Hear Amari Talluri-Boye '23 share her SFHS story.

"It is no use walking anywhere to preach 
unless our walking is our preaching."

Saint Francis of Assisi 

Welcome

Built to Grow: The SFHS Approach

Lately, I’ve been working on getting in better shape, and I’ve learned something: the best workouts strike a balance. You need the right mix of challenge and support to grow stronger without burning out (or avoiding the gym altogether). At SFHS, we take that same approach to learning. We think of it as a well-balanced workout for the mind, just the right level of rigor, paired with the support students need to succeed.

Here, students can move from College Prep to Honors and AP® courses as they grow, finding that “just right” level where they’re stretched but not overwhelmed. Because while strong grades matter, we know success is about more than a report card.

Every day, our students build real-world skills; thinking critically, using technology wisely, working with data, managing emotions, and staying creative when things don’t go as planned (because they won’t always go as planned). Through hands-on projects and meaningful experiences, they learn how to tackle challenges that don’t come with answer keys. The result? Graduates who are ready for college, ready for life, and maybe even a little more confident taking on whatever comes next.

If you’re curious what that balance looks like in action, there’s no better way than seeing it for yourself. We’d love to welcome your child for a Future Spartan Shadow Day and at our Open House Program on Sunday, November 1 at 1:00 p.m.

Pace e Bene—Peace and all good.

Patrick Jacobsen

Director of Admissions

CLASS OF 2031 APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Join us for Middle School Night at the SFHS Fall Play, Puffs, on Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. Inspired by the Harry Potter series, Puffs is a hilarious comedy that follows seven extraordinary years at a school of magic from the perspective of Hufflepuff House.

Middle school students attend free with advance registration. Click here to reserve your seats today as space is limited!

Only at St. Francis High School

THIS ISSUE’S FEATURE:

What College Prep Really Means at SFHS

At SFHS, “college preparatory” means something deeper. It’s not a single program or a checklist, it’s a complete approach that shapes how students learn and grow every day.

Our model is built around four key elements that work together to prepare students for what comes next.

Challenging Academics with Purpose

Students are pushed to do meaningful, high-level work across all subjects. The focus isn’t just on covering material, it’s on understanding it, using it, and being ready for what college will expect next.

Skills That Make Learning Stick

Students don’t just learn information, rather they learn how to learn. Organization, time management, critical thinking, and working with technology and data are part of everyday classroom experiences.

Learning That Comes to Life

At SFHS, students are asked to speak up, write clearly, think deeply, and apply what they know. Projects, discussions, and real-world connections help learning feel relevant, and build confidence along the way.

Support That Builds Strong Individuals

A strong support system helps students stay on track and grow as individuals. Through mentorship and personalized guidance, students develop resilience, character, and a sense of responsibility for their future.

A Foundation for What’s Next

Together, these elements create a learning environment where students are prepared not just to enter college, but to succeed there, and continue growing long after graduation.

I Am.....

.....challenged and prepared.”

“I can openly say that I have learned an abundance of knowledge throughout all of my classes, not only facts, but also other life skills. The classes at SFHS teach you how to budget time, obtain good work ethic, and make habits that can benefit in all aspects of life. This, as well as facts learned, help you grow as a student as well as a general person.” – Hannah W. ‘29

“Classes here are definitely challenging, but they've taught me how to think for myself instead of just memorizing facts for a test. Pushing through tough subjects has made me realize I'm capable of way more than I thought, and that's given me a ton of confidence going forward." – Michael K. ‘28

Parent Perspective

Prepared, Not Pressured

“It is one thing to have a school that is academically rigorous, as St. Francis is, but it is above and beyond to include the amount of care and assistance from educators to meet those high standards. Education happens by you, not to you, so it is inspiring to watch educators who understand how to be a truly guiding and supportive light for students who are working their way upward.” – Jodi Carroll, Class of 2026 Parent

Around SFHS

A Decade of Innovation

St. Francis High School has been recognized as a Microsoft Elevate Showcase School for the 10th consecutive year! We’re proud to be part of the community of schools around the world that are truly changing teaching and empowering learning through technology

Excellence Recognized Nationwide

The SFHS National Honor Society has been named a Chapter of Distinction, a national recognition awarded to chapters that exemplify the ideals of NHS. This achievement reflects our members’ dedication to leadership, service, and creating a lasting positive impact both on campus and in the community.

Welcoming Their Final Year

As the sun rose over campus, our seniors celebrated the annual Senior Sunrise, a longstanding SFHS tradition that symbolizes both a new beginning and the culmination of years spent together. The morning provided an opportunity for students to reconnect, celebrate their journey, and appreciate the friendships and community they have built throughout their time at St. Francis.

Illinois’ #1 Rushing Leader

Congratulations to Allie S. ’27, who has established herself as one of the nation’s top flag football rushing leaders. With an impressive 6,494 career rushing yards, she ranks among the top five rushers nationally and holds the No. 1 spot in Illinois. We are incredibly proud of Allie’s dedication, talent, and achievements. Spartan Nation is cheering you on!

Champions of the Course

Championship golf was on display as our Girls Golf Team qualified for the IHSA State Tournament, and Jimmy D. '29 qualified as an individual for the Boys Golf Team. Congratulations to our student-athletes and coaches on this tremendous accomplishment. Spartan Nation is proud of you!