St. Francis Xavier

This school is run by a group of parents that dictate how the saff should work and do their duties; favoritism is a big issue. If you're not in the "popular parents group" prepare your child for dissapoitment as they won't be allowed to make friends as they wish. Yes they have students attending from different socio economic backgrounds however they are treated as outsiders and not really desired. We wish we would have paid more attention to this a few years ago. What the principal should do is eliminate this blatant favoritism and stand up for what they know a Christian school whould be. Also attract quality teachers that are able to actually teach the subject in the time they have dedicated in class so that parents don't have to come from their job to work on the same subject at home all over again.I experinced this too, teachers are un organized and also have snacks and drinks during class time. That should stop at once, teachers need to have snacks at recess... is completely unprofessional.Shoukd you have a complain or issue that needs to be adressed and you're not in the "popular group" you will be ignored and ridiculed and your child will be made feel as an outcast.
—Submitted by a parent

This school used to be good but now is very disappointing to me. The teaching quality is not there. They don't teach them anything. My children are there 2 years now with promise of changing the curriculum but nothing has changed. I am pulling them out.
—Submitted by a parent

We visited St .Francis Xavier's open house and interviewed with the principal. We liked the physical and religious setting but concluded that the class sizes of around 30 are just too large. We found another Christian school (with lower tuition) that has a class sizes of around 10.

I can only speak to the lower grades in this review as I had two children in grades K-5 here before we moved out of state, but we had a wonderful experience during our years at St Francis Xavier. The school most certainly fosters the entire child, both their intellectual and spiritual development. My children looked forward to going to school every day and actively made efforts to be kids for others . The academic curriculum was high quality, although perhaps not the most rigorous in the area. The teachers were very communicative with us as parents and I feel they frequently went above and beyond to help our children excel, understanding that the children were individuals with different learning styles. The principal has also been a great motivation and driving force in keeping this school on track and providing a true Catholic education.
—Submitted by a parent

This school by no means compares with other Catholic schools. My children were in another Catholic school in another city, but we were forced to enroll them in this school last year due to transportation issues of sending our older child to the high school next door and not having time to return to our old school in time for the school day. The school is terrible. Get ready to work with your child from home if you want them to continue to be a top student. The teachers here really need to work on communication skills, particularly with being honest and knowledgeable. I am also sad to say that many of them seem to be not only incompetent, but many in the upper grades are not qualified to teach in their content areas. If you walk through the school, you will see piles and piles of stuff (papers, boxes). The teachers are very unorganized. The favoritism here is appalling. Some top notch teachers like the religion teachers and the principal are the only real blessing here. This is the worst school, and I regret not finding a carpool or way to keep my kids at their old school. Please visit this school before deciding to send your children here.
—Submitted by a parent

The school fosters " Being kids for others" - an Ignatian concept that all Jesuit Catholic schools hold dear to their hearts. The community is wonderful and caring. Teachers are friendly and Ms. Connie in the front office greets me with a smile. There are probably other schools in the area that may have a deeper commitment to how kids achieve on a test, but St Francis is committed to encouraging kind, accepting and compassionate human beings. This is not the "private school" for you if you are looking for purely academic rigor - try All Saints or Veritas. It is the school for you if you want to see your child reach their sprirtual potential and make life long friends..... And yes - in spite of not pushing academics,most of the kids end up going to Brophy and Xavier. Funny how that seems to happen.
—Submitted by a parent

Since the school has had a new principal Mrs Cavnar, from Brophy, there is a new spirit in the school. One that fosters the whole child, body, mind, spirit. This school is great, if you want the BEST Catholic school, in the Ignation Tradition. The community is great, the teachers DO care. The children asipre to be more and do more.
—Submitted by a parent

I love St. Francis Xaviers and as a student I feel as if I have my own personal achievement in this school then in any other school I have been to.
—Submitted by a student

St. Francis is deteriorating. Those of us with upper grade children are sticking it out long enough to get our kids into Xavier & Brophy. Take away the community and you're left with a mediocre school with tremendous staff turnover and low test scores. From the bottom of my heart, try St. Simon & Jude, Most Holy Trinity or Veritas Academy. Your children will be happier (and can still get into Xavier & Brophy).
—Submitted by a parent

I feel ST. Francis is an excellent school. The parent involvment is exceptional. The children are encouraged to be respectful, helpful and caring for one another. The children are safe and appear very happy. The sense of safety stability and community worth every penny. The religious education is excellent. As far the education the kids are getting into Brophy, so that's says something. I'm very pleased with all aspects of the school. One negative is I wish the class size was smaller.
—Submitted by a parent

The teaching staff is experienced and good. The children seem to be happy. The concern and service to others is shown in the children's willingness to give their time to various causes. Parents are involved and energetic. There is a nice mix of students from different economic and social backgrounds.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Francis Xavier used to have an excellent reputation. Unfortunately the school has deteriorated significantly. There are still a number of intelligent children at the school that will sustain the schools reputation for a while but the administration and most instructors are mediocre. Teachers do not teach or give insight for most classes; they merely give assignments. No attempt is made to adjust the education based on a childs ability. For a Catholic school the religious education is almost non-existent. The administration is weak at best. Ask to see how RENWEB, the Internet system to communicate with parents about their childrens progress, is actually used. Most teachers ignore it and say it is too time consuming. Ask specifics. You can do much better elsewhere and find a school that will far exceed St. Francis. I wish I had known this before.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is high and expectations are high - I find this a positive. Availability of music, art and other extracurricular activities is a bit limited. This school is not equipped, or a good choice if your child has any 'out of the box' needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school - great start to a little life!
—Submitted by a parent

This school at one time was great! It not only emphasized the importance of academics of being 'the best you can be'. It was concerned about teaching children how to care for and support one another. Over the last couple of years, the emphasis has been on academics and the physical appearance of the school. They do not emphasize the well rounded individual. The communication between the school and the parents is the poorest I have ever experienced. The administration wants you only to know about the things they feel important. (Which is genrally fundraising.) When a parent asks questions regarding things not on the administration's list, that issue will get skirted. On the other hand, the individual teachers are great! They are concerned about the students and make learning fun. It is because of the teachers that my children still attend the school.
—Submitted by a parent

THis school is great. they are updated to the 21st century. There are smartboards in every classroom and dell computers. This is one high tech school.
—Submitted by Erik, a student

It is more than worth the time and money required to have my child in such an all round excellent enviroment. The families are friendly, the teachers and staff are the absolute best and the kids are happy and learning.
—Submitted by a parent