families may also apply for financial assistance available through the Arlington Diocese Tuition Assistance program.

Academic Planning for Prospective Students

All academically qualified students are welcome at Holy Spirit Catholic School regardless of race, creed, or ethnic origin. The application process includes teacher recommendations for all PreK-8 applicants and assessments for K-8 applicants, as well as a review of applicable student records. Military families relocating to the area may schedule their child's assessment with the registrar during a timeframe in which they will be in the local area.

Holy Spirit School operates under the auspices of the Office of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Arlington. For more detailed information, click here to view the Curriculum Guidelines for the Diocese of Arlington.

Students who wish to enter Pre-Kindergarten must be age 4 by September 30th of the year of enrollment.
Students who are five years old by September 30th may be eligible for the Kindergarten program.

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Virginia participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which helps ensure smooth transitions for students in military families as they move from one duty station to another. The Compact provides support in:

Timely enrollment, even when records are still being transferred
Appropriate placement and course sequencing to reduce disruption in learning
Access to programs and activities comparable to peers in the new school
Graduation requirements, ensuring students stay on track

These guidelines allow us to work together to provide stability and continuity for your child’s education.

Special Needs Navigation and Parental Rights

Holy Spirit School believes in an inclusive Catholic education and continually works to adapt our Resource Program and Expanded Services to meet the unique needs of our students and their families. We offer an inclusive, faith-filled environment for students with intellectual disabilities and significant learning needs. Holy Spirit follows the Diocese of Arlington’s Guidelines for Students with Disabilities. While we are not a public school, we partner with families by using IEPs and 504 Plans as the foundation for our Student Assistance Plan (SAP). This plan allows us to address student needs in a way that reflects our Catholic values and provides appropriate support within the resources of our school.

Our Resource Department is a team of professionals who provide academic support to Holy Spirit School students with mild to moderate learning disabilities, Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disabilities and other special needs. The Resource Teachers provide individual and small group instruction in the Resource Room, as well as provide push-in support to students in the classroom. Our Resource Teachers also work to assist teachers, providing them tools and techniques to use within their own classrooms.

As a parent, you play a vital role in this process. Consistent with diocesan and Virginia guidelines:

Parental consent is always required before an SAP is created or adjusted.
Families must provide existing IEPs, 504 Plans, and evaluation records so we can collaborate effectively
We provide ongoing communication and will review support plans regularly to ensure they continue to meet your child’s needs.

We encourage families to reach out to our office with any questions about the Compact, special services, or navigating educational transitions. Together, we are committed to nurturing your child’s growth in faith, knowledge, and service.

Planning Your Departure from Holy Spirit School

Holy Spirit families who are awaiting military orders, may receive an extension on their annual re-registration upon request. Families must notify the school once orders are received confirming their intent to remain at Holy Spirit or their pending departure date. Once notified, families must submit the appropriate record release form from their child's new school to Holy Spirit so that student records may be forwarded on your family's behalf.