School Profile

Admissions

The 2007-2008 enrollment is 1600 students who have entered from over one hundred elementary and junior high programs. In keeping with the mission of the school, Saint Francis is committed to serving the Catholic community and gives admission preference to Catholic students and to students with family or alumni association.

Service

A commitment to service is an integral part of the school’s curriculum; the service program encourages the students to develop a social consciousness to effect social change. This commitment to service strongly reflects the school’s mission to educate the “whole” individual. Students are encouraged to become involved in projects that promote positive change in their communities.

Faculty

There are 110 faculty members; 51% have advanced degrees.

The Academic Program

Saint Francis offers a wide selection of courses in a traditional college preparatory curriculum, with more than 120 courses in eight academic departments. All courses that are not designated as Honors or Advanced Placement are presented at the college preparatory level. To enroll in an honors or AP course, students must meet grade prerequisites and/or pass qualifying exams to be admitted. Marks earned in honors (H) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are given an extra grade point in the weighted GPA. Students at Saint Francis typically take seven academic courses per semester; seniors generally enroll in six. Eight semesters of Religious Studies are required, and these courses are considered academic solids.

Co-curricular Activities

Saint Francis High School offers over 50 clubs and activities for students, all sponsored and moderated by Saint Francis faculty. Some of our clubs compete in regional, state and national competitions; some perform, publish, and serve the local community; others provide ways for students to explore new talents. The Southwest Province of Holy Cross annually sponsors a leadership conference for students from each Holy Cross School.

Athletic Programs

Saint Francis has a 50-year history of extraordinary athletic success. Our student-athletes play in the WCAL (Western Catholic Athletic League), one of the most competitive athletic leagues in the state of California. As of June 2007, the school has accumulated 10 State Team Championships, 3 Individual State Championships, 21 Nor Cal Championships, 113 CCS (Section) Championships, and 220 League Championships.

Campus Ministry

Campus Ministry offers students a wide variety of ways to live out their faith, from student liturgies and prayer groups to service, retreats, and immersion programs. Students have annual opportunities to attend class and individual retreats, including student-parent retreats. Summer immersion programs at home and abroad give students a chance to work alongside the poor in many different environments. The South-West Province of Holy Cross annually sponsors an immersion trip for students from each Holy Cross School.

Guidance and Counseling

Counseling is an essential component of the educational program at Saint Francis High School. Our Guidance and Counseling Department provides academic and personal counseling, college planning services and a comprehensive parent education program. Students are assigned to one of our eight counselors as a freshman and work with that counselor through the college application process. The result of our counseling program is an increased awareness of self, others, and the ability to make realistic and mature decisions in one’s academic plans, college and career goals, and personal life.