Class of 2023 Welcome Video
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received only what you have given: a heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage."
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
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Let Peace and Courage Help You Find Your Best School Fit"
Did you ever consider that examining your thoughts and fears could bring you to an honest place and help you find the best high school fit? That's because the opposite of fear is peace, courage, and the freedom to know yourself and the difference between "nice to have" and "necessary for personal growth and college admission."
To help visitors find the best school fit, I encourage them to compare the hopes and dreams they hold for their children with opportunities at St. Francis High School. Parents and students can usually feel which school fits but need the peace and confidence to trust their instincts. I find a direct conversation and self-reflection can also help, as well as a campus visit. Here are some fun opportunities to pass these chilly days at St. Francis High School.
Middle School Nights - Free Admission for middle school students. Win door prizes, enter raffles and see what life is like as an SFHS student!
- Boys' Basketball: Friday, January 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., SFHS Spyglass Athletic Center. Click here to register.
- Pep Band: Friday, January 25, 2019 at 5:30 p.m., Meet in the SFHS Music Room. Play with the SFHS Band during the Boys' basketball game! Click here to register.
STEM Day -
A showcase of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities for 7th and 8th grade students. Featuring interactive hands-on lab experiences, workshops, food, fun and learning. Friday, March 1, 2019, 8:30-1:00 p.m.
Click here to register.
Shadow at SFHS - New shadow dates have opened for middle school students. Look online to register your child for 8th Grade/Transfer Shadow Days and specially adapted 7th Grade Shadow Days.
Click here to register.
There's a reason students love St. Francis High School. Come see for yourself how our distinctive college prep path can prepare your child for future success. You're welcome to join your child in some capacity at all of these events. Call me any time if you have questions. I'm always happy to schedule coffee, a walk down our halls while school is in session, or an Admissions meeting to discuss your situation.
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Recent Alumni Perspective: Five Questions for College Freshmen Grace Rego '18 (Boston College) and Luke Armbrust '18 (University of Illinois)
1. What college do you attend? What activities/clubs/athletics were you involved in at SFHS?
Grace:
I attend Boston College. At St. Francis, I was involved in Student Government, Lacrosse, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and Student Ambassador Leadership Team.
Luke: I currently attend the University of Illinois. Growing up, I fell in love with sports. At St. Francis, I was active in Basketball for two years, Golf for all four years, and Intramurals.
2. What is your college major/minor? What activities/clubs/sports have you been involved in thus far?
Grace:
At Boston College, I plan to major in Computer Science and minor in Chinese and Business. I have been involved in the Women in Business Club and Women in Computer Science Club. I also went on Freshman Retreat and returned before second semester to attend a business retreat, as well.
Luke: At U of I, I am a majoring in Business. I also am a freshman on the Men's Golf Team.
3. Describe your transition to college. How did St. Francis prepare you academically for your university studies?
Grace:
Two of my first semester college courses involved reading, daily class discussions, and many writing assignments. Mr. Gorski's English classes prepared me for these two classes, and his teaching style especially prepared me for a discussion-style class. St. Francis also prepared me to feel confident reaching out to my professors for help. In high school, I had no worries asking my teachers questions before or after school, and these habits have been helpful in my college transition.
Luke: After finishing my first semester in college, I can say that I am comfortable and happy in the Gies College of Business at U of I because of Mr. Lynch and his Business classes. St. Francis really prepared me for the transition from high school to college. My passion for business has continued to grow ever since I was properly educated about it in classes at St. Francis.
4. What is your favorite memory during your time at SFHS?
Grace:
Some of my favorite memories come from playing lacrosse at St. Francis. I enjoyed watching the team improve throughout my high school years.
Luke: I have two memories that I will always remember. First, with the guidance of Mr. Lynch, my small group won the annual Stock Market Game. Secondly, I will always remember winning the IHSA 2A State Individual Golf Championship and all the support I received SFHS.
5. Why are you proud to be an SFHS alum?
Grace:
I am proud to be a St. Francis alum because St. Francis puts its students first. St. Francis is a school that is always renovating, improving, adding curriculum, and finding ways to make positive change. The teachers and staff work to make students feel welcome and go out of their way to help students succeed beyond high school. "
I am APPRECIATIVE."
Luke: I am proud to be an alum of SFHS because it is such an amazing community and family to be a part of. I have already noticed that all alumni look out for each other because you're a part of the SFHS family for the rest of your life. It is truly special. "I am THANKFUL."
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Only at St. Francis High School
Club Spotlight for Parents - Introducing Business Club
Meets:
Weekly before school or during Activity Period
(Activity Period is 2:35-3:10 p.m.; practices/rehearsals begin at 3:15 p.m.)
Moderators: Mr. Jeff Gerdeman and Mr. Mike Lynch
SFHS Business and Technology teachers bring more than 80 collective years of real-world business experience to students who take SFHS's entry-level Business classes. Because SFHS offers the most Business classes of all Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Joliet, it's no surprise Business Club students use their classroom knowledge as insight into college majors and as experience to fill impressive college applications. SFHS's Business and Technology department has helped countless students succeed in excellent college business programs.
Moderator Jeff Gerdeman, '87: "We had 24 students meet weekly during the 2
nd quarter as part of the school's CapSim CoreĀ® simulation. Capsim CoreĀ®
(
https://go.capsim.com/capsimcore/
) is a business simulation that requires students to make decisions in four key areas (Research & Development, Marketing, Production, and Finance). Most students are not exposed to this type of simulation until college (undergraduate or graduate school) or as part of corporate training. St. Francis High School is making this wonderful opportunity available at the high school level as well.
"Teams earn stars in 5 scoring categories (Sales, Profit, Stock Price, Contribution Margin, and Emergency Loan). The winning team of seniors Tara J., Tom S., Danny V., and Caroline Z. earned an almost perfect 24 out of 25 stars! Our participants consisted of 12 seniors, 11 juniors, and 1 sophomore. Our sophomore, Andrew Y., more than held his own against the older students."
Student Andrew Y., '21: "I think that CapSim is a fun, interactive, and convenient way to gain insightful business experience that pertains to the real world."
Student Danny V., '19: "My team and I really enjoyed the Capsim Core program. Every Monday morning we would meet and run our little business, and we had a lot of fun doing it! We'd like to extend a huge thank you to the St. Francis Business Department and Capsim as well for giving us this opportunity."
SFHS Partners with Kaplan to Prep Students for ACT on Campus
SFHS offers another ACT course on campus to dovetail test prep with school and activities. This second prep course of the year prepares students for the April exam and begins in February. Before these classes begin, Guidance and Counseling hosts seminars to help students choose next year's courses and plan the schedules they need to present competitive applications. This goal setting, paired with ACT prep and co-curricular activities, help SFHS students apply to college with impressive applications and earn admission to schools of choice. SFHS students may visit kaptest.com/college-prep/stfrancis for more info and to register for the courses.
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St. Francis Speaker Series Invites Prospective Parents
Each year, Guidance and Counseling offers powerful speakers on relevant topics and welcomes prospective parents to attend the events. Scan the list and see what topics may make an impact with your family.
The Critical Voice, To Whom Are You Listening: January 30, 6:00 p.m.
This workshop will help participants turn around negative personal dialogue and integrate faith to find a balanced voice. By Dr. Ann Letourneau and Dr. Elissa McGovern, Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
Resilience: March 12, 9:00 a.m.
Utilizing the book "Mindset" by Stanford Professor Carol Dweck, the workshop will discuss the benefits of cultivating a growth mindset and shares strategies for encouraging children to pursue challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for development. By Nicole Burmingham, Nurturing Wisdom
Exploring Ways to Restore, Replenish, and Refocus our Hearts and Minds: April 30, 8:00 a.m.
Our world is relentless and restless. What is the antidote when we feel uneasy, unquiet, and agitated? Explore ways to allow God to restore, replenish, and refocus our hearts and minds. By Diane Mercadante, Pastoral Minister at St. Francis High School
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Upcoming Events
Campus Tours:
Call (630) 668-5800 for reservations
January 25
Pep Band Middle School Night, 5:30 p.m., Middle school students play with exceptional SFHS Pep Band during the Boys' Basketball game
January 25
Boys' Basketball Middle School Night, 7:00 p.m. Spyglass Athletic Center,
Free admission for M.S. students
January 27
Class of 2023 Liturgy & Registration, 10:00 a.m. Slantdome
April 18
Art Showcase Middle School Night, 6:00 p.m., Students may submit art in the Middle School category of SFHS's Juried Showcase
Email Mrs. Doane for details
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2018-2019 Viewbook
Admissions Video
Feast of St. Francis
We hope you enjoy our talented choir singing the prayer of St. Francis
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Thanks for reading
Maureen
Isphording
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St. Francis High School Fast Facts
COLLEGE PREPARATORY:
Enrollment: 720
CLASS OF 2018-
100% of graduates were accepted to colleges or universities
Earned $33 million in college scholarships
ACADEMIC
72% of faculty have advanced degrees
Class of 2018 average ACT score = 27
117 Full year and semester course offerings
20 Honors courses
14 Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses
CO-CURRICULAR: ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
98% student participation in at least one activity
24 sports programs
10th Place Division 2A State Math Team
65% of students participate in the performing arts
66% of students participate in athletic programs
PASTORAL MINISTRY
Provides opportunity for prayer and worship, retreats, justice and service, ministry leadership formation, pastoral care, and community building
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SFHS Bus Service
St. Francis High School offers bus transportation. The school provides two-way bus service in the northern, western and southern suburbs, with students arriving to St. Francis High School by 7:25 a.m. and departing school after the Activity Period at 3:15 p.m.
For more information, fees, route schedules or questions, please contact Bob Gorski at (630) 668-5800 x1138 or at
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