St. Francis High School Junior Spartan Newsletter

Join Us On The SFHS Path

"Let us return all good to the great and all-powerful God, acknowledging that all proceeds from Him,
thanking Him for all His benefits,
since everything comes from Him."

Saint Francis of Assisi

Welcome

The St. Francis Formula for Student Success

Students at St. Francis High School are known for going further, academically, personally, and in the opportunities they pursue after graduation. That success is not accidental. It comes from a deliberate combination of academic excellence, strong values, and real-world skill development that prepares students not only for college admission, but for lasting success once they arrive.

Excellence That Elevates the Experience

St. Francis High School is recognized nationally for its academic quality, earning both the Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School Award and designation as a Microsoft Showcase School. These honors reflect an environment where exceptional educators, innovative technology, and a culture of achievement work together to help every student reach their full potential.

A Community That Develops the Whole Person

Rooted in Franciscan values, SFHS nurtures students as both scholars and people of character. Through retreats, service opportunities, and a supportive community, students grow in confidence, purpose, and faith while discovering the gifts that make them unique.

Skills That Prepare Students for the Future

Today’s employers look for graduates who can think critically, collaborate, and adapt. At SFHS, students build these essential skills every day:

Digital Literacy – Technology-integrated coursework and collaborative digital projects reflect how teams work in the modern world.
Data Literacy – Science labs, math investigations, and research projects teach students to analyze and interpret information to make evidence-based decisions.
Critical Thinking – Socratic discussions and project-driven learning challenge students to evaluate ideas, analyze evidence, and solve complex problems.
Emotional Intelligence – Retreats, service programs, and leadership experiences strengthen empathy, self-awareness, and collaboration.
Creativity – Arts programs and STEM-focused clubs like robotics and engineering encourage innovation and creative expression.

Preparation for Long-Term Success

Students also develop strong executive functioning skills—organization, time management, accountability, and independent learning—helping them succeed not only in college admissions, but once they arrive.

The best way to understand the SFHS experience is to see it in action. A campus visit or student shadow day allows your child to attend classes, meet current students and teachers, and experience the energy of the community firsthand. It’s an opportunity to see how students learn, connect, and grow each day at SFHS while envisioning what their own high school journey could look like. Reach out to schedule a tour or shadow visit, we look forward to welcoming your family to campus.

Pace e Bene – Peace and all good.

Patrick Jacobsen

Director of Admissions

Only at St. Francis High School

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:

The Catholic Advantage: Every Student Known

Catholic schools are built on a tradition of academic excellence, and that commitment is central to the experience at St. Francis High School. With an average student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, students benefit from a learning environment that is personal, challenging, and designed to help each individual succeed.

Our experienced faculty members truly know their students. They challenge them to reach their full potential through a rigorous and diverse curriculum while also serving as mentors who guide and support them from freshman year through graduation.

What are the teachers like?

Passionate. Caring. Dedicated. Engaging.

At SFHS, educators are experts in their fields who take the time to understand their students, building relationships that encourage curiosity, confidence, and growth.

Why is a medium-sized school the ideal choice?

The best of both worlds – SFHS offers the close-knit community of a smaller school with the opportunities and resources of a larger one.
Personalized academics – A wide range of courses paired with small class sizes allows students to explore their interests while receiving individual attention.
Opportunities to get involved – With numerous clubs, activities, and programs, students can participate, lead, and discover their passions without ever feeling lost in the crowd.
A community rooted in purpose – As a Catholic school, everything we do centers on supporting our students, helping them grow academically, personally, and spiritually within a strong and caring community.

The Student Perspective:

What does ATTENTION at SFHS mean to you?

“At SFHS, attention is more than creating relationships with your peers and teachers. It's about investing in yourself and growing as both a student and an individual.”

– Oliver H. ’26

“I think one of the most special parts of St. Francis is the care that each teacher has for the individual student. You can tell each teacher wants to see their students succeed and will offer whatever help they can to make that happen.”

– Lauren R. ‘26

“Attention to me at SFHS is so amazing. You are seen by every teacher and every teacher cares about you.”

– Joey L. ‘26

“The attention at SFHS has been so helpful. The staff and students have all proved through their attention that one person can make a difference. No one is ever alone when they are within the St. Francis community.”

– Sophia R. ‘28

Around SFHS

A Spartan Among the State’s Best

Congratulations to Margaret A. ’26 for being named to the IHSA All-State Academic Team! In SFHS records dating back 15 years, she is only the second Spartan ever to earn this prestigious honor, an incredible achievement celebrating both her dedication and excellence.

Spartans Take the Magic Stage

Our PVA students had a truly unforgettable trip to Orlando! Choir, Rock Band, and Marching Band performed at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios, Disney Springs, and Church of Mary Queen of the Universe, while our Visual Art students got hands-on at an Epcot workshop, sketching the iconic Cinderella Castle alongside a Disney artist. A magical experience for every Spartan!

Spartan Musicians Strike the Right Note

Congratulations to the SFHS Music Department for earning 2nd Place Overall at the recent IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest. In their respective divisions, the SFHS Choir placed 1st for the seventh consecutive year, while Band finished 3rd and Orchestra placed 4th, an impressive showing that highlights the continued excellence of Spartan musicians.

Spartans Robotics Shines at State Championship

Recently, Spartans Robotics competed at the FIRST Tech Challenge Illinois State Championship at NIU, finishing 19-7 and ranking in the top 7% in the world. In their final match, they handed the eventual Illinois Champion their only loss of the season!

Junior Kate Reidenbach made history as the first two-time winner of the Illinois FIRST Leadership Award and will advance to the World Championships in Houston this April, representing Illinois on a global stage.

Spartans Solve Their Way to the Top

The SFHS Math Team had an outstanding showing at the recent Regional Math Contest, finishing 3rd overall! Competing in one of the toughest regionals, home to 4 of the state’s top 12 teams, our Spartans excelled against fierce competition. Based on state-wide results, the team is currently ranked 10th in Illinois. Congratulations to all who competed and represented SFHS with excellence!

Future Health Heroes in Action

Our HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter, led by Mrs. Beelow, recently visited Midwestern University for its annual Health Sciences Career Day, where students explored interactive, hands-on experiences in healthcare. We’re proud to see our aspiring health professionals engaging, learning, and taking steps toward their future careers!

From Spartan to Structural Engineer

Earlier this month, SFHS alumna Maggie Breyne ’21 returned to campus to speak with Dr. Juliano’s Engineering class about her journey into civil engineering. Maggie graduated from Purdue University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, concentrating in Architectural Engineering, along with minors in English and Environmental Engineering. She shared insights from her college experience and offered students a firsthand look at careers in the engineering field.