Summer high school courses are offered in the same format as the regular school year with 2 semesters. Semester 1 is aligned to the Fall curriculum, and Semester 2 is aligned to the Spring curriculum. Each semester course is taken over one term and is worth 5 credits.
Students must enroll in both semesters to receive a year's worth of credit. Semester 2 content builds off of Semester 1 material. Exposure to Semester 1 material is strongly recommended to prepare to take Semester 2.
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How many classes can my student take?Depending on a student’s needs, they can take 2 semesters of a single class per Summer. Students may enroll in an online course in addition to an in-person course, with approval from the Summer at Saint Francis High School Principal. We recommend students remediating semester-courses only take 2 maximum semester courses for credit recovery online. Despite the popularity of our high school classes, all classes are limited to 28 students. |
Materials
Typical classroom materials are recommended, including notebook / 3-ring binder with loose leaves, pens, pencils, and calculator (for math & science). Textbooks and other literature will be lent free of charge. If you would like to know what texts are used, such as if you are interested in purchasing a copy in advance, please refer to our course list below.
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Is it possible to take one semester, but not the other?Absolutely, and you are not alone. Approximately 30% of our students take the first semester without taking the complement semester, such as to preview the Fall semester of an upcoming course, or to remediate one semester of a previous class. We do not support taking Semester 2 only. Note: If you plan to enroll in Semester 2 of a course without taking Semester 1, please be certain that you have mastered the Semester 1 material. Be advised that the second semester of these courses begins without review. |
Homework
Although homework can vary from course to course and day to day, survey results indicate that most of our students find homework takes around 1-3 hours per day.
Grades
Student grades are viewable online throughout the summer. For in-person courses, you will receive an email to the parent's email address on file with @sfhs.com credentials to use for logging into Schoology. Information will be emailed to the parent email input during registration. Grades are updated in real time as a teacher enters them in his/her online gradebook, so you can actively monitor your student’s progress. If you are taking an online course you will see your grades through the Edgenuity portal.
| Grading Scale |
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We use the same grading scale as Saint Francis High School does during the regular school year:
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Teachers
The majority of our high school teachers hold secondary / single subject teaching credentials. Additionally, some of our teachers have completed master's degrees. It’s also important to note that our teachers are not solely from Saint Francis, but are employed at schools around the Bay Area, including Los Altos HS, Mountain View HS, Willow Glen HS, Lynbrook HS, Mills HS, The King's Academy, and others.
Students with IEP & 504 Plans
Summer at Saint Francis is not a fully staffed school during the school year, and many resources are unavailable to students as compared to the regular school year, such as special education teachers and a school psychologist. Therefore, we are unable to fulfill all accommodations called for by IEPs. Nevertheless, our teachers are professional educators with experience making reasonable accommodations, such as extended time assessments, external environment testing, and preferential seating in the classroom.
Although students with accommodations are welcome to attend summer high school courses, students with accommodations have reported greater difficulty adequately performing in the fast-paced environment of our summer classes as compared to the regular school year. If the content of the summer course will be new to you, please carefully consider whether the course in this format would pose a detrimental burden. It is important to note that we do not grant modifications such as extended time to complete homework, test retakes, use of notes during tests, etc.
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My student is trying to advance / “jump” through a year of a subject, such as Geometry or Chemistry. Which courses do I need to register for?When taking a class for credit to “jump” a grade level, both Semesters must be taken, as 2 semesters is 1 full year of curriculum. Please note that Saint Francis students may not take courses for advancement with the exception of Geometry and Trigonometry with approval from the math and/or science department. |
Course List
Mathematics
| Algebra 1 |
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Semesters 1 & 2 The concepts needed for the further study of math are covered with the emphasis on problem solving. The student will develop the understanding of the real number system and perform the four basic operations on polynomial, rational and radical expressions. The concepts of simplifying and evaluating mathematical expressions, determining the solutions to equations and inequalities and the development of graphing are all used in the context of applications to real world situations. There will be constant emphasis on arithmetic skills and their applications.
Note for rising 8th graders: 8th graders are not eligible for Algebra 1 credit at most Middle Schools and High Schools. For example, if the student is admitted to Saint Francis, Algebra will not be added to the student's official transcript, but taking this class may increase the student’s ability with Algebra sufficiently to enable him or her to place into Geometry upon taking the Saint Francis math placement exam in the spring of acceptance. |
| Geometry |
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Semesters 1 & 2 Using definitions, basic postulates and theorems, students will learn to solve problems involving triangles, other polygons, circles and solids. Other elements consist of areas of plane figures, areas and volumes of solids and the applications of coordinate geometry and basic trigonometry. The course includes a constant review of arithmetic and algebraic skills.
Note for UC Subject Requirement "C": A geometry course or an integrated math course with a sufficient amount of geometry content must be completed. |
| Algebra 2 |
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Semesters 1 & 2 This course is a continuation of the material studied in Algebra I. There is a review and further development of the structure of the real number system, the solving of equations and inequalities, the manipulation of polynomial and fractional expressions and graphing. This is followed by the study of radicals, complex numbers, quadratics, functions, analytic geometry, exponents, logarithms, and sequences. We will also introduce basic combinatorics and probability.
*Not for rising 9th grade Lancers. |
| Precalculus |
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Semesters 1 & 2 This course includes the study of functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponents and logarithms, a review of trigonometry and its applications, polar coordinates, conics and inequalities.
*Not for rising 9th grade Lancers. |
| Calculus |
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Semesters 1 & 2 This course offers students the opportunity to explore the fundamental principles of Calculus at a pace that provides students time to understand, appreciate and apply these concepts ultimately preparing students for a first-year college Calculus course. After first reviewing some essential Pre-Calculus concepts, students will be introduced to Calculus through the study of limits. Then, students will learn differentiation techniques and applications using functional or graphical definitions. In the second semester, students will move on to integration, also discussing valuable graphical and functional techniques. At points in the course, students will also apply calculus to explore physics, economics, engineering, and other practical applications.
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Science
| Biology |
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Semesters 1 & 2 The basic concepts of biology are introduced: cell theory, genetics, evolution, the animal and plant kingdom, ecology and behavior. These topics are presented by means of lecture, class discussions, and selected laboratory experiments.
*Not for rising 9th grade Lancers |
| Chemistry |
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Semesters 1 & 2 Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes it undergoes. Through this class, students will explore the atomic structure of matter, chemical composition and reactions, nomenclature, stoichiometry, modern atomic theory, energy in chemical reactions, chemical bonding, the states of matter, and acids, bases and solutions. Inquiry-based and laboratory activities will be an integral part of the coursework. Through their study of chemistry, students will become more scientifically and technologically literate in order to make better personal and societal decisions.
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| Physics |
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Semesters 1 & 2 Physics is an upper level science course that studies the interaction of matter and energy. This course will introduce concepts of physical interaction that can be solved using mathematical formulas and analytical problem solving. All students will work on their skills of observation, analysis, organization, and computation throughout the course. Topics covered include measurement and vector analysis, kinematics, fluids, conservation of momentum, thermodynamics, optics, waves, and electricity and magnetism.
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| Conceptual Physics |
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Semesters 1 & 2 * Conceptual Physics is a laboratory-based introduction to the main principles of physics as seen in our daily lives. The content emphasizes the conceptual exploration of the topics of motion, forces, energy, properties of matter, thermodynamics, waves, electricity and magnetism. Students will utilize first-year algebra skills to problem solve and analyze data. Classroom learning will include hands-on laboratory work incorporating direct data collection and analysis, demonstrations, whole class discussion, and small-group projects.
*This summer course is designed for students who need to remediate for Conceptual Physics/Physics in the Universe from during the school year. |
SFHS Students Only
| Trigonometry |
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Term 1 OR Term 2 In this one-semester course, students use their geometry and algebra skills to advance their study of trigonometry. Students will be required to express understanding using qualitative, quantitative, algebraic, and graphing skills. This course goes in depth about trigonometric functions and their applications. Students explore angles and radian measures, circular trigonometry, and the unit circle. Students extend their understanding to trigonometric graphs, including the effects of translations and the inverses of trigonometric functions. This leads to the laws of sines and cosines, followed by an in-depth exploration of trigonometric identities and applications. The course content is the same in sessions 1 & 2. Students may take the class in either session to advance, but the course is limited to 28 students per session.
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| Religious Studies |
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Afternoon Term 1:00-5:15 p.m. Our Religious Studies Department offers a hybrid online/independent study course to accommodate students who need to remediate a religion class for credit. This course is only for remediation / credit recovery of a D or an F. Students will meet online with a Saint Francis Religion instructor daily on Zoom. Students are expected to be present for all synchronous class time via Zoom conference call.
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Other options? Are you interested in a class we don't offer? There are many more options available as a part of our Online Program! |
Registration
Thank you for your interest in our exciting high school summer program! We’re thrilled to offer a unique opportunity for students to explore, learn, and grow in a supportive and engaging environment. No placement exam or other academic requirements are needed for admission to our courses, so everyone is welcome. Don’t miss out—join us for an unforgettable summer of discovery, skill-building, and new friendships. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Before registering, please take a moment to carefully review our Rules and Expectations page. This will ensure you’re fully informed about the program guidelines and help make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
- A full refund within 24 hours of registration.
- A 20% fee will be deducted from all refunds requested more than 24-hours after purchase.
- The last day to withdraw from all programs for a refund is June 6, 2025.
- You may request a refund directly in the Active Network system. The original 4% fee charged by Active Network is non-refundable.
- non-SFHS students who register for a "Saint Francis only" will have their registration cancelled.
Cancellation and Refunds are handled through your Active Network account.
Non-Saint Francis students MAY NOT be registered in "Saint Francis Only" classes and these registrations are VOID. Although refunds will be processed for these registrations, the standard 20% withdrawal fee will be incurred.
How Can We Help?
Our team is here to help you navigate course options, registration and requirements. Whether you’re a returning student or new to Saint Francis, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to assist you every step of the way.
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Summer at Saint Francis |