Fox 32 Chicago's "Pep Rally Friday" broadcasted live from
St. Francis High School last Friday. Click to watch.
Join Us On The St. Francis Path
"Happy is he who attributes all he has to God.
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Saint Francis of Assisi
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Welcome
OK, St. Francis, You Are One Cool School!
"OK, St. Francis, you are one cool school!" That was news anchor Rafer Weigel's sign-off after Fox 32 Chicago filmed live at St. Francis High School last week. You can watch "Pep Rally Friday" if you click here. Each segment celebrates SFHS's articulate students, academic opportunities, and spirited culture. When you watch, take note; everything you see is student driven. The only adult interviewed is Dr. Betsy Ackerson, SFHS President. "Pep Rally Friday" covered the comprehensive excellence of St. Francis High School.
Morning broadcasts showed St. Francis students coding on Surface Pros; 3D printing and trading stocks in the Creator Space; introducing Student Ministry, Theatre, and the new Fitness Center facility. The last segment showcased an electrifying Pep Rally, with student athletes, Dance Team, and Cheerleaders to Rock Band hype and Drumline beats. Blue Crew led cheering students in packed stands. And taking it all in overwhelmed me, because it was a perfect picture of St. Francis High School-academically impressive as well as animated, pulsing with creativity, joy, and goodness. I was seeing with clear eyes what I witness every day, what high school should be like, the way St. Francis develops the whole person. I hope you'll take a minute to click the link. You may wish you were in high school again.
The cameras are gone, but the broadcast reminded me-there are good schools all over DuPage County, but you can't get St. Francis anyplace but St. Francis. To see for yourself, attend the Fall Open House this Thursday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m., or Sunday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m. (click here to register). See how college prep with a Franciscan spirit can transform your child's high school experience. I can't wait to meet you.
Maureen Isphording, Director of Admissions
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"I Am St. Francis"
The Public Middle School to Private High School Perspective: 7 Questions for Students Elli M., '21 and Cole H., '21
1. What grade school did you attend? What activities are you involved in at SFHS?
Elli:
I attended Kenyon Woods Middle School in South Elgin. At St. Francis, I'm involved with Lacrosse, Tennis, Student Ambassador Leadership Team, National Honor Society, Student Government, and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Cole:
I attended Bednarcik Junior High in Aurora. I participate in National Honor Society, Student Ambassador Leadership Team, Men's Spirituality Group, and Volleyball.
2. What is your most challenging or favorite class?
Elli:
The most challenging classes I have taken at St. Francis by far are honors science classes. Right now, I am taking AP Physics. This class challenges me in many ways, mainly making me learn in new ways, which I'm sure will benefit me in the future.
Cole:
My favorite class at St. Francis was AP U.S. History. It challenged me and also was a very enjoyable class environment that made learning the content fun and easier.
3. How does SFHS help you to excel?
Elli:
SFHS pushes me to be a well-rounded person and try new things. Everyone encourages you to try everything. I joined Tennis sophomore year even though I had never played before, and I've tried numerous clubs. Through all this, I've learned more about myself and what I like to do. I've also met all types of people.
Cole:
SFHS helps me excel in my areas of interest by providing resources like Activity Period, which allows me to better manage my time. This helps me excel in academics and the activities I participate in.
4. Describe your decision-making process and why you choose SFHS for your high school experience.
Elli:
I always thought I would go to public high school, until one day my parents brought up the idea of looking at St. Francis because they had heard great things about the school. Initially I was very hesitant to look into St. Francis. I didn't know anything about the school and was nervous to leave all my friends. The first day I shadowed, my parents knew it was the right school for me. I started at St. Francis even though I still wanted to go to my public high school. But not even one week in I realized I was so grateful to be attending this school.
Cole:
My decision-making process began when my mom heard about SFHS from my aunt, who loves the school. I then set up a date to shadow at a couple of schools. After shadowing, I decided to go to SFHS over the public school. I mainly chose St. Francis because the school's environment seemed much more positive and overall much happier than my public school. Everyone seemed to help each other out.
5. Why are you glad you choose SFHS for your high school experience?
Elli:
Honestly, there are so many reasons to name, but overall the community. I heard this word a lot when looking at Francis. I was told this by students, teachers, and parents. But you do not truly understand this until you walk the halls. There is so much love and kindness at this school, and you do not have to look hard to feel an overwhelming sense of family.
Cole:
I'm glad I chose SFHS because the school's atmosphere is different than any other school I've seen or heard of from my friends at other schools. Everyone talks about the community at the school, but there's a lot of truth in that. St. Francis really fosters cooperation and a generally happier environment.
6. What benefits do you believe you receive now that you're in a smaller, private environment?
Elli:
Other than the community, everyone here wants you to succeed. It may seem simple, but I was used to a big school where it was harder to build relationships with your teachers. Here, I have great relationships with my teachers and staff. I can recall so many times where I was struggling with a topic and they would stay after school to help. What I found here in a smaller, private environment like this is everyone is rooting for your success.
Cole:
Coming from a public middle school, the benefits of being in a smaller environment are mainly, as I mentioned before, the environment at the school. The class size at St. Francis is perfect for the class to be small enough for everyone to basically know everyone else, but it also isn't too small. There's a variety of people, and everyone has an opportunity to experience a variety of other like-minded students.
7. Describe the transition from public school to SFHS.
Elli:
I was expecting the transition to be difficult, coming from what I knew my whole life to something completely new, but this was not true. I was most nervous about making friends, but what I found was everyone was new, and everyone was meeting new people. St. Francis made sure to make the social aspect as easy as possible. An example is sitting with your homeroom during lunch in the beginning of school, to make sure everyone feels included. For me the academic aspect was more difficult, because I came from a school where I never had much homework and never had to put my full effort into my classes. But because of this, I learned how to manage my time, study correctly, and ask for help. I believe I will be far more prepared for college than any of my friends at my old school. I am GRATEFUL.
Cole:
Going into SFHS from public school, I was nervous because I knew very few people in my class. Also, the classes, specifically English, were more challenging than I experienced in middle school. But once I settled in and found a solid group of friends, the nerves went away and I knew I was in the right place. I am COMMUNITY.
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Only at St. Francis High School
A Parent's Guide to Opportunity in SFHS English
Why endure the challenges of high school English classes? Because quality English programs promote success in college and in virtually all careers. "Written communication is an invaluable skill, and I challenge students to develop their writing grammatically and stylistically," relays junior-level English Teacher Matt Gorski, '04. "I get a lot of joy hearing former students talk about the successes they have in college-level writing courses, success they attribute to their English classes at St. Francis."
SFHS alum Lilly R., '17, agrees, recalling the benefits of her SFHS coursework at the University of Notre Dame. "English classes at St. Francis definitely prepared me for my courses at Notre Dame," Lilly explains. "One example would be the senior research paper. After working on that paper in high school, I have felt very prepared to write papers and essays in college."
Department Overview:
The SFHS English Department offers two levels of English: standard college preparatory English and honors/Advanced Placement level classes. Teachers at both levels emphasize literary interpretation and expository writing, preparing students to succeed in any college course requiring interpretive and composition skills. Honors English, a four-year sequence, also prepares students for the Advanced Placement English examinations. In addition, students in honors English read more texts, read more difficult books, and write essays that demand the part-whole analysis typically required on AP essay questions. St. Francis English teachers motivate all students to appreciate literature and reading, to write clearly and creatively, and to speak effectively. Graduation requirement: 4 credits, must include English I, II, III, IV
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Freshman
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Sophomore
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Junior
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Senior
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Standard Placement Options
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English I |
English II |
English III |
English IV |
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Accelerated/
Honors Placement
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Honors
English I |
Honors
English II |
Honors AP English III |
Honors AP English IV |
Elective Courses
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Newspaper**
Yearbook |
Newspaper**
Speech*
Yearbook |
Creative Writing*
Newspaper**
Speech*
Yearbook |
Creative Writing*
Newspaper**
Speech*
Yearbook |
*Designates a one semester course
** Class meets 2 times/week for the entire school year
Quick Questions for Department Chair, Mary Pratscher, '93:
1. How do students get placed into freshman year English classes?
Freshman placement is based on Entrance Exam scores. The typical honors student will score above an 85 in verbal, reading, and English. During the first 2 weeks of school, we may move a freshman up or down based on class performance. Placement for future years is based upon class performance and current teacher recommendation.
2. How should a student go about seeking extra help, if needed?
The first step is always meeting with a student's current teacher for further explanation and tutoring. Students can also meet with National Honor Society Peer Tutors during study halls and before school-no charge or appointment needed. The Counseling Department also keeps a list of recommended tutors for students who need even more assistance.
3. How do English classes prepare students for college-level writing?
All of our English courses build on each other to ensure that by the end of senior year students are well prepared for college-level writing expectations and college-level classes.
More from the Classroom
English Teacher Matt Gorski, '04:
"I enjoy introducing students to various authors and genres they may not seek out on their own. I also enjoy developing their writing skills. Students typically enter junior year worried about completing the Junior Research Paper, but I break down the entire process to teach procedure and alleviate any stress. I teach students about effective research skills as well as identifying reliable information. Students also learn about different databases to help them research. To develop their writing, students in my class take part in writing conferences at the end of each quarter. The students prepare answers to a wide range of questions regarding their writing. They are responsible for analyzing each piece of their written work, writing a reflection on the work, and submitting a revised draft. Because SFHS teaches writing as a process, I have found this helps students demonstrate significant growth in a shorter time span."
Student Nolan Z., '22:
"I love how my teacher always does a smaller lesson when we work on one big project, like an essay. Examples of smaller lessons include focusing on punctuation, how to obtain good quotes, introductions, and so on. This approach helps me understand how to better format and write my essay. In middle school we didn't focus on grammar. We just read and wrote and never went into detail. St. Francis English classes allow me to utilize many skills, and I see how they build on each other. This way of learning is really helpful."
Student Aidan G., '20:
"The teachers really help with the comprehension of the material. I understand not just the face value but how to look deeper. Every year gets more challenging, and the teachers at each level make sure you are a better writer and improve the skills needed for college. One of my favorite English activities was when we read Shakespeare (Twelfth Night) as freshmen. You can only get so much by reading the text, so we also acted it out, costumes and all! Once you act out Shakespeare you understand on a deeper level, and it provides a different feeling and insight."
Homeroom: Students Start Each Day with a High School Advantage
Homeroom at SFHS promotes academic performance and school participation. From 7:40 to 7:50 a.m., homeroom ushers in opportunity for students to pray, set goals for the day, take in school news, plan, and receive insights from homeroom teachers. The morning routine resets students, promoting healthy high school habits each day and week for four years.
Student Claire H., '22:
"I enjoy having a homeroom because if there is anything you need to know or get done, you have that time to focus and finish. It also gives you a second to relax before you begin your day. It was great freshman year, because homeroom is the first place you meet people. It sets a foundation for relationships and a starting point to meet new people."
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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.
"Exploring Ways to Restore, Replenish, and Refocus Our Hearts and Mind."
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Presenter: Dr. Diane Mercadante, Pastoral Minister at St. Francis High School
Our world is restless, and it never ceases. We run from one thing to another. Even in moments of rest and silence, our minds race. We habitually turn to email, texting, and Twitter. We quickly feel uneasy, unquiet, agitated. What is the antidote? Come and explore ways to allow God to restore, replenish, and refocus our hearts and minds.
"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
October 17
Open House, 6:30 p.m.
November 3
Open House, 1:00 p.m.
November 9
Rise Up, Leadership Conference for 8th grade students
November 13
Info Session for Prospective Parents, 9:00 a.m.
December 7
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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: 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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