Science

Curious and compassionate students engage in inquiry and sustainability, using the scientific method to tackle big questions and solve real-world problems. We follow an initial curriculum that prepares you for a STEM major by first taking Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or diversifying with Exercise Science, Marine Biology, Environmental Science or Conceptual Science. 

Academic Offerings

We offer Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences and Physics C.
 

Mathematics

Lancers build strong foundations through diverse pathways that foster confidence, mathematical reasoning and creative problem solving. 

Our freshmen arrive from over 130 different schools. We use a placement test to make a recommendation and pride ourselves in providing you a  “just right” challenge in math. No matter where you begin there are a multitude of pathways to help you get to advanced math if that’s what you hope for. 

Academic Offerings

We offer Advanced Placement courses in Precalculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC and Statistics. Beyond APs, students can also take Ordinary Differential Equations.

Design

Our interdisciplinary Design Department fosters a culture of innovation, risk-taking, reflection and collaboration among students with a uniquely Holy Cross approach to produce designers, problem solvers and creators, capable of leadership.

Despite the differences in focus, all classes in the department share design thinking and positive social impact as core skills and outcomes. You can take electives in Biotechnology, Creative Apps for Mobile-Design, Computer Science, Design Thinking, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Independent Inquiry, Intro to Woodworking, Robotics 1 and 2 and Student Leadership in Action.

Academic Offerings

We offer Advanced Placement courses in Computer Science Principles and Computer Science Algorithms.
 

English

By reading and critically engaging with diverse voices, students learn to love language, think deeply, write persuasively and lead with empathy in an ever-evolving world.

Every student leaves Saint Francis ready to read, write and research in college. Your path in English begins with English 1 and 2 with the option to level up in honors courses. Juniors and seniors not enrolled in AP classes have abundant choices in classes like Contemporary Poetry, Sports & Culture, Indigenous People’s Literature, Mystery & Detective Fiction, Film as Literature, Feminist Literature or Science Fiction.

Academic Offerings

We offer Advanced Placement courses in English Language & Composition and English Literature.
 

Social Studies

Through critical analysis of historical narratives and primary sources, students evaluate evidence, question perspectives and develop the civic skills to navigate and shape the world.

You will study World History and US History while developing a global perspective. Seniors all study US Government and Economics to ensure preparedness for life beyond Saint Francis. You have the opportunity to take elective classes like Biomedical Ethics, History of the Olympics, Personal Finance and Intro to Psychology.

Academic Offerings 

We offer Advanced Placement courses in  Economics, Government, U.S. History and World History.

World Languages

Deepening linguistic skills and cultural understanding, Lancers become global citizens who communicate effectively and thoughtfully in an interconnected world.

Students, regardless of which language you study you will focus on conversation and culture. You have a choice of studying American Sign Language, French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish.

Academic Offerings

We offer Advanced Placement courses in French, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish.
 

Travel is one of our coolest classrooms.

During spring trips, Lancers can put their passports—and their learning—to work in France and Taiwan. These aren’t just sightseeing trips—students use their language skills in real conversations, dive into new cultures, and come home with a whole new perspective on the world and their role in it. Even cooler? These life-changing experiences are rooted in our Holy Cross values of global citizenship, compassion, and connection. Hosting international students here in Mountain View is part of the journey, too—it’s all about building a global community.
 

Ethnic Studies

Centering the contributions, lived experiences, and histories of people of color, our Ethnic Studies curriculum brings a lens of Catholic social teaching. Ethnic Studies is designed to be responsive to students, their families and their communities. We emphasize the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for a positive image of self and community and the vital hope for a more just and equitable world.

Ethnic Studies at Saint Francis equates to spaces of community and connection. You can take a semester of Introduction to Ethnic Studies and/or AP African American Studies. We also integrate Ethnic Studies into our interdisciplinary courses in English, Religious Studies and Visual and Performing Arts.

Academic Offerings

We offer Advanced Placement courses in African American Studies.

Religious Studies

Our courses reach Catholic and non-Catholic students to cultivate faith and spirituality, to develop an ethical lens by which to see, evaluate and act and to engage students’ hands and voices in service.

As a freshman, you’ll be introduced to Holy Cross, Saint Francis and Catholic principles  as it relates to your own beliefs and values. In future years, you’ll explore the gospels and habits of mind for success, experience service learning days with your class in addition to our service requirement. You’ll study ethical decision making and social justice. Senior year offers choice in  a Religion selective that excites you and a semester that prepares you to reflect on living purposeful life.

Visual and Performing Arts

We foster essential skills of creativity, self-expression, design and collaboration through an imaginative immersion in the arts in our efforts to educate the whole person. 

Students, you can explore diverse interests in Visual Arts (both fine and graphic), Choir, Theater, Band, Video Production, Digital Arts, Dance and Yearbook. There is a one year requirement, but most Saint Francis students engage in the Arts over many semesters.

Academic Offerings

We offer Advanced Placement courses in Studio Art 2D and Studio Art 3D.

Health and Fitness

We teach students the fundamentals of movement, while encouraging a lifetime of health and wellness. Our class focuses on physical, social and emotional well-being. 

Our freshmen benefit from a unit that teaches them how to strength train in our weight room and we focus on meaningful health units important to adolescence well being. Students can also take advanced coursework in classes like Team Sports, Weight Training and Mindfulness.