St. Francis Academy

All 3 of our boys attended SFA from pre-k through 8th grade. I can't say enough great things about the school, the principal, the teachers and the staff. Compassion, values, morality and spirituality are interwoven throughout the academic experience. The school consistently scores exceptionally well on standardized tests - far superior than surrounding private schools. If you know the area, you know how awful the public schools are (elementary, Jr. High and Sr. High). There are children / families that once in a while don t fit in. I ve seen it over the years. But those are the people (parents and kids) most wouldn't want to associate with anyway and who belong in the public schools. The children from SFA excel in high school due to the excellent manner in which they were prepared at SFA. They re a small Catholic school with limited financial resources but they re doing everything right!
--Submitted by a parent

I was just informed of this website and decided to take a look at it for myself. I have to say I have to agree with the parents who submitted the negative comments about this school. I was extremely disappointed with the type of experience my child had at St. Francis, the first day of kindergarten should have been an indication of how the rest of the time there was going to be, the teachers my child had were heartless, had no affection for those children and I wish I could get my money back for that year!. The cirriculum was shabby and my child was not challenged enough. Although the principal was great, he lacked the authority that was needed. The families who have been there for years were NOT welcoming to new families. I have since found a Catholic school that my child is welcomed and thriving in.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Francis is a great school in a charming setting with a beautiful church which my wife son and myself attend. We are not from the area but have been treated like family. I'm very happy that we sent our child to a school that teaches children about god and that there is something out there bigger than us and our tiny little lives that we think are all so important.
--Submitted by a parent

St. Francis has great teachers who take the time to teach you. When you need help, you can receive one on one help from a fellow student or teacher. The class sizes are small so you get a feeling of individuality where you can be treated as your own person in stead of a whole group. They teach you morals and lessons you will use later in your life. They lay the foundation for your future.
--Submitted by a student

This is a wonderful school and in my honest opinion one of the best things you can do for your chid. I can't imagine what the parent with the negative post was referring to. Not evey child and parent will fit in at SFA (ie the ones you don't want your child exposed to) Chances are if no one likes you its not everyone else who's difficult, its you. My family is not from the surrounding area, in fact my husband is an immigrant. We have always felt welcome and like a part of the SFA family. I just want to mention, in response to the outdated comment, that this school had smart boards in every classroom before some community colleges did and years before the local public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal told us whatever he thought we wanted to hear and just smiled and shook his head. But, in my opinion, there was a huge lack of accountability. Criticism of the staff or the school was very taboo. I found the teachers to be out of touch with children today and a few inexperienced. Other families were not welcoming as the previous poster said and neither were the teachers. They had their favorite families and they stuck to them. We found the main curriculum to be on par with the local public schools. However, the public schools have greater resources. We thought the secondary curriculum such as art, music, computers and phys ed were far superior in the public school. I had been told many stories but I did not listen. It seemed like a nice place at first. This is our experience and you have to decide for yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

The Principal is wonderful and loving. However, the school is so outdated as are the teachers and the curriculum. The other families do not welcome outsiders. It has been the same for the last 40 years and there are no plans to change a single thing. If you were not born and raised in the immediate area, then you have no chance of being accepted. On the other hand, the church is wonderful. Having said all that, it is still better then the public schools in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful place for your children to learn and grow. One room for each grade. A place where everyone knows your name. Teachers who really care. Respect from all sides. A great cafeteria program.

Great school! A very wonderful sense of community. Great environment for the kids. Highly recommend it!
--Submitted by a parent

I think that this is an outstanding school - the Principal and the teachers are wonderful. Friendly atmosphere - great learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent