Join Us On The SFHS Path

"Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully." 

Saint Francis of Assisi 

Welcome

Discover the Spartan Difference at St. Francis High School

Are you ready to begin the exciting journey of finding the right high school? At St. Francis High School, we’re here to guide you toward your best-fit school. Recognized as both a National Blue Ribbon School and a Microsoft Showcase School, SFHS offers an exceptional learning environment where students excel academically, creatively, and athletically. With a robust Performing and Visual Arts program and 17 IHSA State Championships, our Spartans thrive across every area of school life.

At SFHS, students benefit from strong academics, a supportive culture, and opportunities to grow as well-rounded individuals. From classrooms to stages to athletic fields, SFHS provides experiences that prepare students not only for the next four years, but for a lifetime of success. Here are three great ways to discover firsthand why families choose St. Francis High School:

#1 Join Us for an Event

Experience our campus through student-led tours, hear from our amazing students about their experiences, take in an exciting Spartan game or performance, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in Spartan life. Registration for all fall events is now open at www.sfhscollegeprep.org/visit.

#2 Shadow at SFHS

Walk the halls with our students, sit in on classes, meet our dedicated teachers face-to-face, and feel the Spartan spirit! Future Spartan Shadow Day registration is now open, and shadow days start on September 18.

#3 Read Our Reviews

We’re proud to be ranked the #1 Catholic high school in DuPage County and the #3 Co-Ed Catholic high school in Illinois, according to Niche.com. Visit our profile to hear real feedback from students and parents, and see our grades!

Because the right high school doesn’t just prepare you for the next chapter—it shapes your future.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus and helping your family discover all that St. Francis High School has to offer.

Pace e Bene—Peace and all good.

Go Spartans,

Patrick Jacobsen, Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE: Best Practices to Help Freshman Acclimate to High School, Friends, and Fun

"Welcome to the Spartan family!" That’s the greeting every St. Francis High School freshman receives as they embark on their high school journey. From the very beginning, the school provides structured opportunities to help freshmen feel connected, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. Beyond Freshman Orientation, highlighted in our previous Admissions Newsletter, here are five best practices that support students in becoming full-fledged Spartans within the welcoming St. Francis High School community.

1. Spartan Tech Entry Program (STEP) and Summer Camps

Rising freshmen can choose from over 30 summer camps, providing opportunities to make new friends, unplug from devices, explore personal interests, and connect with peers. The mandatory STEP camp introduces students to St. Francis High School and gives them a head start on using the Microsoft Surface Pro effectively.

2. Freshman Teachers

Teachers of freshmen create a welcoming environment that embodies the Franciscan spirit and addresses individual student needs. In addition to course curriculum, teachers incorporate lessons on time management, study skills, and organizational strategies to help ease students into the high school experience.

3. Counseling’s Success Group

Freshmen seeking support in adjusting to high school can join the six-week Success Group. This program teaches effective study strategies, test-taking methods, and tips for a smooth high school transition. Students also learn how to maximize their Microsoft Surface Pro for organization and note-taking. Sessions are held once a week during rotating class periods, providing opportunities to meet new people while building confidence and academic skills.

4. Four-Year Homeroom Period

Freshmen remain with the same homeroom group for all four years, fostering stronger bonds and a sense of community. This consistent connection allows students to develop deeper friendships over time and provides a supportive environment throughout their high school journey.

5. Activity Period

This optional period after academic classes allows students to participate in one of more than 30 clubs, meet with teachers, make up tests, study, or simply relax. Athletic practices begin at 3:15 p.m., offering additional opportunities for student engagement.

"I Am St. Francis"

What was the most helpful to you freshman year to acclimate to the Spartan community?

The most helpful thing freshman year that helped me to acclimate to the Spartan community were the summer camps. The tech entry program helped me feel confident in using the Microsoft Surface Pro after coming from a Google middle school. The volleyball camp helped me meet new people and learn how athletics worked at SFHS, and the marching band camp introduced me to PVA and gave me many new experiences and pushed me to become a better musician. Each camp provided me different opportunities that helped me acclimate to the Spartan community and helped me meet many friends I still have today.” – Grace G. ‘ 27

Introducing myself to other students, joining fun clubs, and going to school events were most helpful to me freshman year when trying to acclimate myself to the Spartan community.

I only knew a few kids going to SFHS, so not being afraid to put myself out there was key to making new friends and forming relationships with teachers and staff. – Mercedes C. ‘26

What helped me the most during my freshman year at St. Francis was already having a strong connection to the school. My older siblings went here, so I felt familiar with the environment even before I attended. I also did the summer camps which helped me get to experience the campus and meet people early on. Once the school year started, joining a sports team made the biggest difference. Being part of a team gave me a group right away, and it made the transition into high school feel a lot easier and more fun. – Alex K. ‘27

Around Campus This Month

Spartan Earns Perfect ACT Score!

Congratulations to Ian D. ’26 on his recent perfect score of 36 on the ACT test, a feat that less than 0.2% of all high school students across the country have achieved. “A lot of what I learned in my classes here at St. Francis prepared me for the test,” said Ian. We are very proud of you Ian!

Breezeway Beautification Complete

We’re thrilled to share the grand reveal of our “Breezeway Beautification” project! Thank you so much to our donors who made this important update possible.

Spartan Featured on CCL Podcast

We’re very proud of Brady H. ’26 who was interviewed by the Chicago Catholic League Varsity Voices podcast and spoke so fondly of his time here at SFHS and his outstanding growth and accomplishments! Click Here to Watch.

You're Invited

Upcoming Varsity Home Matches/Games Go Spartans!

 *Subject to change

Wednesday, August 27

Girls Golf vs. Montini

3:15 p.m.

Village Links Golf Course

Flag Football vs. Loyola

8:00 p.m.

Kuhn Memorial Stadium

Thursday, August 28

Girls Golf vs. York

3:30 p.m.

Lombard Golf Course

Saturday, August 30

Flag Football vs. Joliet Central/Bloom Township

10:00 a.m./12:30 p.m.

Kuhn Memorial Stadium

Tuesday, September 2

Boys Golf vs. St. Ignatius

3:30 p.m.

Cantigny Golf Course

Wednesday, September 3

Boys Golf vs. St. Laurence

3:30 p.m.

Cantigny Golf Course

Girls Tennis vs. Hinsdale South

4:30 p.m.

Loughery Family Tennis Center

Girls Volleyball vs. Marist

6:00 p.m.

Spyglass Athletic Center

Flag Football vs. Mother McAuley

8:00 p.m.

Kuhn Memorial Stadium

Thursday, September 4

Girls Golf vs. Aurora Central Catholic/St. Viator

4:15 p.m.

Cantigny Golf Course

Friday, September 5

Girls Tennis vs. Batavia

3:00 p.m.

Loughery Family Tennis Center

Saturday, September 6

Flag Football vs. Benet/Schaumburg

11:15 a.m./12:30 p.m.

Kuhn Memorial Stadium