Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

Our daughter has attended HSEDS for 2 years and we have been so blessed by the preschool. The director, Ivee, and teachers truly love the kids and encourage parent participation by hosting multiple events where the children can showcase what they have learned. They prepare students for grade school by teaching letters, shapes, numbers, etc., and they highly encourage outside and imaginative play. The kids also attend chapel where they hear Bible lessons and learn songs. I highly recommend HSEDS.

Both my grandchildren have and are attending Holy Spirit. They are truly being prepared for their future in education and love for Jesus Christ. My heart is full of love and thanks to our director and all the awesome teachers. 😇😍

This review is for the preschool at the church (HSEDS). We had the most horrible experience there. Several times upon picking up my child (2.5 year old) she was unattended on the playground, covered in dirt and had soiled pants. When mentioning this to the teachers on duty who were standing around talking, no one acknowledged my concern. One day my child had a well check-up appointment with her Dr. and I was told not to bring her to school after the appointment as it would disrupt the other students. When sharing this with another mother whose child attends the school, she informed me that when she brought her child in after a well check, the child was accepted after the mother voiced her concerns about this absurd rule. I was bullied by the director Ivy on several occasions regarding drop off time when I was told to be there by 8:45 and I'd be greeted with hostility if I wasn't there by 8:30 which was very confusing and upsetting. When bringing these matters to the director, instead of attempting to work it out or let alone apologize, she dropped my child from the program with a 2 days notice. This school runs on special treatment, chaos and drama. Since being dropped from the program months ago, other mothers whose children still attend the school tell me how unhappy they are and that nothing has changed. I would never recommend anyone sending their child here as long as Ivy is the director.

This review is for the school (HSEDS); however, it appears that the church is turning a blind eye to the happenings within their day school ministry. My family has been a part of the day school program for four years, the first three years were truly wonderful. The staff were happy, caring, and the director was amazing, communicative, and wonderful to work with. It was one of the most highly sought-after programs in our little coastal area. My two children (4 & 3 yo) loved going to their school. They felt loved, had lots of fun, and learned a lot. One year ago, the longtime director retired, and the school has not been the same since. Just in the last 12 months, under the new director's (Ivee Lowry) leadership, we've seen the curriculum change, two additional classrooms added to an already maxed out program ($$$), class placement of students has become subjective, and several longtime staff members have either been terminated or resigned. Care is no longer dependable or consistent and staffing is a MAJOR issue. The director is impossible to work with, I know firsthand, for which I am sure the issue of staff retention is a direct result. The school has closed on several occasions over this past year (not all due to COVID) and the school's operating times have been changed at a moment's notice. This program can no longer be considered "extended care." Recently, after voicing my unhappiness about how a situation was handled in my daughter's class and the lack of transparency around the situation, my family was simply "excused" from the program. Not only my family, but several other families in this community were let go. The reason given was that staff retention was a problem, so they were cutting back program numbers and decreasing their hours of operation. This reason is far from the truth. Why would a family that's been there for four years be excused over some families that haven't even been there one year? Based on the families that were dismissed, they were all in the same boat as my family. We have all brought forth concerns or grievances with happenings and policies of the day school -- it's no secret that if you have voiced any concerns with Ivee Lowry, you didn't make this cut. Now my family and several others have been abruptly left with no childcare with a mere TWO weeks before summer camp is set to start. All other programs in our community are now full. As a full-time, working parent, this has been a nightmare situation. Therefore, I am writing this review -- other parents in our community that are considering HSEDS should absolutely reevaluate their options. My advice, STEER CLEAR! If you're looking for dependable childcare, this is not the place for you. If you're looking for consistency for your child, this is not the place for you. If you're looking for a place where you can freely express your thoughts, opinions, and even dissent on school matters as it pertains to your child(ren), this is not the place for you. The director of the school does not know how to work with the public. She will cancel anyone. She does not care about your child, your family, or how her irrational actions effect your family's livelihood. I would also like to add that nepotism is a huge issue at HSEDS. There is no one to speak to, as the church's Reverend and the school's Rector, Will Lowry, is Ivee's husband. It does not take a rocket scientist to see that there is a huge conflict of interest here. There is no impartial party to discuss matters mentioned above. I can't imagine this school operating for much longer unless there is an immediate change in leadership. I do hope the church will step in and evaluate their day school ministry before it's too late.

The day school provides the best care in the area. They start taking children at 18 months old. Your child will learn as they have some curriculum as opposed to the other daycare in the area that has none until children are 3! Also, they are very clean and I could tell the difference in my child's health since I moved him there. I recommend Holy Spirit's Day School 100%