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Academics

Academics Overview

One school, many parts

St. Francis Catholic School is a Pre-K through 8th grade inter-parochial school, combining three distinct educational units:  Early Education (Pre-K & Kindergarten), Elementary School(1st-5th), and Middle School (6th-8th). We are accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and COGNIA.

A positive educational experience is among the greatest gifts you can bestow upon your child. Selecting the right school, the one that will provide the positive experience your child deserves, is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. Faith formation, quality academics, a nurturing community, extraordinary extracurricular activities and a disciplined environment are among the many benefits a St. Francis Catholic School education provides.

Our creative and comprehensive curriculum continues to be reviewed and enhanced with new offerings, including three academic levels to be available in Middle School (grade level, advanced, and honors); and the expansion of our World Language Program across all grades (PreK-8th).

Early Education (PreK, K)

Students participate in full day Pre-K and Kindergarten classes with a devoted and experienced group of teachers and assistants dedicated to the thorough development of children in academics, faith, fun, creativity and discipline. Music and art curriculum is offered for both grades. Daily prayer and weekly mass service with middle school buddies provides a foundation for spiritual growth. Athletic development includes weekly gym classes and cheerleading and equestrian for kindergarten.

Elementary (1st – 5th)

Elementary students participate in academic curriculum in reading, math, science, social studies and media science to develop intellectual growth.  Our program also highlights cursive writing. Music and art curriculum is offered for all grades. Daily prayer, religion class and weekly mass service for all grades along with spiritual retreats for grades 3-5 offer continued formation in faith and spirituality. Athletics include weekly gym classes and team sports for all 5th graders who wish to participate.

Middle School

St. Francis Middle School students pursue academic excellence through a vigorous academic curriculum of English, Math, and Science; including a mix of grade level, advanced, and honors. Additional classes include history, media science, Spanish, arts, physical education and music. Daily prayer, religion class and weekly mass service along with annual spiritual retreats guide middle school students along their path of faith formation. Middle Schoolers also participate in a variety of additional programs which nurture intellectual, moral and civic formation including: Houses which offer fun and competitive team based events, Clubs, Leadership Academy, and Service Opportunities

Middle School Highlights

Middle School Clubs

Middle School students at SFCS participate in extracurricular clubs built into their overall schedule.  Club offerings vary by semester and have included Yearbook, Gardening, Robotics, Chess, Sports Marketing, Genius Club, Crocheting, Stock Market, Business, and Game club.  Clubs are facilitated by SFCS faculty and staff.  Clubs are an excellent way for middle school students to build community, learn a new hobby, be entrepreneurs, and engage with different friends.

Beta Club

The St. Francis Catholic School Beta Club is a wonderful service opportunity for students to bring their special skills, talent, and heart to the benefit of others.  The club’s goals include: Recognizing academic achievement, Fostering leadership skills, Encouraging service to others, and Rewarding and nurturing worthy character.  Many of our Beta Club members get recognized annually with the Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Award.

Student House competition

The middle school house system focuses on promoting school community, teamwork, and leadership. There are four houses, each named after a Saint.  Students stay in their House throughout middle school. A faculty Housemaster, and two eighth grade captains, one boy and one girl, are assigned to individual Houses. Houses participate in competitions during the year to accrue points for the House Cup Trophy. The competitions are academic, athletic, and spiritual. Houses also participate in community service events.

Middle School Leadership Academy

The Middle School Leadership Academy was introduced in 2024/25.  Once a week, students in grades 6th-8th participate in team building, learning, and growing in leadership skills; as well as engage in presentations by professionals in our community.

Faith, Scholarship, Integrity

What is a Catholic Education?

A Catholic education at St. Francis forms the whole person – spiritually, intellectually, and morally. We integrate faith into all aspects of learning by:

  • Teaching authentic Catholic doctrine
  • Providing opportunities for Mass, prayer, and liturgies
  • Instilling Catholic values and morals
  • Encouraging service to others