Welcome, Class of 2024. Press to view video.
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"No one can acquire virtue unless he begins by dying to himself.
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Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
What Makes High School Mean Something? Mission.
Every morning, we pray the Prayer of Saint Francis. Students, teachers, staff, even visitors in the building-we may peck keyboards or work quietly-but when the morning announcements make their way to the Prayer of Saint Francis, we all stop and ask God to bless this humble endeavor. This humble endeavor of preparing students for college and a life lived in the spirit of Franciscan virtue. This is what makes St. Francis High School different from any other high school. MISSION.
Mission is the reason the experience is deeper at SFHS than at a public school.
Mission is the reason SFHS centers education and opportunity on every student.
Mission is the reason SFHS seniors, at graduation, fulfill the potential they imagined as freshmen.
The sense of mission at St. Francis High School distinguishes this community from every area high school. And it will set your child's heart on fire. If you let it.
When the SFHS community collectively affirms our mission each day, it enriches everyone's experience, because even on a bad day, there's a bigger picture, a reason for this hope. Low student: teacher ratios, no tracking, college planning starting freshman year-list your favorite SFHS standout-then consider that all success stems from MISSION.
This Sunday, we welcome the incoming Class of 2024 for Mass and Registration at 10:00 a.m.
It's an astounding event, where SFHS students put their gifts of hospitality, music, and joy at the service of each other, leaving incoming students and parents confident in their choice and eager to begin this transformative college prep journey. Even students who don't know anyone when they arrive leave feeling like family. The SFHS administration, teachers, and staff look forward to seeing you! Together, the community and new Class of 2024 will soak in the spirit of St. Francis High School, a path paved with achievement and fueled by the spirit of our mission. Please call me if you have any questions.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Student of the Month Perspective: Five Questions for Students of the Month from 9 Academic Departments
Dominic S., '20
-Business & Technology; Allie L., '21-English; Mike B., '20-Mathematics; Emily C., '20-Performing & Visual Arts; Amy W., '20-P.E. & Health; Nate R., '22-Religion; Colin K., '23-Science; Anne W., '21-Social Studies; Cate R., '20-World Languages.
1. What grade school did you attend? Why did you choose SFHS for your high school experience?
Dominic:
I went to St. Irene in Warrenville. I came to St. Francis because I love the environment, and all my sisters came here as well.
Allie:
I went to St. John the Baptist and chose St. Francis because my parents and I wanted to continue my Catholic education.
Mike:
I went to St. Irene and choose St. Francis because of its close-knit community.
Emily: I attended Saint John the Baptist. I chose St. Francis because my siblings came here and I wanted to have the same experience.
Amy:
I went to St. Michael. I came to St. Francis because everyone in my family went here (my sister, my parents, all my aunts and uncles). This school has offered so much in forming how my family is today. I was excited to create my own history here.
Nate: I attended St. Michael in Wheaton. I chose St. Francis because I feel it is a community where anyone can be accepted.
Colin:
I attended Franklin Middle School. I chose St. Francis for the countless opportunities here, where teachers care about each and every student. They want what is best for students, and that really spoke to me because I felt that I would really succeed here.
Anne: I attended St. Joseph and attended St. Francis because of the diverse class choices and small size.
Cate:
I attended St. Michael School and choose St. Francis because I loved the supportive community here when I was a Future Spartan.
2. You've earned Student of the Month. What classes have you taken in this department? How has this department inspired your course of study?
Dominic:
(Business & Technology)This year I have taken Maintaining Windows Technology (Computer Hardware) and Visual Studio. I am currently an IT aide and taking Honors Programming in Java. My favorite project was building a computer from scratch in Computer Hardware. It taught me to budget and shop smart. After taking a few classes, I know this is what I want to do.
Allie:
(English) English classes have reignited my appreciation for reading. I've taken H
onors English I freshman year, Honors English II sophomore year, and I'm now taking AP Language as a junior. This year, I worked on a group project to analyze "A Modest Proposal," and I learned a lot about both rhetorical and satirical writing strategies. I also enjoyed getting to know classmates better, and our group bonded through the project.
Mike:
(Math) I have taken Intro to Statistics, Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Advanced Algebra, Pre Calc, and am currently taking Trigonometry. I especially enjoyed my first quarter stats project because it allowed me to apply what I had learned in stats to sports data, specifically basketball. All of my math teachers have pushed me to apply what I have learned to things in life that I enjoy.
Emily:
(Performing & Visual Arts) I've taken Choir all four years, Digital Art, Communications Design, Theatre and Studio Art. In theatre we did a job project and I learned more about music and theatre. I just loved learning about what I love to do. Mr. Lewis and Mrs. Schroeder helped me consider doing theater in college.
Amy:
(P.E. & Health) I have had P.E. for one semester each school year. In my four years at SF, I learned life skills and games that I will remember long after I leave this school.
My teachers allowed class to have a perfect balance of fun, competition, and respect. They taught me how to be competitive while also respecting the sport and my opponent.
Nate:
(Religion)
I have taken two classes in Religion, both required classes, which are God's Revelation (freshman year) and Body of Christ (currently during sophomore year). One project where I really learned a lot was the Something New project of freshman year. This was valuable to me because it helped me dive into my faith. My teachers inspired me to connect more to the faith by teaching in ways that connect Scripture to my own life.
Colin:
(Science) I have taken Biology.
A project in which I learned a lot was the cell project, where we had to illustrate the process of how nutrition and waste enter and leave a cell. I enjoyed it because a cell is fascinating. I feel this class enlightened me in my future career choices and motivated me to dig deeper. My teacher has also helped deepen my interest of science.
Anne:
(Social Studies)
APUSH, APGOV, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, and World History. One project where I learned a lot was just recently in APGOV when we had to present a power point and talk about media and how it has changed versus what it was and connecting that to how far it has come. Yes, all of the teachers in this department have shown me their love for the social sciences which, in turn, has inspired me to want to pursue one of them as a career or major in college.
Cate:
(World Languages) I have taken a Spanish class every year and am currently in Spanish IV Honors. This year we researched a Spanish speaking country's newspaper and read some articles. I really enjoyed it because it's interesting to see what's happening in other countries and rewarding to know I can read a newspaper in Spanish and still understand it. St. Francis teachers are very helpful, and I have learned so much this year.
3. What is your advice for current middle school students deciding about high school?
Dominic:
My advice is to choose a school that fits you. Also, organize your time freshman year. It is important to keep your grades up, but keep it in perspective if you don't do well on a test.
Allie:
I would say, attend the high school that appeals to your interests the most. Sometimes, that isn't the school most of your friends go to, but I suggest being open to change and the new people you'll meet.
Mike:
My biggest advice to middle school students deciding about what high school to attend is to go where you feel most comfortable. If you go where you are comfortable, success, not only academically, will come much easier.
Emily: Some advice, chose what is in your gut. You got this!
Amy:
Time flies in high school, so stay true to who you are, even when it's hard. And choose a school that fits you.
Nate:
My advice to middle schoolers deciding about high school is to choose the school that you think mostly embodies a community because the schools that do are the ones where everyone can feel accepted as if they are part of a family.
Colin:
My advice for current middle schools students would be to follow your dreams and stay involved in the Spartan community.
Anne:
Never rule a high school out right away. Consider all your options and make sure you go to open houses and shadow people and choose where you feel most comfortable.
Cate:
Do not be scared of the change. Everyone is nervous to go to a new school but by second semester everyone feels comfortable and it isn't intimidated anymore.
4. What Franciscan virtue to you most connect with your high school experience? Why?
(Franciscan virtues: compassion, prayer, peace & justice, simplicity, integrity, humility, brotherhood/sisterhood, joy, acceptance, service, generosity, peacemaking, faithfulness, hospitality, charity, goodness)
Dominic:
The virtue I connect with is compassion. You never know what someone else is going through, so I always offer help if someone appears to be struggling.
Allie:
I think I connect my St. Francis experience most to the value of acceptance. This school is more accepting of people than I could have ever imagined high school to be, and my friends and I don't feel afraid to be ourselves in this environment.
Mike:
The Franciscan virtue that I most associate with my high school experience has to be brotherhood. I say this because St. Francis has given me the opportunity to meet the people I consider to be my closest friends.
Emily: Sisterhood - joining choir, theatre, and sports have helped me connect with others.
Amy:
I feel like I have learned to live a life of simplicity. I have learned to let the little things go. I feel like at St. Francis, people let the little things go and that is why we leave as seniors with such strong connections. We create a family based on our simplicity.
Nate: The one Franciscan virtue I connect to my high school experience is acceptance. When I came to St. Francis, I found several people who I could call friends, and thanks to them, I feel accepted.
Colin:
Because the community is full of supportive peers, I connect the virtue of compassion with my experience.
Anne:
Compassion is the Franciscan virtue that connects with me the most because my teachers really care about me, which pushes me to care about others.
Cate:
Integrity, because here I have learned to work hard and to be proud of the work, not just the grade. Also, I have learned to stay true to my values and be confident in my decision making.
5. What one word would you use to describe your feelings toward St. Francis?
Dominic: I am Caring.
Allie:
This school and the teachers here have taught me so much academically, but also about religion, the world I live in, and new aspects of myself. I am Enlightened at St. Francis.
Mike: I am Thankful for St. Francis.
Emily:
I am Loved.
Amy: I am Changed.
Nate: I am Living St. Francis.
Colin: I am ME at St. Francis.
Anne: I am Growing at St. Francis.
Cate: I am Grateful for St. Francis.
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Only at St. Francis High School
A Parent's Inside View to Fall Extracurricular Opportunities - What Would Your Child Like to Try?
With 98 percent of students participating in school activities, fall is a busy time at SFHS. Talented St. Francis students like to get involved, and Activity Period sets aside time each afternoon for them to join clubs as well as participate in sports or performing arts. Parents, here's a recap of fall activities, highlighted for you to see which opportunities your child may enjoy at SFHS.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES-FALL 2019
BAND (Rock Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Pep Band, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band)
Worship Team at school masses, basketball games, volleyball games, home football games, area events, open houses, team send-offs to state competitions, Christmas Concert
Congratulations: Tim K., ILMEA District IX Honor Band, Trombone
CHOIR (Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Mixed Choir, Swing Choir)
Worship Team at school masses; Fall Concert; Metro Suburban Conference Choir Festival Performance & Workshop; open houses; monthly Ministers of Music at Wheaton Franciscan Sisters Sunday Masses; caroling at Wheaton Franciscan Sisters; SFHS Alumni Memorial Mass; National Anthem at all home football, volleyball, & basketball games; Christmas Concert
Congratulations: Sam C., Caroline D., Wilton O., Samantha S, ILMEA District IX Honor Choir
THEATER
Fall play ("Radium Girls"), Fall performance ("Broadway Revue"), Holiday play ("A Christmas Carol")
CLUB OPPORTUNITIES-FALL 2019
ADVENTURE CLUB
Insider's view: September ice cream and mini-golf; October indoor rock climbing (Vertical Endeavors); November Portillo's & a Play (The Nutcracker)
ARTS & CRAFTS CLUB
Insider's view: August DIY school supplies; September clay & polymer, canvas art; October lava lamps, galaxy bottles, Halloween jewelry/decor; November beads, calligraphy, origami; December crafts and Christmas party
BASS FISHING CLUB
Insider's view: August how to fish (Herrick Lake); September how to fish (Fox River); October baits and presentations for catfish (Blackwell Forest Preserve); November bass fishing; December essentials and techniques of ice fishing
CULINARY CLUB
Insider's view: August butter beer; September French-style crepes; October Halloween treats, edible Halloween scenes; November Thanksgiving mini-pies; December Christmas sweets
ENGINEERING CLUB
Insider's view: August Tower Competition; September Popsicle Stick Catapult Competition, Paper Airplane Competition; October Egg Drop Competition, Guest Speaker Dr. Michael Palm (Abbott, brought in inventions he has developed and holds patents for, discussed design process in the field); November Giant Roller Coaster Challenge; December Party
INTRAMURALS
Insider's view: Tennis, volleyball, bags, basketball
MATH TEAM
Insider's view: December earned 1st place in MSC Conference Contest, earned multiple individual medals and ribbons
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Insider's view: Organized and lead RiseUp workshop for 8th graders; worked at People's Resource Center, Northern IL Food Bank, tutored students, developed before-, during-, and after-school study groups. Last year, 109 participants completed 1,079 hours of service (436-learning/scholarship service, 448 community service, 195 school spirit service)
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Insider's view: Bi-weekly meetings, work on projects both in and out of school.
PING PONG
CLUB
Insider's view: Meets every Monday, lots of fun
SADD (STUDENTS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS)
Insider's view: October Red Ribbon Week, awareness activities, pet therapy dogs, vaping prevention, and other. November/December awareness event planning, Christmas Party
SCHOLASTIC BOWL (VARSITY AND JV)
Insider's view: Varsity placed 6th in IHSA sectionals tournament; weekly matches every Tuesday
SMASH CLUB
Insider's view: Weekly "Smash Brothers Mario" tournaments
SMT (STUDENT MINISTRY TEAM)
Insider's view: Participated in & led retreats and service, meets every week
SPARTAN LIFE TEAM
Insider's view: Twice monthly freshman homeroom visits for team-building and fun activities
STRATEGIC GAMING CLUB
Insider's view: Board game tournaments twice monthly
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Insider's view: Organized Homecoming and Spirit Week activities; Powderpuff Homecoming game; plan Spartan Olympics
SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES-FALL 2019
CHEER
Sideline and halftime performances at football games, prepared for winter competition season
DANCE
Sideline and halftime performances at football games, prepared for winter competition season
CROSS-COUNTRY/BOYS
MSC Conference Champions, IHSA Regional Champions, IHSA State Qualifier 14th Place
Congratulations: Dan W., MSC Conference Individual Champion, MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area, All-State, 6th at State
CROSS-COUNTRY/GIRLS
Congratulations: Minnie R., MSC All-Conference, IHSA State Qualifier
FOOTBALL
MSC Conference Champions, IHSA Quarterfinalists
Congratulations: Michael B., MSC All-Conference Honorable Mention, Daily-Herald All-Area Honorable Mention; Ryan F., MSC All-Conference Honorable Mention, Daily-Herald All-Area Honorable Mention; TJ M., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area; Luke M., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area Honorable Mention, All-State Honorable Mention; Ben R., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area, Academic All-State; Enzo R., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area Honorable Mention, Academic All-State, ICA Shrine All-Star; Tommy R., MSC All-Conference, MSC Offensive Player of the Year, Daily-Herald All-Area, All-State Honorable Mention, Academic All-State; Connor S., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area, All-State, Academic All-State; Jake T., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area Honorable Mention, Academic All-State
GOLF/GIRLS
MSC Conference Champions
Congratulations: Katherine L., MSC All-Conference, IHSA Regional Individual Champion, IHSA Sectional Individual Champion, IHSA State Qualifier 12th Place; Elizabeth G., MSC All-Conference; Cameron M., MSC All-Conference
GOLF/BOYS
MSC Conference Tournament Champions
Nick A.,
MSC Conference Tournament Individual Champion, MSC All-Conference; Zach M., MSC All-Conference; John L., MSC All-Conference
SOCCER/BOYS
Congratulations: Michael F., MSC All-Conference, IHSSCA All-Sectional Honorable Mention; Trey G., MSC All-Conference, IHSSCA All-Sectional; Frank M., MSC All-Conference, IHSSCA All-Sectional, DuPage County All-Area Honorable Mention, Kane County Chronicle All-Area; Sam P., MSC All-Conference; Adam T., MSC All-Conference
SWIMMING/GIRLS
Sectional Qualifiers
TENNIS/GIRLS
MSC Conference Champions, IHSA State Qualifier 11th Place
Congratulations: Marnie K., Kane County Chronicle All-Area Team, IHSA State medalist, IHSA State top 8 doubles, IHSTCA All-State; Jane P., Kane County Chronicle All-Area Team, IHSA State medalist, IHSA State top 8 doubles, IHSTCA All-State; Julia T., Kane County Chronicle All-Area Team, IHSA State medalist
VOLLEYBALL/GIRLS
IHSA Regional Champions, IHSA Sectional Champions
Congratulations: Anna C., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area, All-State, Kane County Chronicle Female Volleyball Player of the Year; Natalie I., MSC All-Conference; Katlyn S., MSC All-Conference, Daily-Herald All-Area Honorable Mention
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Beyond Admissions Events - You're Invited
St. Francis Speaker Series Invites Prospective Parents
Each year, SFHS Counseling and College Prep offers powerful speakers on relevant topics and welcome prospective parents to attend the events. Scan the list and see what topics may make an impact with your family. All events free of charge.
"The Critical Voice: To Whom Are You Listening?"
Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. Ann Letourneau from the Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center
Do you ever find yourself thinking, "I can't do this?" While many of us have such inner dialogue, do we ever consider what life might be like without that critical voice? This workshop will help participants begin to find a self-acceptance that leads to freedom. Participants will also practice skills and integrate faith to find a more balanced inner voice.
"Motivation"
Tuesday, March 4, 2020 at 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Nicole Burmingham from Nurturing Wisdom
It's not uncommon for teens to lose their spark when it comes to school. While it's easy to chalk it up to disinterest or laziness, that's usually not the case. Students thrive when we take a more nuanced approach. This talk will unpack the complex psychology behind motivation and share tips to help children rediscover their passion for learning.
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Upcoming Events
Campus Tours
January 26
Class of 2024 Mass and Registration, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
March 19
Spring Musical Middle School Night, 7:00 p.m.
Click here to register
March 24
Class of 2024 Family Welcome Night, 6:30 p.m.
April 18
Class of 2024 Proficiency Tests
April 22
Spring Information Session 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Click here to register
Summer Camps
Registration Opening Soon!
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2019-2020 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: 685
CLASS OF 2019-
100% of graduates were accepted to colleges or universities
Earned $27 million in college scholarships
ACADEMIC
74% of faculty have advanced degrees
Class of 2019 average ACT score = 27
123 Full year and semester course offerings
21 Honors courses
16 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
73% 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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