St. Francis High School Admissions Newsletter-Issue 6

Congratulations to the Girls’ Volleyball Team –

Regional Champions for 31 Consecutive Years

Join Us On The SFHS Path

“We are not to be wise and prudent according to the flesh;

but simple, humble, and pure.”

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

“What Classes Do Colleges Want Students to Take?”

We’ve heard colleges look for “the most rigorous course load” on applications, but what does that mean? A St. Francis High School parent summed up this advice after a recent college visit: “The Admissions Officer told my child, ‘If your high school offers AP and honors classes, we want to see that you go for it and take them.’ ”

In the meeting, the Admissions Officer explained how colleges review a transcript, comparing the classes a high school offers to the classes a student takes. If a high school offers few AP/honors, for example, colleges understand and allow for that. If a school offers a good number, however, more competitive colleges like students to take a healthy sampling. So, what a student takes depends on the student, what the high school offers, and the college requirements where the student hopes to attend. Yale Admissions reminds students of the balance between rigor and success, adding that colleges are “interested to see that you have challenged yourself with difficult coursework and have done well.”

During the conversation, the Admissions Officer confirmed the St. Francis High School student was on track to present a “competitive and rigorous” college application. Our parents left grateful for the SFHS academic structure, which offers 19 honors and 17 AP classes without tracking, so students can take them in areas of academic strength. All in the daily presence of Jesus Christ.

According to Director of Counseling Bridget Buckley, “Colleges are looking for evidence that students are capable of/ready for college-level work. St. Francis High School’s fully college-prep curriculum, with the opportunity to take Honors and AP coursework, ensures to colleges that all of our graduates are ready.”

To explore the exceptional college prep opportunities in our community we invite you to visit. Open House is Sunday, November 7. While all spots are currently filled, call or email me to be added to the waitlist. If you can’t make it, please meet me for a tour while school is in session. See you this Sunday at the Open House!

-Maureen Isphording,

Director of Admissions

"I Am St. Francis"

The Parent Perspective: Five Questions for Lisa & Glen Camey and Pam & Mike Polan

1. What grade school did your children attend?

Mr. and Mrs. Camey: Whittier Elementary/Edison Middle School and St. Petronille.

Mr. and Mrs. Polan: Our kids went to Monroe Middle School and Hubble Middle School.

2. Describe the process of selecting SFHS with your children.

Mr. and Mrs. Camey: Our objective was to select a school with strong academics and opportunities to help our children grow spiritually and socially. We were looking for a community that focuses on the whole individual and provides opportunities for new experiences. We wanted a place that will help our kids to stretch and gain confidence in the process. As an alum, I knew that St. Francis was exactly that place. When my son went for an Open House, he was really impressed with all the options including clubs, intramurals, sports, music, and theatre. However, he made his decision when he shadowed at St. Francis in 8th grade. He saw first-hand what a ‘day in the life of a Spartan’ was like and he loved it! Being able to go to a school that allows kids to learn and freely talk about God is a gift. It helps encourage them to develop a relationship with God and grow in faith. I believe this faith helps students understand that through the highs and lows in life, God is always with them.

Mr. and Mrs. Polan: When we were considering public high school versus private, both of our kids liked the idea of a college preparatory and smaller school. We all saw the value of a college-prep education.

3. What has been most surprising about your SFHS experience as a parent?

Mr. and Mrs. Camey: The overall sense of community and school spirit never ceases to amaze me! Also, the depth of class options beyond the core curriculum (e.g., Computer Programming, Economics, Business Law, etc.) is impressive and the teachers do a great job of using real-world examples to help students apply their knowledge.

Mr. and Mrs. Polan: We love the value of an all-school mass regularly. We love the family atmosphere at St. Francis. Having St. Francis on a college application makes a difference.

4. What advice do you have for families with children in middle school beginning to consider high schools?

Mr. and Mrs. Camey: Consider the whole individual (academics, social, spiritual) and what types of experiences you’d like your child to have. Also, come to an Open House and have your child shadow. It’s a great way to get a sense of all that St. Francis has to offer!

5. What one word encapsulates your experience at SFHS?

Mr. and Mrs. Camey: Thankful.

Mr. and Mrs. Polan: Pride.

The Camey family & the Polan family

Only at St. Francis High School

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

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:

CATHOLIC FAITH, SERVICE, & VALUES

Our faith is central to who we are, and it’s what helps us build a vibrant community. SFHS accompanies students, which entails deeply listening, supporting, and helping them understand how God is working in their lives. Our Catholic identity and mission not only help better prepare students for college, but also for life.

Students can proudly profess their faith through:

Daily Religion Class, All-School Prayer, Mass; Monthly All-School Mass
Student Ministry Team; Men’s & Women’s Spirituality Groups
Reconciliation, Eucharistic Adoration, Liturgical Ministry Opportunities
Marian Park Neighbor Tutoring
Small Faith-Sharing Groups
March for Life Trip to Washington D.C.; Summer Service Trip: Mission of Our Lady of the Angels
Christian Service - We emphasize the importance of service to others. Each student is required to complete at least 15 Christian Service hours per academic year, allowing them the opportunity to serve God by serving others. A lifelong commitment to service is at the core of the SFHS experience.
Retreats - These spiritual experiences encourage students to put their faith into practice and build strong, lasting friendships. Our students say the class retreats are among the most transformative and memorable experiences of the school year.