St. Francis School

Our child attended lower middle school at St Francis and it was a wonderful and highly rewarding experience for her. Under the guidance of a devoted and in-touch head of school and a rare gem of a lower middle school coordinator, dedicated faculty, and awesome staff, we were confident that our daughter's education -- both academic and social -- would be stellar (and it was). No school is perfect for every kid, but for our child is was amazing. The minimal landscaping outside the school reflects the school's priorities -- keeping tuition reasonable for everyone, and I love that (although a little work on the entrance and egress pathways could be improved-- and there's certainly the parental human resources to come up with a solution to the circulation maze outside the front entrance, hint, hint).
—Submitted by a parent

This school works very well for kids who will do well in most any school. there are certain kids with issues that can do well. Our experience was very poor, teachers couldn't work with our son and didn't care, no different than AISD. With the exception of 4th grade, 5th and 6th grade was a complete waste of our money and our son's time. he actually learned a lot of bad behavior at the school
—Submitted by a parent

Our son was very happy at St Francis all the way through 8th grade. The school excels at educating kids at both ends: gifted kids, & problem kids. The saddest thing is that there's nowhere to go after 8th grade. No private high school in Austin is as good as St Francis. St Steven's is money-conscious & for rich kids; St Andrew's is Republican & conservative; St Michael's takes Catholicism really rigidly. The public schools, even LASA & the IB school, Anderson, are disappointing after St Francis.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended St Francis from 6th grade to 8th, and it was some of the best years of my life (: There is such diversity, and everyone there is very friendly and helpful. I've learned a lot from that school and I'm very happy that i could be a part of such a great community. Thanks St. Francis !
—Submitted by a student

I have been a SFS parent for eight years and my children have had a wonderful experience. For us, it has been a utopia! Small classes, great teachers, effective administration. The on-site Reading and Language Center gave my dyslexic kids tutoring from a Certified Academic Language Specialist which enabled them (over time) to meet and then surpass their grade level in reading. While they were getting reading support to address their academic weaknesses, they could also receive advanced instruction in math, science, and art where they were very strong. Great school for gifted kids, great school for dyslexic kids, great school for all kids. We loved the diversity (religious, ethnic, and economic) of families here.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing teachers but some of the kids do not belong in a social situation where they could do harm to other kids. St Francis seriously needs to address the behavior issues or i can't send my children back there - which would be said because the teachers are good.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an absolutely wonderful school. The school has a stable administration (i.e., little turnover in 20 years) and the head of school is an amazing woman with a clear vision for the education of children. The school has a strong sense of community and the adminstration, teachers, staff, and students value -- in their beliefs and actions -- diversity and excellence. I have three children and all three have thrived at the school, despite being very different from each other as people and students. The students gets a strong education in academics and values, learning to appreciate people for the diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives that we all bring to the world.
—Submitted by Rebecca Bigler, a parent

Wow! I am so pleased with this amazing school which is ran by an incredible leader, Barbara Porter. Barbara has an educational background and skill and knowledge to bring staff and parents together for the good of our kids. The teachers volunteer and jump in to better the the childrens lives and make this school top notch! Community service beacause it is the right thing to do not to get in to college, and daily inspiration and kindness from the teachers to the kids. All learning levels and all delivered with smiles! Thank You!
—Submitted by a parent

We could not be more pleased with St Francis. Our children are happier than they've ever been at school before. The homework load is manageable and the teachers are so bright, creative, inspiring, and kind. Barbara Porter is an amazing principal. She has built a school that embraces academic diversity and makes it really work in such a positive way. One of her many mottos is 'if we're not moving forward, we're moving backward.' She is always looking for ways to improve on what they have. Barbara truly cares about the needs of her students and parents and bends over backward to make it work. We have been very impressed all the way around. It's no wonder that there isn't the attrition of teachers and students that you find at other private schools in the area. Keep it up, St Francis!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers, low student/teacher ratios promote nurturing environment for every learning style. The student mix includes academically gifted and learning challenged students as well. Student standardized test performance is above grade level for all grades. St. Francis participates in the (PSIA)Private School Interscholastic Achievement competition annually and has finished near the top in the the state for the past few years. Parent support for all activities is tremendous. Extra activities include chess club, soccer, music, art, scouts, & basketball. The school is truly diverse. This year's student population includes international students from over a dozen countries. The school culture promotes helping others. Altruism is a part of the elementary and middle school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so impressed with this school where the teachers and administrators and coaches and tutors all 'get' this notion of individual learning styles. Also - we now see how [another school] 'dumbed down' work for our dyslexic and very capable 5th grade daughter. She is a completely different person after one semester!
—Submitted by a parent

I think St.Francis has great teachers great kids and a great atmosphere. My Middle school son has auditory processing disorder and his grades have excelled since I sent him there. My son is in the sixth grade and absolutely loves one of his teachers Lori Douglass. I hope that many people discover this lovely school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son in St. Francis and am very pleased with the school. The small size of the school makes for a family atmosphere and the staff are very qualified. They take the child as he (or she) is and goes from there. They can raise the achievement of the child who needs some extra help and still challenge their gifted children. Great place for 2E kids (gifted with learning disabilities).
—Submitted by a parent

I have children in both elementary and middle school at St. Francis, and could not be more pleased. Small classes and teacher commitment to respect individual differences in children provide an ideal learning environment for my bright, rambunctious 8 year old, as well as for my reserved, meticulous middle schooler. I can't imagine a better setting in which to launch my children into adolescence. Teachers are attuned, responsive, and warm. The headmistress, Barbara Porter, is the best school administrator I've ever encountered. I could not recommend St. Francis more highly for any and all children.
—Submitted by a parent

Barbara Porter, the director, is an excellent leader. She supports the notion that all children are equal and should be given a chance. She strives to keep the school affordable, and available to all types of learners...those with learning challenges as well as gifted. The sports team has come a long way under the leadership of Coach Armstrong, who challenges the kids in a fun way. There is a Christian based chapel every Friday that I think would make most anyone comfortable, regardless of their faith.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. Good academics, great students, an extended family. Accelerated classes and a great athletic program.
—Submitted by a parent

After experiencing poorly executed dyslexia programs in public school (SpecialEd. or 504), I found St. Francis. St. Francis is extremely accomodating and understanding of a dyslexic student's needs without becoming a private school for LD kids. With 4 5 certified ALT's on staff, a student can have either 1:1, 1:2 or small group instuction either daily or as little as weekly instruction. A parent can even choose to bring in their own reading tutor. Staff have also been trained in Dr Levine's 'School's Attuned' program. 30% of their 350 students have a learning challenge. A well-rounded 'regular' school offering music, spanish, sports and various club activities. They have a beautiful soccer field and new gym. Involved parents, committed staff and happy kids atmosphere make up for the the lack-lustre facility and location next to a mall. For 20 years, St. Francis knows what they're about and how to teach the kids.
—Submitted by Abbie, a parent

They have been able to keep up with my gifted daughter and my shy son. This school is out performing the exemplary rated public school in my neighborhood. They are able to raise the level of everyone in the classrooms not just the gifted ones.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Francis has really good teachers. It is a wonderful school. My son goes there and I am glad that I made the decision to send him there.
—Submitted by a parent

I had high hopes for this school, and was willing to pay for the privilege. But, in the end (May 2001, to be fair), I left disappointed. They were not a good fit for my two boys. And after two years at St. F., my kids were way below grade level in reading. I didn't know how below until they moved to a public school, and were tested. That's when I got mad. I do hope that they have improved. They are nice folks.
—Submitted by a parent