SFHS performed at Walt Disney World last week, marching in the Walt Disney World parade, singing on Disney Springs' main stage, and attending workshops with Disney artists. Performing & Visual Arts students return to Florida in 2022.
Will you be with them?
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"
Happy he who places all his joy & happiness
in the holy words & works of God.
"
Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
Top Three Ways Schools the Size of St. Francis High School Offer Students the Most Opportunity
Each time you read that SFHS's ideal size draws out a student's potential, imagine the Department of Education nodding in agreement. That's because opportunity and support mix in ideal ways at a moderately sized school that enrolls fewer than 900 students (and more than about 600). Here are three distinct advantages of schools the size of St. Francis High School, according to the Department of Education:
- The size of high schools may have an indirect effect on student learning. Essentially, more moderately sized schools-those with 900 or fewer students-likely improve the climate and conditions for student success, especially teacher sense of self-efficacy and appropriate sense of responsibility for student learning, when accompanied by high expectations, standards and supporting strategies.*
- In small schools, students tend to be more satisfied, more academically productive, more likely to participate in school activities, better behaved, and less likely to drop out than students in large schools. *
- Smaller schools also may be safer because students feel less alienated, more nurtured and more connected to caring adults, and teachers feel that they have more opportunity to get to know and support their students.*
"There is a large body of evidence to suggest that smaller schools may have advantages over large schools," cites the Department of Education, which offers larger schools resources to address disadvantages by creating smaller interior communities to simulate a more beneficial school setting.
This is why I find it so rewarding to introduce students to St. Francis High School, because the community culture works in their favor and helps them succeed. Is St. Francis the perfect size for your child? You're invited to find out more by visiting. We can talk over a cup of coffee, then tour while students and teachers are in class. You're also invited to schedule a shadow day, or call me for a quick conversation any time (630) 668-5800 x1120. I can't wait to meet you.
Sincerely,
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
*U.S. Department of Education, School Size Archived Information
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Accepted-to-College Perspective: Five Questions for Seniors Becky G., '20 and Nick P., '20.
As college acceptances begin to roll in for the Class of 2020, congratulations to these two seniors, who describe their SFHS college prep journey below.
1. What grade school did you attend? What activities have you been involved in at SFHS? What are your college plans?
Becky:
I attended Eastview Middle School in Bartlett. I am a Student Government Class Officer, I have been on Math Team since my freshman year, and I am a part of National Honor Society. I intend to major in Architecture, but I have not yet decided where I will be going to school this fall.
Nick:
I went to St. John the Baptist in Winfield. At St. Francis, I have been involved in just about all theater productions, Choir, Worship Team, Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Student Ministry Team, Intramurals and Boys' Volleyball. I plan on attending college at St. Thomas University in Minnesota, my first choice.
2. What's one word to describe your college planning/application experience.
Becky:
Rewarding.
Nick:
If I had to describe my college planning/application experience in one word it would be "breeze" because St. Francis prepared me so much for writing my essays and how to actually apply.
3. Describe your relationships with faculty/staff. How did they help you become the best version of yourself during your high school journey?
Becky
: Every teacher at St. Francis has challenged me in a unique way. Not only have I been challenged academically by the teachers of my core classes, but I've also been challenged to live a well-rounded life by all my teachers. I've learned that creative thinking is not just for AP Art but can also apply to Calculus and Physics. My teachers also have helped me accomplish my goals and become a better person. All of the challenges I've faced during my time at St. Francis, academic or of another kind, have helped me to become resilient. My teachers helped me become the best version of myself by encouraging me to find my limits and then reach past them. Instead of backing down from something I find difficult, I am motivated to find a solution so I can continue to become a better student, friend, and person.
Nick:
My relationships with the faculty and staff are amazing. They know so much about me and genuinely care for me. They can tell when I'm having an off day and are always there for anything. They have helped me so much during my high school journey because, no matter what, everyone always believes in me and always tries to bring out my best.
4. How prepared do you feel for the next level of education? What classes or resources have helped to build your confidence as college approaches?
Becky:
I'm definitely a bit nervous to leave home and go to college, but I also feel confident about moving on to the next part of my academic journey. I've taken nine AP courses and almost all Honors classes during my time at St. Francis, so the amount of exposure to college-level material I have had has prepared me for college. The rigor of the AP and Honors classes offered at St. Francis has taught me how to manage my time and succeed academically while also enjoying my life outside of school in extracurriculars and other school events.
Nick:
As for my future education, I feel very prepared. Business classes like Consumer Education and Marketing Management have taught me presentation skills and how the business world works. I believe every Business class SFHS offers really does give students an advantage in the real world.
5. What insights would you give to parents of middle school students who are considering SFHS for their child? What is one word that encapsulates your experience at St. Francis?
Becky:
I started as a freshman in Honors Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry, a class normally taken by juniors, and I remember this was very intimidating at the time. I was intimidated by the idea of taking a class full of upperclassmen, and I also was afraid of the social situation I was entering. I only knew five or six other people going to St. Francis, and at any other school I would have struggled to make friends and would have been strained academically for the duration of my freshman year. But St. Francis faculty, staff, and students encouraged me to get involved and welcomed me into what I now consider to be my second home. The community at St. Francis and culture of compassion is something that you truly can't find anywhere else, and it made my transition from middle school to high school much easier. The one word that encapsulates my St. Francis experience is "UNPARALLELED."
Nick:
If I had to give advice to a middle school parent about considering SFHS I would say, "If you want a school where your child will always feel welcomed, loved, and prepared for the future, then you should come to St. Francis." The one word that encapsulates my St. Francis experience is "INVOLVED."
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Only at St. Francis High School
A Parent's Guide to Opportunity in SFHS Social Studies
Why are Social Studies classes so popular at St. Francis High School? Dynamic teachers, excellent academic structure, and highest quality courses make Social Studies a highlight for students, increasing their interest and enhancing their academic abilities. Here's an overview of this dynamic department.
Department Overview:
Course content inspires students to connect past events with current situations as well as to explore human behavior. Through the use of the Illinois Learning Standards and American Sociological Association National Standards (ASANS) the Social Studies Department encourages students to develop responsible decision making through an understanding of major themes, events, and schools of thought within the Social Sciences.
Graduation requirement: 2 credits by the end of junior year; must include 1 credit in World History , 1 credit in U.S. History I (required) and U.S. History II or III; or 1 credit in AP U.S. History.
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Freshman
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Sophomore |
Junior
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Senior |
| Standard Placement Option |
World History
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U.S. History I*
U.S. History II*
U.S. History III*
Geography*
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Economics*
Geography*
Psychology*
Sociology*
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Criminology*
Economics*
Psychology*
Sociology*
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| Accelerated/ Honors Placement |
Honors World History
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Honors AP U.S. History
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Honors Economics*
Honors AP Psychology
Honors AP U.S. Government
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Honors Economics*
Honors AP Psychology
Honors AP U.S. Government
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Quick Questions with Department Chair, Dan Page:
1. How does a student get placed freshman year?
A student is placed into Honors World History if they have received an 85 percent or higher on their Entrance Exam in Verbal, Reading, and Language. Of course, we have a rigorous program for those who are not in honors, and we are proud of the chance to start our Social Studies students on the path to learn critical thinking and research skills to help them in their future.
2. Why do you believe Social Studies is a valuable subject that every student needs to learn?
As a department we feel our subject is incredibly important for all students, because we work hard to pull real life events into the classroom to help students understand why they are learning what they are learning. We are trying to teach our students to be conscientious young adults, to become leaders in our future, and we cannot understand and prepare for the future without understanding the past. Outside of history classes, our electives offer an opportunity for students to begin to understand themselves better and find their place in society. Through classes like Sociology, Psychology and Criminology, students can experience a sense of human behavior and learn skills to deal with others outside the walls of St. Francis. These days, people can lose the simple art of face-to-face communication, and we feel a strong need to teach them the importance of human understanding and connection in all of our classes.
3. Given that history is a two-year requirement at SFHS, how do the teachers get students interested in history?
In terms of gaining our students' attention and engagement in our classes, that comes down to our teachers, and we have an amazing staff led by veteran teacher Mike Harper. He has been instilling a love of history in our students for a long time, and he makes an incredible impact on them beyond the classroom. Many teachers in the department have learned from him, and his sense of passion for the subject has fueled the department to grow and become stronger. The truth of it is, we all really love what we teach. I believe the students see this every day when we are teaching, and there is nothing that can replace a deep-seated passion for a subject.
Social Studies Teacher Kate Michel '92 Kowalski:
I love teaching in the social sciences portion of the social studies department, mainly for the fact that I can discuss the most current issues with my students. The topics in criminology and sociology are so relevant to their lives, and we get to connect through material and discussion that is outside the box. I really believe that what I am giving to them will help them long after they leave St. Francis High School.
A Sample of Experiences that Complement the Department
- DuPage County Jail/Courthouse Tour in Criminology
- Mock Elections in Election Years
- Veteran's Day Recognition
- Voter Registration
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College Readiness: SFHS Strategic Guidance Prepares Students to Start College Strong
Strategic counseling and college prep practices prepare SFHS students for college acceptances as well as the challenge of completing that first year successfully. The department's strengths stem from a strategic mix of best practices, relevant learning, and highly trained educators who are forward thinking and extremely accessible to students.
Students enter high school daring to imagine their future, and SFHS counselors help deliver that promise. They begin by forming relationships with freshmen and directing students to develop areas of potential through sophomore year. Then, St. Francis juniors and seniors loop with the same counselor, receiving one-on-one attention to prepare for the competitive application process. With creativity and an open-door policy, Counseling invites questions while helping students see the big picture and move beyond assumptions. SFHS's quality programs link students with faculty, staff, and parents, connecting a young person's personal college goals with coursework and activities required for admission.
Guidance builds college readiness by pointing students toward relevant SFHS classes as well as careers, supporting personal and social needs, building confidence at each phase of the high school journey, and addressing needs through a series of perfectly timed events. Take a look below at some of the one-on-one, classroom, seminar, and lecture-style presentations SFHS hosts to help seniors earn meaningful college placement and develop as well-adjusted young people.
Freshmen and Sophomores Begin Here
- Course selection planning to support college goals
- Classroom presentations on testing, aptitude, college majors, and careers
- Access to Naviance software, where students can research colleges and careers, as well as complete inventories that help them to find the intersection of their interests, abilities, and aptitudes.
- Pre-ACT testing for sophomores
- ACT practice exams
- Support programs: Final Exam Test Prep Workshop, Freshman Support Group, Stress Management
- One-on-one meetings to discuss general progress and goals
Juniors and Seniors Finish Strong
- One-on-one meetings plus classroom presentations on selecting strongest coursework, college and career goals, ACT and SAT preparation, and college application instruction
- Continued support and guidance through using Naviance software to find the right college and career match
- PSAT Testing for Juniors
- ACT prep classes hosted on campus
Academic Events for Parents
- 8 College Events Each Year
- 7 General Counseling Events each year from executive functioning workshops to mental health speakers
- Freshmen Parent Coffee with the Counselors: Making a Successful Transition to High School
These wide-ranging student services exceed norms to meet the needs of students, preparing them for college admission as well as the bigger task of tackling freshman year in college successfully.
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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.
"Motivation"
Wednesday, 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
7th Grade
Shadow Day
March 25,
April 8,
April 15
8th Grade/Transfer
Shadow Day
March 24
Class of 2024 Family Welcome Night, 6:30 p.m.
April 7
Boys' Volleyball Middle School Night 6:00 p.m.
April 16
Art Showcase 6:00 p.m.
April 18
Class of 2024 Proficiency Tests
April 22
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2019-2020 Viewbook
Admissions Video
SFHS Featured on Fox 32 Pep Rally Friday
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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