In 2001, Holy Spirit Episcopal School was one out of three private schools selected from Texas, the only private school in Houston, and the only Episcopal school in the nation to win the Blue Ribbon award.

To be selected for this prestigious blue ribbon award a school must have:

• A clear vision and shared sense of mission;
• A challenging, up-to-date curriculum;
• Policies and practices to ensure a safe campus conducive to learning;
• Evidence of family involvement;
• A commitment to help all students achieve high standards; and
• High sustained test scores

Schools selected for recognition prepared an extensive written nomination package representing a thorough self-evaluation. The process (in itself a challenging experience) involved assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the school and developing improvement plans for the future. When evaluating nominations, the Department of Education looks for overall school quality, including challenging standards and curriculum, excellent teaching, ongoing professional development by teachers and staff members, a safe and supportive school environment, family and community partnerships that contribute to school quality, and high or improving student performance on measures of achievement.

The Department of Education stated that Holy Spirit is "the kind of school that all children should have where there are caring, dedicated teachers who will go the extra mile for each of their students," with the report adding that " Holy Spirit has embraced the experiential education experiences whole-heartedly. All of the students (100%) in the school were involved in hands-on activities. The older children participated in the St. Michael's cultural exchange and the science/outdoor education experiences called Project Ecolink."

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