Feast of Saint Francis

To celebrate Saint Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day, St. Francis High School had an All-School Liturgy and our annual Day of Giving. In addition, freshman students participated in their first retreat (of two) of the year. 

Join Us On The SFHS Path

“Happy is he who attributes all he has to God.”   

Saint Francis of Assisi 

Welcome

Celebrating Our Blue Ribbon on the Feast of Saint Francis

Have you heard the big Blue news? The U.S. Department of Education named St. Francis High School a 2023 Exemplary High Performing Blue Ribbon School--it’s highest award reserved for 1% of U.S. schools. The prestigious national award spotlights St. Francis High School, alone on a stage of “onlys:” 

• St. Francis High School--the only high school in Wheaton (public or private) to ever receive the Blue Ribbon designation.
• St. Francis High School--the only Catholic high school in the Western suburbs to ever receive the Blue Ribbon designation.
• St. Francis High School--the only Catholic high school in Illinois to receive the award this year.
• St. Francis High School--the only school to be named a Microsoft Showcase School and a National Blue Ribbon School in the same year.

One Blue Ribbon hallmark? “Overall academic excellence.” We call this “The St. Francis Way,” and our students “Go Further” with a superior high school experience rooted in the Franciscan virtues of our community--compassion, humility, simplicity, prayer, peace + justice, charity, integrity, joy, brotherhood + sisterhood, acceptance, service, generosity, faithfulness, peacemaking, hospitality, and goodness. There’s no duplicating it; it’s one of a kind.

We’re deeply grateful for the Franciscan virtues that crown our Blue Ribbon distinction, especially as we celebrate this Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi on October 4th. I hope to see you soon for a student shadow day or parent visit. Saint Francis, pray for us!

Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions

COLLEGE PREP - COURSES

The SFHS College Prep Difference

Highest quality coursework, strategic guidance, and academics are planned with college in mind. These are some of the hallmarks of the college prep difference at SFHS, where opportunity allows students to reach their personal goals.

An example of college counseling is to assist students with course selection. Students receive guidance from counselors and teachers to plan schedules with college in mind, starting freshman year. According to Principal Huhn, “Freshman year, we place students in classes according to scores from the entrance exam and proficiency tests. Schedules reflect academic strengths, and we allow students to jump to higher-level classes. We prepare students to present their most competitive college applications by senior year. No matter where students begin, we challenge them, support them, and raise them up to the next level.”

Sample Schedules Show Paths to College; SFHS Helps You Get There.

St. Francis High School provides countless combinations of excellent academic courses. These examples pair sample student schedules and colleges with similar requirements in which current SFHS now attend. 

For more information on all courses and departmental information, click here to access our curriculum guide, also known as the Program of Studies. 

"I Am St. Francis"

The Student Perspective:

What do CLASSES at SFHS mean to you?

The SFHS curriculum is designed to prepare students for admission to leading colleges and universities. Coursework is available at the College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP^®) levels, and students work with their counselor on their 4-year plan to map out their academic journey.

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

“My business classes have inspired me because I have become super confident in my ability to speak publicly, and it has completely changed how I view my life and future. Business Communications with Mr. Lynch helped me the most because I had to present almost weekly, and now I love talking in front of people.” – Taylor Dieter ‘24

ENGLISH

“The English department has inspired me to pursue a Literature major in college. Through the encouragement and instruction of each teacher in the English department, I have been able to become more confident in my writing, grammar application, and analysis of texts throughout my four years here at St. Francis. Not only has the English department succeeded in teaching me about the intricacies of the English Language, it has nurtured a passion for English and has ignited my desire to pursue the study of Literature in college.” – Coco Rudge ’24

MATHEMATICS

“My favorite course within the math department is AAT which I am currently taking. My teacher has helped me better understand many of the concepts that I would struggle with if I did not go in for extra help. My teacher helps me by having open hours which I can use to learn specific concepts better. The math department inspired me to learn beyond what I already know.” – Luke Dufresne ‘26



PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS

“I love the opportunities that I have received by being a part of the performing visual arts department from performing in the marching band in Disney World to seeing my art displayed in the art show at the end of the year. All of the teachers in this department have personally inspired me to be better at these activities that I not only take a class for but also have a passion for.” – Elleson Connelly ‘24

P.E. & HEALTH

“The teachers in the PE department are all great people, they really want to see each student grow in their health. I believe that the teacher helps me understand the material in a way that makes it easier to learn.” – Graham Engesser ‘25

RELIGION

“My teachers have helped me to improve how I implement my religion into my everyday life. This department has inspired me because the teachers are all such amazing people, and they are always so supportive, and it inspires me to always be the most supportive friend and classmate I can be.” – Lucy Jania ‘24

SCIENCE

“I am so interested in life science, most especially in regard to medicine and the human body, and my teachers really helped foster that interest into a passion. The pig dissection was my favorite lab because I had the opportunity to see firsthand the concepts and anatomy we had been learning about in class. My teacher was so passionate and excited to teach, it inspired me to learn more and I hope to take AP Bio and Anatomy and Physiology next year. I knew that I wanted to go into the medical field, and Honors Biology affirmed that choice.” – Elizabeth Weitz ‘25

SOCIAL STUDIES

“My favorite course was AP Government and Politics. My teacher helped me understand and discover my role in politics for the future. This department has inspired me to pursue a role in the social sciences and understand my place in important governmental roles!” – Addy Jones ’24

WORLD LANGUAGES

“The language portion of St. Francis is one of my favorite parts of the academics at the school. The main reason is because of the teachers. Currently, I am in Honors Spanish 3, and it is a challenging class, but the teacher makes the class very enjoyable. Even though the class is completely spoken in Spanish, she provides resources to help interpret the language and she has really helped me start to listen and comprehend better.” – Peter Williams ’25 

Around Campus This October

We're so proud of all our Spartan student-athletes: check out these exciting accomplishments!

• Boys Golf: Headed to State!
• Girls Golf: Emmy H. ’24 headed to State!
• Girls Swimming: Celebrating its third consecutive Dual/Tri meet victory!

Homecoming 2023

Homecoming week was an absolute blast, filled with thrilling victories on the field, electrifying performances by the marching band, cheer, and dance teams, an unforgettable pep rally, energetic dance, and an entire spirit week that brought us together in celebration.  

Choir Concert

The concert exuded great energy and showcased an abundance of extraordinary talent. 

Upcoming Varsity Home Matches/Games/Performances* – Go Spartans!

(*subject to change)

Thursday, October 5 – 7:00 p.m.: Boys Soccer vs. ICCP

Friday, October 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Football vs. St. Rita

Saturday, October 7 – 12:30 p.m.: Boys Soccer vs. Downers Grove North

Wednesday, October 11 – 6:00 p.m.: Girls Volleyball vs. Batavia

Thursday, October 12

• 5:30 p.m.: Girls Volleyball vs. ICCP
• 7:00 p.m.: Fall Play “Clue”

Friday, October 13 – 7:00 p.m.: Fall Play “Clue”

Saturday, October 14 – 7:00 p.m.: Fall Play “Clue”