St. Francis High School Admissions Newsletter-10/2/2024

Join Us On The SFHS Path

"Where there is charity and wisdom, there is

neither fear nor ignorance."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

Blue Ribbon Also Elevates Leadership Skills

The theme of this Admissions Newsletter is academics, and how St. Francis High School’s world class education also helps nurture leadership and risk taking. Risk taking? Yes, not recklessness, but the risk taking that inspires students to reach beyond their comfort zones and grow in confidence. SFHS students develop essential leadership skills as a byproduct of their Blue Ribbon education, classroom innovation, and supportive community. Here are a few of my insights:

At SFHS, students explore while meeting their highest academic potential. Teachers encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and explore areas they may not have considered previously. We need to be uncomfortable to grow, but we also need to feel supported to extend ourselves with confidence. When students push the boundaries of their comfort zones, they begin to uncover their true abilities.

St. Francis High School builds leaders by putting students first. Leadership is not always the loudest voice in the room, and we sometimes have that stereotype from movies, books, and TV. St. Francis High School students receive teacher support as well as tools and opportunities to be successful. This attention creates a strong support system during their high school years so they can exceed their academic potential.

Franciscan virtues build unique leadership skills. Leaders do not always lead from the front. Oftentimes, they’re in the middle, or side by side, growing in the most individual ways. This is what we see in our student leaders at St. Francis High School —work, support, and motivation alongside classmates on their academic journey.

Whole student education, all tied together with a Blue Ribbon, and uniquely St. Francis High School. I invite you to experience SFHS for yourself. Come to an Open House and schedule a tour or Shadow Visit for your child this fall. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Go Spartans,

Patrick Jacobsen, Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

Experience the SFHS difference, which offers distinct advantages that provide students with a well-rounded education to prepare them for a successful future.

The SFHS College Prep Advantage

At SFHS, we prioritize high-quality coursework, strategic guidance, and an academic framework designed with college readiness in mind. Our college prep approach empowers students to achieve their personal goals.

One key aspect of our college counseling is assisting students with course selection. From their freshman year, students work with counselors and teachers to create schedules that align with their college aspirations. Principal Huhn explains, “In freshman year, we place students in classes based on their entrance exam scores and proficiency tests. We tailor schedules to their academic strengths and allow them to advance to higher-level courses. By senior year, our goal is to prepare students to present competitive college applications. Regardless of their starting point, we challenge and support them, helping them reach new heights.”

Sample Schedules Showcase College Pathways

St. Francis High School offers a variety of outstanding academic courses. We provide sample student schedules alongside college requirements for institutions our current students attend.

For more details on our courses and departmental offerings, please 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 tailored to equip students for admission to top colleges and universities. We offer coursework at College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement (AP®) levels. Students collaborate with their counselors to create a 4-year plan that outlines their academic path.

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

“St. Francis High School's Technology Department exemplifies what it means to be a Blue Ribbon and Microsoft Showcase School. The Surface Pros, equipped with necessary and phenomenal resources, guides students and teachers to reach their maximum potential. Along with the outstanding staff and IT department, the Technology Department has fundamentally set me up for success today and years beyond.” – Amanda A. ‘26

ENGLISH

“The English program at St. Francis has really pushed me to become a better writer and to read things I never would have read outside of school. Some of the books have been really interesting, and they provided so many new insights into life. I really love how interactive the English classes are and how they have taught me to look deeper into works of literature and to have better analysis skills.” – Grace G. ‘27

MATHEMATICS

“Our Math dDepartment is extraordinary with multiple teachers and multiple different tracks you can take depending on your skill level. There are truly classes for everyone!”

– Brady H. ‘26

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS

“God calls on us all to use our gifts for the good of others, and I've never felt better than when I hear the choir sing and band play at Masses and other school events. The Performing and Visual Arts Department cultivates raw talent into pure, refined skill--a striking contrast you can hear and see!” – Ava B. ‘26

P.E. & HEALTH

“Health class has taught me many life skills that I will be able to use even after graduation. One particular takeaway from health class was learning CPR and becoming certified. CPR certification is a great tool to acquire and I am lucky we have the ability to become certified as part of our curriculum.” – Dylan K. ‘25

RELIGION

“The Religion Department at St. Francis has truly given me the room to grow in my spirituality and discover what it is that I believe and how I view the world and the people around me. Each of the teachers have helped me to recognize God's love in the world around me and make my spirituality a constant beacon presence in my life.” – Erin D. ‘25

SCIENCE

“I have really enjoyed the challenges that each science class I have taken gives me. Wanting to major in Biology, it is important to me to have a strong foundation of science to bring to college next year, and I definitely feel as though the St. Francis science program has prepared me well.” – Sarah K. ‘25

SOCIAL STUDIES

“Social Studies classes such as AP Psychology have given me the knowledge about how humans think and why humans act the way we do. I can use this knowledge to help me be more empathetic towards others.” – John W. ‘25

WORLD LANGUAGES

“The World Languages department at St. Francis is truly amazing. The teachers here are wonderful in not only teaching us a language but also helping apply them to situations we might see in a native country to that language!” – Matthew W. ‘25

Around Campus

National Merit Recipients

Congratulations to Mariola H. ’25, for being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist! SFHS also had six Commended Students; David C., Diya K., Margaret S., Declan T., Victoria T., and Elizabeth W.

New Façade

Construction has begun on the new facade of our school! The new design is dynamic and eye-catching, reflecting our vibrant spirit and showing who we are to the broader community. Fresh landscaping and lighting will also be completed in the coming weeks. This was all made possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor - we are so grateful!”