Holy Cross Academy was formed in 2017 by the combination of Saint Sebastian Elementary School and Saint Teresa of Avila Elementary School, both in Ross Township, Pennsylvania, as part of the North Hills Catholic Elementary Schools Regionalization. Together, the two elementary schools have been educating young minds and souls for more than 160 years. While the names of the two schools have changed, what hasn't changed is the spiritual and academic foundation that has been the hallmark of both for generations.
We are proud of its faith development and academic achievements. We believe that teaching a child is only one part of educating a child and education goes beyond teaching facts from textbooks and beyond the classroom. We believe that a Catholic education should nourish a child’s spirit, develop a child’s conscience, while forming a child’s morality and challenging a child’s intellect. We are a community of learning and a family of faith. These beliefs are supported by the quality of our graduates who distinguish themselves as they continue their formal education and into their future professional careers and personal lives.
Beginning in pre-school and continuing through eighth grade, Holy Cross students have opportunities unmatched at other schools. Our comprehensive curriculum offers religion, social studies, reading, technology, fine arts, physical education, science, math, language arts and world languages combined with clean, secure and modern facilities, advanced technology, a state of the art library and science and computer laboratories. Our program of teaching excels as confirmed by our standardized testing scores. Our faculty is a perfect blend of new and veteran educators, most with advanced education degrees and teaching in their certified fields, who serve as excellent role models for our students.
Holy Cross Academy also offers enriching educational activities beyond the classroom and competitive athletic teams. We excel at preparing students for high school and beyond.
Just as important to us as educators to build strong minds is the commitment to build strong faith and character. The basic beliefs of our Catholic faith are taught each day and we celebrate Mass as a school community each week. During special times of our liturgical year, such as Advent and Lent, we have additional opportunities to share our faith, as well as in second grade and eighth grade as we prepare our students for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Values and character building lessons are not promoted only in religion classes. These life lessons permeate our school day and are integrated in each area of our curriculum. As we welcome families of all faiths to our school, we are mindful and respectful of their traditions, values and beliefs.
We also believe that as a Catholic community we are called to serve others, particularly those who do not enjoy the same benefits as we do. A diversity of service projects are experienced by our students each year, where they learn about the world beyond their classroom, learn to care about their neighbors far and wide, and learn to continue their commitment of service as they proceed through life.
Holy Cross Academy is located at our Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Saint Sebastian campus, 307 Siebert Road, Pittsburgh PA 15237.