About Us
Saint Francis School ~ Educating Minds & Empowering Souls
Since 1893, St. Francis School been providing our students with a quality education grounded in Christian ideals. Throughout the years, our graduates have gone on to be very successful in high school, in college and in their chosen careers.
Even though we are rooted in “old-fashioned” values, our school strives to provide our students with the current technology and teaching that will help them to succeed in the future. SMART boards and iPads are utilized to keep the students engaged in the lessons. Our teachers continue their education through in-services and national conventions. St. Francis School is fully accredited by the Middle States Association.
In addition to traditional academics, students attend classes in Art, Music and Physical Education. Our school library offers a great selection of books to encourage reading. Twice a week, each class has Computer class where they learn to use Microsoft and Google programs, use technology to create projects, and explore educational websites. Our music program has received national recognition by receiving the NAMM Merit Award in 2021, 2022 and 2023. In addition to optional band lessons, all students in grades 7 and 8 learn how to play ukulele and guitar as part of their regular music classes. The entire school, PS3 through 8th grade, show their talents in our two annual Christmas and Spring Concerts.
Religion and Christian values are at the heart of our school. Although a third of our students are not Catholic, all students take part in daily prayers, Religion classes and weekly school Masses. We strive to live as Jesus did, with compassion and love. Our motto is “Educating Minds and Empowering Souls”. The goal of a St. Francis education is to prepare our youth to assume the duties of a knowledgeable Christian member of his/her family, school, and community.
Quick Facts About St. Francis
Enrollment
– 158 students, Preschool through Grade 8
Faculty
– 13 full time and 3 part time teachers
Academics
– Teachers are state-certified; Nine teachers hold Master’s Degrees
– Curriculum standards align with state standards
Service
-Many service projects done throughout the year, both school-wide and within the individual classrooms
Faith Formation
– Each class takes turns in the ministries of our weekly school Masses
– Prayer and faith are incorporated into the day frequently
– Special events for holy days and seasons, such as Lent and All Saints Day
Athletics
– Basketball offered for grades 3-8 at SFS
– Junior high students participate in sports with Clearfield Area School, including football, wrestling, track, cross country, volleyball, baseball, softball and soccer
Profile of Our Graduates
- Our students have acquired a body of knowledge according to the Diocese of Erie curriculum standards.
- Our students have had a rigorous education to develop critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning and strong study skills.
- Our students are able to communicate effectively, write creatively and think critically and analytically in order to problem solve.
- Our students are Christian leaders for the 21st century. They possess a foundation of strong Catholic values and beliefs to make moral decisions and to stand firm in those decisions.
- Our students live virtuous lives. They contribute to the Catholic faith through active participation and service.
- Our students respond to the needs of others by embodying the Works of Mercy.
- Our students exemplify a love of country using their talents to be responsible members of the global community and good stewards of the Earth.
- Our students are technologically proficient. They use technology as a tool for learning and communicating information in a responsible and effective manner.
- Our students recognize the Gospel value of the sanctity of life and value a respect for the gift of health, proper nutrition and physical activity.
Our Mission
As a Catholic School, St. Francis is dedicated to the development of strong Christian principles within every individual. We encourage parental involvement in our ministry to educate the minds and empower the souls of our students. St. Francis School maintains standards of excellence in all academic areas and provides students with the skills necessary to meet challenges and make decisions in our modern world. By striving to teach as Jesus taught, we affirm the value of living a life of love and service as Jesus lived.
Our Vision
St. Francis School will educate our students by providing an environment of academic rigor, built on a foundation of strong Catholic values. We will encourage personal and spiritual development to empower our students to grow as kind, compassionate adults who will be able to meet the demands of life and foster a brighter and better world for the future.
Mission Statement | Diocese of Erie
The Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Erie, in collaboration with family, parish and community, educate our youth to be well-informed citizens with critical thinking skills that will prepare them to live virtuous lives. In faithfulness to the teachings of Christ and His Church, students will be invited to know, love and serve God in order to evangelize in a global society. Through a safe, nurturing environment, students are challenged academically, provided opportunities to explore the arts and athletics, and inspired to develop a heart that is open to service.
Belief Statements
1. We believe that every child is a uniquely created gift from God graced with inherent dignity and worth.
2. We believe that all students can best reach their fullest potential in a safe, nurturing and faith-filled environment.
3. We believe that every student has unique strengths and talents and can excel in a rigorous, supportive environment.
4. We believe that Prayer, the Sacraments and Christ-centered values permeate all that we do.
5. We believe that a standard of excellence must be maintained in all academic areas.
6. We believe that it is the shared responsibility of educators, family, parish and community to provide for the development of the whole child: spiritual, intellectual, social, physical and emotional.
7. We believe it is the responsibility of our schools to help students discern God’s call for their life.
8. We believe that students must develop the skills necessary to respond to God’s call in a global society.
9. We believe that everyone is called to serve others.
10. We believe in the value of strategic planning and professional development as a means of continuous improvement.
11. We believe that adherence to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and fidelity to the Bishop of the Diocese of Erie will create a community united on its journey to the truth.
