The First Step Towards Transforming Your Child’s Education
Request more information about Holy Cross and schedule a visit. GET STARTEDAcademic Excellence, Safe and Loving Classrooms
High academic achievement. A safe, structured environment. A welcoming, loving community. Serving Philadelphia’s Mount Airy neighborhood for over 100 years, Holy Cross Catholic School welcomes students of all faiths in Kindergarten through 8th grade, providing financial aid for all.
One of 14 Independence Mission Schools (IMS), Holy Cross delivers a rigorous, values-driven curriculum that educates the whole child: academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
Financial Aid for All
Based on a sliding scale, tuition at Holy Cross is determined primarily by family income, ensuring accessibility and affordability. Subsidized by philanthropic donors, state tax credits, financial aid for all that apply and numerous scholarship opportunities, the average Holy Cross family contributes just $2,100 per child per year, spread equally over 10 months. Many pay even less.
Why Holy Cross?
High student achievement consistently outpaces national average scores for reading, math and science.
Advanced and accelerated courses prepare middle school students for admission to the area’s top high schools.
Educational partnerships with the Drexel University College of Medicine, the Harvard-based Democratic Knowledge Project, Black History 365 and Diversity Schoolhouse expand the student learning experience across multiple subjects.
Extracurricular activities include CYO basketball, school newspaper, student council, art club, step team and chess club.
Free before school care includes breakfast. After school care offers activities including homework time and outdoor play.
Strong school community culture rooted in faith, social justice, academic excellence and safety offers a complete learning experience.
“We always thought private school was out of the question. Too expensive. Holy Cross showed us it’s not.
It’s entirely within reach.”
A Part of Something Biggrer
Nearly 15 years ago, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia was about to close 14 neighborhood Catholic schools. Independence Mission Schools formed to keep them open.
Ever since, we have thrived.
Our students outpace their public school peers in math and reading. In many of our schools, multiple languages are spoken – from English and Spanish to Vietnamese and Haitian Creole. And perhaps most importantly, we welcome children of all faiths: Over 70% of our students are non-Catholic.
St. Malachy
At 12th and Thompson, just south of Temple University.
St. Barnabas
At 64th and Buist in Elmwood.
SS. Cyril & Philomena
In Lansdowne, Delaware County, just over City Line.
St. Frances Cabrini
On N. 65 St in Overbrook.
St. Helena-Incarnation
In the Olney neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
Holy Cross
In Mount Airy, on E. Mt. Airy Ave.
St. Martin de Porres
In North Philadelphia, at 23rd and Lehigh.
St. Martin of Tours
In the Oxford Circle neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.
Our Mother of Sorrows/St. Ignatius of Loyola
In West Philadelphia, just off Haverford Ave.
St. Raymond of Penafort
In the Oak Lane neighborhood of North Philadelphia.
St. Rose of Lima
On N. Wanamaker St., just off Lansdowne Ave. in Overbrook.
The DePaul Catholic School
In Germantown, at Germantown Ave. and Logan St.
St. Thomas Aquinas
At 18th and Morris in South Philadelphia.
St. Veronica
In North Philadelphia, at 6th and Sedgley.
Let’s Get Started
Complete the form below and a member of our staff will be in touch.
We can’t wait to meet you and your family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Holy Cross a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia?
No. Prior to the formation of Independence Missions Schools, Holy Cross and its 13 sister schools were a part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. When the Archdiocese of Philadelphia determined it would close the 14 schools, Independence Mission Schools was formed not only to keep them open but grow them.
How much is tuition?
Tuition at all Independence Mission Schools is customized. It is based on a sliding scale that takes into account family income and other data points. Thanks to our generous community of donors, Pennsylvania tax credit programs, financial aid awards and scholarship opportunities, families contribute, on average, just $2,100 towards tuition per child, per year, spread evenly over 10 months. Because of our equitable, sliding tuition scale, this amount varies per family. What a family contributes towards their child’s tuition ultimately depends on a variety of data points including household income, social security income and more.
Does my family or child have to be Catholic to attend?
Absolutely not! In fact, over 75% of our students are non-Catholic. We preach and practice love, respect and kindness to everyone, of all faiths.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! All families receive financial aid based on need. Each year, our students collectively receive over $10M in scholarships and financial aid!
What high schools do Holy Cross graduates attend?
Holy Cross graduates attend some of the best high schools in the Philadelphia region, including Abington Friends, St. Joe’s Prep, Notre Dame Academy and Merion Mercy. Our high school readiness program prepares students for the next step – and beyond.
I have other questions. How can I get in touch?
Please use the form above or call the office at 215-242-0414.