2023-2024 Viewbook

START HERE.

“This community can best be described as one that makes you feel supported, comfortable, challenged, and appreciated.”

-Tim Kasprzak ‘23

WE WELCOME YOU!

Find your place in a community dedicated to helping you excel. SFHS is committed to being innovative, challenging, and engaging in a caring campus family atmosphere with a variety of courses and activities that match your diverse skill levels and interests. You are given individualized guidance and support, to achieve your full potential in high school and beyond. 100% of our discover your passions. and

WE MAKE IT EASY TO GET CONNECTED.

You’ll meet with your school counselor and start developing your group of friends and mentors through social and skill-building seminars. We ensure your success by helping you set and reach goals and get involved in our vibrant, spirited community. We make the transition to our college prep high school doable so

Learn more about how SFHS has changed our lives and hoW IT WILL YOURSCHANGE TOO.

MATTERS.

COLLEGE PREP

ACADEMICS

SFHS’s caring and supportive teachers take the time to work with you, allowing you to reach your full potential. Our counselors build relationships, providing you the resources needed to succeed.

DIVERSITY

SFHS graduates are ready to excel, with 99% directly entering higher education. Recent graduating classes have earned more than $20 million each year in collegiate scholarships. least

CO-CURRICULAR LIFE

We strive to create a sense of belonging for all. We have a diverse and inclusive student body. SFHS families hail from a variety of zip codes (65), middle schools (100+), religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Our teachers and counselors prioritize fostering individual relationships. Counselors have multiple individual meetings with you each year to best serve and support your specific needs.

SFHS proudly offers a broad range of opportunities to get involved through athletics, music, theatre, and clubs –which is a great way to make friends. 99% of students are involved in at least one activity with almost 78% competing on an athletic team and 49% participating in the Arts.

ADVANTAGE.

provides a faith-based environment that takes pride in fostering personal and spiritual growth. By the time you graduate, you will have solid academic foundations, spiritual fortitude, strong moral convictions, and the desire to be civically engaged. We provide the tools needed to shape your future and become the best version of yourself.

Perhaps SFHS’s hallmark is its dedication to service, grounded in Franciscan values. Every student fulfills 60 hours of Christian service in their four years at SFHS, and many

After school but before athletic practices, this optional but unique time allows you to join clubs, meet with teachers, Microsoft Showcase Schools in the nation recognized for transforming the classroom experience. Showcase Schools exemplify leadership, modern teaching and put students at the center and surround them with a caring community of support, anchored by our dedicated staff. When you become a Spartan, you become a

in the hallways. You see learning. You hear SFHS knows how to school

The SFHS difference is easy to discover. You feel it as you walk through the doors. You sense it in the friendly relationships among students it on the faces of students attentively it in the passionate teaching by faculty. turn high school into an experience you will treasure for a lifetime.

100+

Enrollment

Students Awarded Tuition Assistance

Attendance

Named

Microsoft Showcase School

22

Feeder Schools Loyal Alumni

Average Class Size Student to Teacher Ratio

10,000+

Central to our mission as a Catholic school is instilling values that become integral to who you are and how you live. SFHS wants you to make a difference by serving, leading, and being a person of integrity. These Franciscan values are at the heart of the SFHS experience. We offer many opportunities for spiritual growth including monthly All-School Masses, class retreats, and mission trips, as well as starting every day with prayer. Our world needs innovative, moral, compassionate leaders. They are formed here.

10,000+ 100+ 80% OF STUDENTS ARE CATHOLIC

ANNUAL CHRISTIAN SERVICE HOURS

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN CAMPUS MINISTRY

WE WELCOME

STUDENTS OF ALL FAITH BACKGROUNDS

Team allows

“Student Ministry

me to nurture my faith and serve my classmates. I am able to grow and learn about my faith through prayers, services, and community.”

-Nicole Khawl ‘23

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PASTORAL MINISTRY PROGRAM

THE SFHS RELIGION DEPARTMENT & PASTORAL MINISTRY TEAM FACILITATES:

A four-year curriculumreligion that fosters awareness of God’s presence, whileresponsibilityheightening to serve others within the Church community.and

Regular prayer and liturgy during which we experience God through His life- giving Word Sacrament.and

Aretreatcomprehensive program that enables you to share and reflect upon how God is actively working in your life.

A Christianrobustservice program to grow in withrelationship Christ, to serve God by serving others.

ONE FOCUS – YOU.

At SFHS, academic programs are personalized and challenging to reflect and enhance your strengths and talents. A Microsoft Showcase School, SFHS excels in technology, as students use Microsoft SurfacePro devices. The faculty and staff at SFHS are a diverse group of extraordinary, dedicated, and caring professionals who know their students. They guide you, see your individual potential, and more importantly, make sure you see it in yourself.

18 Advanced Placement® Courses

AP® Biology

AP® Calculus AB

AP® Calculus BC

AP® Chemistry

AP® Chinese Language & Culture

AP® Computer Science A

AP® English Language & Composition

AP® English Literature & Composition

AP® Music Theory

AP® Physics 1

AP® Physics C

AP® Psychology

AP® Spanish Language & Culture

AP® Statistics

AP® Studio Art Drawing

AP® Studio Art 3-D Design

AP® U.S. Government & Politics

AP® U.S. History

70%

Students scored a 3 or greater on AP® Exams in 2023 The final score for each AP® Exam is reported on a 5-point scale.

22

16:1

Student to Teacher Ratio

CLASS OF 2023

46

Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy

AVERAGE TEST SCORES

7 National Merit Commended Students (students who scored in the top 2-5% on the PSAT)

4 National Merit Finalists (students who scored in the top 1% on the PSAT)

the

SCAN CODE TO REVIEW OUR COMPLETE COURSE CATALOG

“Teachersgenuinelycare about their students and alwaysgooutoftheirway tohelpus–bothinsideand outside of the classroom.”

–AmariTalluri-Boye‘23

SFHS is designed to prepare you for admission to leading colleges and universities. Coursework is available at the College Prep, Honors, and AP® levels. With guidance from your counselor, you will develop a 4-year plan to map out your academic journey.

19 Honors Courses

18

AP® Courses

Twenty-five credits is the minimum requirement for graduation

.5

Digital Literacy*

God’s Revelation

The Body of Christ: The Paschal Mystery and the Church

Required for graduation

Honors AP®

Computer Science A

Accounting I

Business Communications*

Business Law*

Consumer Education*

Intro to Programming Language*

Microsoft Office*

Honors AP®

Computer Science A

Accounting I

Honors Accounting II

Business Communications*

Living Sacramentally

Christian History & Heritage*

Franciscan Spirituality*

Peace & Justice*

Honors World Religions*

Two are required for graduation

Business Law*

Consumer Education*

Marketing Management*

Intro to Programming Language*

Microsoft Office*

Maintaining Windows Technology*

Honors AP® Computer Science A

Accounting I

Honors Accounting II

Business Communications*

Business Law*

Consumer Education*

Marketing Management*

Intro to Programming Language*

Microsoft Office*

Maintaining Windows Technology*

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

MATHEMATICS

3 Credits

Algebra I Concepts & Applications

3 Credits

English IH: Literary Genres & Composition

English IIH: American Literature & Composition

Honors AP® English III: Language & Composition

English III: Language & Composition

Algebra I

GeometryH

Honors Advanced Algebra w/ Trig

2 Credits

2 Credits

Chinese I

French I, IIH

Spanish I, IIH

Honors AP® English IV: Literature & Composition

English IV: British Literature & Composition

Elective courses available in Creative Writing*, Newspaper*, Speech*, and Yearbook

Honors AP® Statistics

Geometry Concepts & Applications

GeometryH

Advanced Algebra

Honors Advanced Algebra w/ Trig

Honors AP® Statistics

Advanced Algebra

Honors Advanced Algebra w/ Trig

Precalculus*

Finite Math*

Intro to Statistics*

Trigonometry*

Honors Precalculus

Honors AP® Calculus AB

Honors AP® Calculus BC

Honors AP® Statistics

Precalculus*

Finite Math*

Intro to Statistics*

Trigonometry*

Honors Precalculus

Calculus

ChemistryH

Honors AP® Physics 1

Physics

Honors AP® Biology

Honors AP® Chemistry

Honors AP® U.S. History

U.S. History I*

U.S. History II*

U.S. History III*

Geography*

Chinese I, II Honors

French I, IIH, III Honors

Spanish I, IIH, IIIH

Honors AP® Biology

Honors AP® Chemistry

Honors AP® Physics C

Intro to Engineering & Design*

Anatomy & Physiology

Environmental Science*

Forensic Science*

Honors AP®

Government & Politics

Honors AP® Psychology

U.S. History II*

U.S. History III*

EconomicsH*

Geography*

Psychology*

Sociology*

Honors AP® U.S.

Government & Politics

Honors AP® Psychology

U.S. History II*

U.S. History III*

EconomicsH*

Criminology*

Psychology*

Sociology*

Honors AP® Chinese Language & Culture

Chinese I, II Honors, III Honors

French I, IIH, III Honors, IV Honors

Spanish I, IIH, IIIH, IVH

Graduation requirement: credits must include Algebra and Geometry

Graduation requirement: credits must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Graduation requirement: credits must include World History and U.S. History

Honors AP® Chinese Language & Culture

Chinese I, II Honors, III Honors

French I, IIH, III Honors, IV Honors

Honors AP® Spanish Language & Culture

Spanish I, IIH, IIIH, IVH,V

Summer travel opportunities to China, France, and Spain

A strong support system is critical during the teenage years. Our low student-to-faculty and student-to-counselor ratios mean we get to know and appreciate each student. During your four years at SFHS, you will partner with a school and college counselor, focusing on academic success as an underclassman and college prep before graduation. What makes the support you receive even more robust is the partnership counseling has with the school’s Wellness Office. This three-prong approach to student support places mental health and wellness at the forefront.

99% 50+ 5

$22M+ College Attendance Colleges Visit SFHS Each Year Counselors

Class of 2023 College Merit Scholarships

THREE-PRONG APPROACH to student support

The More You Know: Low Student-to-Counselor Ratio = More Personalized Resources

140:1 St. Francis High School

250:1 American School Counseling Association’s “Gold Standard”

522:1 State of Illinois Average

SCHOOL Counseling COLLEGE Counseling WELLNESS Program

“The Counseling Department has been extremely helpful. All the counselors are super personable and willing to help you out and give advice on anything. Specifically, my counselor has given me innumerable tips for my college application, and she made the whole experience so much less stressful.” –Jake Dufresne ’23

The SFHS Strategic & Directed Four-Year Plan

11 GRADE

VISIT

12 GRADE

APPLY

Make It Happen

• Naviance Focus: Find the Right College & Career Match

• College application lesson

• ACT practice exams; ACT prep classes on campus

• Parent Coffee with Counselors: College Admission and Scholarships

Explore Your Future

• Naviance Focus: Find the Right College & Career Match

• Review resume

• PSAT

• ACT practice exams; ACT prep classes on campus

10 GRADE

ADVOCATE

9 GRADE

• Parent Coffee with Counselors: College Search

Take Control of Your Future

• Naviance Focus: Abilities, Aptitudes, & Interests

• Create resume

• Pre-ACT

• ACT practice exams

• Parent Coffee with Counselors: Strong College Profile

EXPLORE

Identify Goals & Resources

• Introduction to Naviance

• Final Exam Test Prep Workshop

• Freshman Support Group

• Parent Coffee with Counselors: Making the Transition to High School

SCAN CODE TO REVIEW COLLEGE MATRICULATION

Additional Services & Resources

• Academic, Personal, College, and Career Counseling

• Academic Assistance with Accommodation Plans

• Counselor Classroom Presentations

• Course Selection & Planning

• One-on-Ones with Counselor

• Referrals & Job Contacts

• Scholarship Assistance

Annual College Planning Workshops

• College Application & Essay Writing

• College Financial Aid

NAVIANCE

Web-based,comprehensive collegeandcareerplanning resourcetoalignstudent strengthsandintereststo postsecondarygoals.Through Naviance,studentsschedule applications,collegevisits,submitcollegeopportunities,researchscholarship andmore.

• College Planning

• NCAA Eligibility

• Registration & Course Selection

Comprehensive Support

• Stress Management Events

• Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness Week Programming

• Support Groups

SCAN CODE FOR OVERVIEW OF COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

Try EVERYTHING! Find your PASSION.

SFHS is a great place to get involved in a club or group, giving you a chance to have fun and make lasting friendships. It’s also a great opportunity to develop yourself, be a leader, and gain life skills. Maybe you will discover a new skill or talent you didn’t know you have!

SFHS offers more than 30 different clubs and activities, so you don’t have to choose just one.

JOIN A CLUB

ACTIVITY PERIOD:

2:30-3:10 p.m.

During this optional but unique time after academic classes, SFHS students join clubs, meet with teachers, make up tests, study, or just relax. Athletic practices begin at 3:15 p.m.

SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS

Bass Fishing Club

Blue Crew

Business Club

Chess Club

Culinary Club

Engineering Club

Evergreen Ecology Club

Ping Pong Club

Pop Culture Club

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

SpartanTV

COMPETITIVE CLUBS

Intramurals (Dodgeball, Pickleball, Tennis, Volleyball)

Math Team

Scholastic Bowl

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS CLUBS

Arts & Crafts Club

Drama Club

Jazz Band

Orchestra

Photography Club

Pep Band

Rock Band

Worship Team

WORLD LANGUAGES

HONOR SOCIETIES

Chinese Honor Society

French Honor Society

Spanish Honor Society

BE A LEADER

National Honor Society

Participate in projects and volunteer for a specific responsibility throughout the year.

SALT (Student Ambassador Leadership Team)

Help welcome prospective students to campus and represent SFHS at special events.

SMT (Student Ministry Team)

Serve as faith leaders coordinating Masses, retreats, and service opportunities.

Student Government

Plan, organize, and implement school activities including dances, rallies, spirit weeks, awareness programs, and other social events.

Team Managers

Play a key role on the school’s athletic teams helping to run day-to-day operations.

SHARE OUR SPIRIT

Be part of these beloved campus traditions:

SCHOOL DANCES

Homecoming

Winter Dance

Prom

BLUE CREW

SPIRIT WEEKS

Catholic Schools Week (with Spartan Olympics)

Homecoming Week

Mental Health Awareness Week

Red Ribbon Week

Blue Crew generates school spirit and organizes students at home games. All grade levels are welcome to cheer on the Spartans!

ON & OFF THE FIELD

The SFHS Spartans are yearly contenders for Conference and State Titles. Our legendary coaches, gifted athletes, and loyal fans create a winning team. Our inclusive program consists of both cut and non-cut teams providing many opportunities to compete. Our coaches are committed to ensuring that all athletes rise to their highest potential.

FALL

• Cheer

• Girls & Boys Cross Country*

• Dance

• Football

• Girls & Boys Golf

• Boys Soccer

• Girls Swimming*

• Girls Tennis*

• Girls Volleyball

WINTER

• Girls & Boys Basketball

• Cheer

• Dance

• Boys Swimming*

• Wrestling

2022 Girls Volleyball IHSA State Champions!

SPRING

• Baseball

• Girls & Boys Lacrosse

• Girls Soccer

• Softball

• Boys Tennis*

• Girls & Boys Track & Field*

• Boys Volleyball

*Indicates a non-cut sport.

9 IHSA Do What’s Right! SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS

78% Student Body Sports Participation

SFHS ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIPS

105 Top 10 State Appearances

16 State Championships

St. Francis High School has partnered with the nationally recognized “Play Like a Champion Today” program to promote athletics as a ministry within the school community.

INSTRUMENTAL

In the 2022-2023 school year, the ROCK BAND performed at Cedar Point (OH), Rock Show, IHSA Boys Basketball Finals, local venues, and more!

CHOIR

1ST IN STATE

Four Years in a Row

IHSA Solo & Ensemble Music Contest

VISUAL ARTS

The annual ART SHOW features more than 300 works of art created by 200+ SFHS students

THEATRE

6 ANNUAL PRODUCTIONS: Fall Play, Broadway Revue, "A Christmas Carol", Spring Musical, One Acts, Summer Musical

Walt Disney World® – Orlando, FL

Perform on Disney & Universal stages, attend Disney workshops, and visit four Disney & two Universal Parks

What is St. Francis High School’s greatest strength? The community.

While the academic and co-curricular programs are impressive, SFHS is home. It is a place that elevates and embraces you as much as it challenges you. Relationships are at the heart of everything. Faculty and staff create exceptional growth and transformation through the bonds they form with every student.

Most graduates remember SFHS as the place where they made their closest friends in life.

What is the benefit of having a large alumni group?

Networking, interacting, and staying in touch. Talented and intelligent alumni share a wealth of knowledge, skills, and connections with current students. Alumni support Spartans in mentorships and work placements, campus visits, and helping launch careers.

Can parents engage in the SFHS community?

Absolutely! Parents play a significant role in their child’s growth and success at SFHS and are an important part of the Spartan community. There are many ways for parents to show their support, especially through the Mother’s Club and Father’s Club. Parents make lifelong friends, too, in the Spartan community.

ALUMNI TS . F RANCISHIGHSCHOO L “Once a Spartan, always a Spartan.”

Rooted in the FRANCISCAN VIRTUES* community life is seen through a larger lens.

We call it “ THE ST. FRANCIS WAY”

TUITION ASSISTANCE

We are committed to making SFHS accessible for all who desire a Catholic high school education. Currently 22% of our families receive tuition assistance. Tuition assistance and scholarship applications are carefully reviewed to ensure that individual circumstances are considered before determining eligibility and awards.

Tuition Assistance Program

SFHS offers need-based tuition assistance. Applying for financial aid is separate from and has no effect on an admissions application. Any family interested in applying for financial aid should apply through FACTS Management at online.factsmgt.com by March 1, 2024.

Scholarship Opportunities

Alumni, parents, and friends of SFHS have given generously to establish more than 25 scholarships to provide financial assistance for qualified students. Recipients must take the Entrance Exam at SFHS in order to be eligible for SFHS scholarships. The typical gift award is between $1,000-$4,000. Scholarship applications are due to SFHS by March 1, 2024.

Family Tuition Plan

SFHS offers tuition discounts for families with three or more children attending SFHS. There is no need to apply; the plan is automatic. Students must be concurrently enrolled in order to receive the family discount.

Alumni Registration Fee Waiver

The St. Francis High School Alumni Association has established a benefit for any child of a St. Francis High School alum. Freshman families who register are eligible for this registration fee waiver.

Diocese of Joliet Sources

With a mission of promoting strong and vibrant Catholic schools that are accessible to everyone, the Catholic Education Foundation is a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families in the Diocese of Joliet. Visit cefjoliet.org for more details.

Illinois Tax Credit

Families can receive 50-100% in tuition scholarships. Apply through the Empower Illinois Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Visit empowerillinois.org for more information and to apply.

For more information, please contact the Director of Finance & Operations at (630) 668-5800, ext. 1138.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

St. Francis High School provides busing for students in surrounding communities. Two-way service is provided in the northern, western, and southern suburbs –arriving at SFHS by 7:25 a.m. and departing school after the Activity Period at 3:15 p.m.

Questions? Please contact the Facility Manager at (630) 668-5800, ext. 1103.

CLASS OF 2028

Who attends SFHS?

Students who are particularly motivated by academic achievement, athletic opportunities, the arts, and spiritual growth. Our students come from more than 100 middle schools and more than 25 cities in the Chicagoland area.

*

Number of Students White Hispanic/ Latino Two or More Races 80% Catholic 20% Other Faith Backgrounds Asian Black/ African American

What is the Admissions process?

SFHSgives admission preferenceand scholarship opportunities tostudentswho testatSFHS.

December 2023

January 2024 February 2024

Applicants will receive notification of their admission decision by mid-January 2024.

Accepted freshman registration event.

We can’t answer that one – but you can. Visit SFHS soon – talk to our students, teachers, and coaches. Our publications and website provide a sense of life at SFHS, but your best sense of our school will come through a visit to campus.

We can’t wait to meet you!

SCAN FOR MORE FAQS

1 2 3 Middle School Representation 79% 11% 4% 4% 2%

See the back cover for visit opportunities!

23

AT St. Francis High School

Choosing the right school is an incredibly important decision and gaining as much information as possible can help make that process easier. We invite you to experience SFHS firsthand. We’ll share our philosophy and how you will achieve more and go further than you ever thought possible.

SHADOW – September through April

Junior high students visit classes with a student host and experience college prep with a Franciscan spirit. Eighth graders are encouraged to visit in the fall, seventh graders in the spring.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHTS – All Year

Winning teams, electric fans, lots of energy. Experience the Spartan spirit! Free admission for middle school students.

FALL: Girls Volleyball • Fall Play • Football

WINTER: Basketball • Band • Choir

SPRING: Musical • Boys Volleyball

TALK & TOUR – All Year

For parents and students, visit for a personalized campus tour.

PARENT INFORMATIONCOFFEESESSIONS

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Sunday, November 5, 2023

RISE UP CONFERENCELEADERSHIP

(8th Grade Students)

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Saturday, December 2, 2023

JUNIOR HIGH MATH CONTEST

Saturday, January 20, 2024

7TH GRADE NIGHT

Friday, April 26, 2024