"I Am St. Francis"
The Parent Perspective: Six Questions for Parents Alicia & Brian Gjerde and Nils Boye & Hima Talluri-Boye
1. Number of years at SFHS? What grade school did your children attend?
Alicia & Brian: Zachary and Evan are graduates of St. Raphael in Naperville. Owen is a graduate of St. Michael's in Wheaton.
Hima & Nils: We currently have two children at SFHS. Our son is a Freshman; our daughter is a Junior. They attended St. Philip the Apostle School since Pre-K.
2. Describe the process of selecting SFHS with your children.
Alicia & Brian: Zachary & Evan both shadowed at other schools and both came to the decision that they felt most welcomed and would have the best educational and extracurricular experience at St. Francis. Owen felt a part of the St. Francis community as soon as his oldest brother walked through the door. From that day forward he could not wait to attend St. Francis.
Hima & Nils: We chose SFHS because it felt like a very inclusive and welcoming community. We are not Catholic but believe in the importance of a faith-based education. Several students and families that attend SFHS come from culturally diverse backgrounds. We felt it was imperative for our children to feel included. We considered several high schools. My kids shadowed, attended Open Houses, and felt SFHS was the best fit. It was beneficial to talk to the faculty. They were extremely welcoming, really involved, and felt very accessible. The overwhelming sense of community was inspiring and made our decision easy.
3. What has been most surprising about your SFHS experience as a parent?
Alicia & Brian: How approachable the faculty and school leadership are. You can easily make an appointment to speak with anyone or catch them while supporting the students at sporting events, music concerts, plays, etc. The constant common goal is always apparent; what's best for the student.
Hima & Nils: We were amazed how quickly both our children assimilated to their new high school. They made many friends, enjoyed their classes, and built good relationships with their teachers and their coaches. They genuinely like going to school! Nothing can make parents prouder than to see their children happy and thriving in an environment that truly nurtures them and helps them grow and succeed.
4. What did your child(ren) do to ease the transition to high school?
Alicia & Brian: Our boys attended the Step-Up program as well as various sport camps in the summer. They also attended the Incoming Freshman orientation. This helped them to meet other classmates and become more familiar with the staff and their surroundings on campus.
Hima & Nils: Both our children participated in various summer camps offered prior to the start of their freshman year. They participated in the Volleyball and Basketball camps. It was a great way to meet new students with shared interests and build friendships. They also attended the Rise Up and Freshman101 sessions which helped them learn the computer systems at the school.
5. What advice do you have for families who are discerning if SFHS is the high school for their child(ren)?
Alicia & Brian: I would suggest they attend various events hosted at St. Francis. Such as plays, concerts, etc. There are also various 8th grade nights to attend at sporting events. Even if the sport is not your child's focus, they can feel the vibe, hear the rock band & singers and experience the St. Francis spirit within the community.
Hima & Nils: Have your children shadow a student at this school. Talk to fellow parents and students about their experiences. Attend Middle School Nights, theater productions, concerts, and sporting events. Look at the smiles of the students that walk the halls and see the curiosity that fills the classrooms. Witness the contagious energy and Spartan spirit at any of our athletic events. Feel the peace and faith that surrounds our mass, and you will know whether or not SFHS is a good fit for your child and your family.
6. What one word encapsulates your experience at SFHS?
Alicia & Brian: Community.
Hima & Nils: Holistic!
SFHS develops the whole student. They feed not only our children’s minds but enhance their faith and fuel their spirit. This high school gives them academic excellence through challenging courses taught by dedicated teachers. It gives them a strong foundation and prepares them for college. They are taught to be independent, hardworking leaders. SFHS gives them a variety of sports and clubs to explore their interests and gives them opportunities to be socially engaged. SFHS reinforces good values and enriches their faith through daily prayer and religious retreats. They are taught through service opportunities to take what they learn, build on it, and give back to our world in a meaningful way.
We feel very blessed that our children have the opportunity to attend SFHS and feel grateful to be part of the Spartan family!
