about us

Holy cross academy

Holy Cross Academy is a Catholic ICSE institution rooted in faith, wisdom, and service.
We aim to provide holistic education that nurtures academic excellence, moral values, and lifelong learning, preparing students to be confident, compassionate, and future-ready individuals.

MISSION STATEMENT

To strengthen families by offering our students quality
Catholic education

vision statement

Igniting a personal growth story in each child through Catholic Education

our facilities

our staff

our vision

the four houses

principal'S message

An Experience of a Lifetime

After spending 24 years in a South Mumbai school as the Head of the History Department, stepping into this institution was both unexpected and deeply meaningful. When asked to step into the role of Principal for the very first time, with the ICSE vertical newly set up, I embraced it with a sense of challenge, responsibility and a quiet hope for all that lay ahead.

One of the toughest hurdles we faced initially was making our way to the Ministry of Education in Mantralaya and navigating the complex procedures that were needed to set up the school.

In those initial moments of uncertainty, a former student came to mind whose parent was Secretary to the Education Minister- Mr. Mangesh Shinde supported us wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. Reaching out to them was a quiet act of faith and what followed was a profound reminder of how relationships built over the years come back as blessings.

As a mark of gratitude, I can truly say that this connection allowed us to complete the procedure successfully through the various corporations and departments. A special moment of relief came when Chief Executive and secretary of the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE)-Dr. Joseph Emmanuel and his team extended their fullest support, patiently guiding us through all the procedures and formalities required for securing our school’s affiliation.

Today, the school stands with immense pride as the first Diocesan ICSE institution in the Archdiocese of Bombay strengthened by a vibrant Catholic student community that forms one-third of our school strength. This achievement is more than a milestone it is a statement of who we are. With hearts full of gratitude, we now stand ready to shape a future filled with promise and possibility.

Ms. Arlene Gomes
Principal,
Holy Cross Academy

Ms. Arlene Gomes

Principal, Holy Cross Academy

manager'S message

Holy Cross Academy- A Vision to Reality

When I was appointed at Holy Cross Church, Kurla, I soon came to understand that the newly established ICSE vertical was a dream first envisioned and initiated by Fr. Norbert D’Souza and Fr. Ryan Alex. What began as a conversation of possibilities soon grew into a concrete plan one that would reshape the future of our parish community. And so, on 21st March, Holy Cross Academy welcomed their first batch of ICSE students. It was not just a new beginning for the school, but a proud moment for every stakeholder who believed in this vision. From that point on, the responsibility of shaping and steadying this new journey rested on the capable shoulders of our Principal, Ms. Arlene Gomes. Every step she took was strengthened by the assistance of the then Secretary to the Education Minister-Mr. Mangesh Shinde whose support helped us navigate the affiliation process with clarity and confidence.

Slowly but steadily, the dream began to shine through. Despite all the hurdles, within just two and a half years, we received our UDISE number, Recognition Letter, No Objection Certificate and ICSE Affiliation, each document marking a milestone that took months of dedication behind the scenes. And then came a moment that touched everyone deeply: the school was spiritually blessed by His Lordship Bishop Dominic Savio, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, reminding us that this journey was not just administrative, but also rooted in grace.

Soon after came a moment of collective pride Holy Cross Academy was recognized by The Times of India Education Icons as the one of the “Top Emerging Schools in Mumbai”. This honour affirmed what I already knew: that we were on the right path, driven by vision and strengthened by unity.

When I look back at how our ICSE vertical Holy Cross Academy took shape, I realize that as we continue this journey, we carry with us not just certificates and accolades but the spirit of every person who played a role big or small in building something meaningful for our children. The story of Holy Cross Academy’s ICSE vertical is not a report; it is a heartfelt legacy in the making.

Rev. Fr. Barthol Machado

Manager, Holy Cross Academy

Alongside the academic progress, Fr. Ryan Alex added his unmistakable creative touch by conceptualizing and introducing 3-dimensional design classrooms spaces that brought learning alive and added a spark of wonder for every child who stepped in. The school also found its artistic heartbeat on stage. We staged two large-scale musicals “Aladdin-The Musical” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.” They became the talk of the community, drawing admiration for their scale and execution. Soon after came a moment of collective pride Holy Cross Academy was recognized by The Times of India Education Icons as the one of the “Top Emerging Schools in Mumbai”.
When I look back at how our ICSE vertical Holy Cross Academy took shape, I realize that as we continue this journey, we carry with us not just certificates but the spirit of every person who played a role big or small in building something meaningful for our children. The story of Holy Cross Academy’s ICSE vertical is not a report; it is a heartfelt legacy in the making.

Rev. Fr. Barthol Machado
Manager, Holy Cross Academy

Quote:
“When God inspires a vision, He also provides the strength to fulfil it.”