Our kids began St Francis in 2021 (5th & 6th grades) and it has been life-changing. It's truly a hidden gem for families seeking a college preparatory education in a welcoming, structured environment. With varied academic levels--including AP, Honors, and two tiers of College Prep, students are both challenged and supported, allowing every student to thrive & receive the individual attention they deserve. Our son struggles with executive functioning and has thrived with the supportive routines; our daughter, a more typical learner, has also excelled. The curriculum is intentionally process-oriented, broken down into manageable segments so students gain mastery, not just memorization. There's a strong emphasis on organizational skills, note-taking (Cornell method), research skills, and effective study habits. The mandatory "Homework Hour" and use of assignment planners help students build discipline and self-reliance; as parents, we appreciate that most homework is completed at school. It's an excellent fit for students with dyslexia or ADHD, but also offers plenty of challenge--including Honors and AP options, for academically advanced or typical learners. St Francis sets high, but appropriate, expectations for all. A previous post mentioned the point system. This system is an amazing way to help students with accountability. The post mentioned 3-10 kids per week that might have to wear the uniform on Fridays. This point system is at the K-8 campus. That equates to about 1-2% of the kids each week. That means ~99% get their homework completed each night and don't have a behavior issue at school. We have not experienced any vaping or bullying, the staff, creates a safe community. Students and staff are respectful and kind. Both staff and admin are accessible, present on campus, and genuinely care about each child. Our experience with the school's college guidance program has been especially impressive; counselors work closely with students to chart a successful course to their desired college. If there's a weakness, it's that the campus buildings and grounds aren't new and flashy. It's important for prospective families to know that the academic excellence and caring community here far outweigh how our campus compares to some of the other newer private school campuses. If you're searching for a school that prioritizes strong values and a college preparatory path, St Francis deserves your attention. We are deeply invested in this community, and are grateful every day for what this school offers. St Francis is one of those rare places where students are truly known, respected, and equipped with the habits and confidence needed for lifelong success. We love St. Francis and are proud to recommend it wholeheartedly! read more

don't come here, or send your kids here. it will physically and mentally drain the crap out of you. this school advertises unity and community, but that couldn't be farther then the truth. the stuff cares about anything but your self worth and your well being. They don't care about how your doing mentally or physically. The counsalrs don't do crap. don't just come here because it's "fancy" or "collage prep" Because that said "collage prep," is just making you work harder in school during summer just so the staff can get a extra pay check. if you want your kids to feel good about them selves, don't send them here. Bullying= they don't help. waste of time and money. do better SFHS read more

It sounds like Fletch P. has an axe to grind. My son is going into his 5th year at St. Francis and we have had nothing but a positive experience. He's doing very well academically. He loves St. Francis and doesn't want to go anywhere else. (A little background on our situation....We found out my son was dyslexic in kindergarten. He went to the Atlanta Speech School in 1st and 2nd grade. After 2nd grade he was ready to move on and didn't need to be there anymore. They recommended several schools that would be a good fit for him and St. Francis was #1 on the list. The educational psychologist who evaluated him also said St. Francis would be the best fit for him.) Last year they put in a new playground which is small, but very nice. (Fancy playgrounds are very expensive and I would prefer for the school to use my tuition money for something more important than playground equipment.) At recess, the kids play in a restricted area of the parking lot that is closest to the school and cars can't go through that area. There are basketball hoops and plenty of room to run around and play four square, etc. I certainly don't fear for my son's safety when he's at recess. Regarding lunches, if Fletcher P's kid is eating hotdogs everyday, then that's his/her choice. At lunch the kids have a choice of a hot entree with sides, a salad bar, 2 soups and a sandwich bar which includes hotdogs. (That's more choices than my son gets at home for any given meal.) If a kid can't find something they want to eat, then that means he/she is a super picky eater. (School lunches across the board are not that great. I have NEVER heard a kid say that the lunches at their school are always wonderful.) St. Francis is not the right school for every kid. They do not specialize in or "cater" to kids with behavioral issues nor do they tolerate kids that are disruptive or bullies. (It is not possible for the school staff to know about every instance of bullying, so I'm sure it still goes on. Fortunately, my son has not been bullied, but we have discussed what to do if it happens.) We have had a great experience with St. Francis and all the teachers that my son has had over the past 4 years. We highly recommend the school. Again, St. Francis is not going to be the "right for" for every kid. read more

Our child started 4th grade at St Francis and it has been absolutely one of the best decisions we have ever made for her. Public school, despite our neighborhood schools excellent ratings, was a terrible fit for our child. Within a matter of weeks the teachers at St Francis addressed and corrected a lot of bad reading habits our daughter had learned at her neighborhood school. We've seen her "sparkle" return and her self confidence soar. Our only regret is not moving her to St Francis sooner. read more

I have been going to this school since 3rd grade and I am in 7th grade. I have raved to all of my friends about this school. I play softball and basketball for saint Francis and they push us until we give them everything we got and more. You meet friends who are older and younger than you but you still are great friends with them. If I didn't get accepted into saint Francis I would be devistated. Trust me it is the best school in the world even though our football team isn't that good our other sports are good. read more

An amazing experience for the three years of middle school. Develops strong study habits with skills to go beyond the classroom regarding organization and how to tackle learning for a lifetime. Our daughter will go back to public high school well prepared and missing our St Francis family. read more

I have no idea who Fletch P is ....I am an involved parent and never heard this name..We left one of the most prestigious private schools in Atlanta to transfer to St. Francis....one of the main reasons we left is because the school we attended had a horrible bullying and drug problem and the academics were subpar. Bullying is NOT allowed at St. Francis and if it does occur....it is dealt with swiftly. They do an incredible job of weeding out kids WITH behavioral problems during the interview process.....this is why there is little to no incidents at St. Francis (unlike many other schools). Drug testing is mandatory in High SChool.....I pick up my child every day and the Faculty is engaged and the kids all look happy . St. Francis actually is very strict about their admission policies and refuses any kids who are deemed to be potential bullies or have behavioral issues....I know many parents whose kids were declined by St. Francis.....as far as the hot dog comment.....the lunches are not the best, I will agree.....but besides a hot meal, they also offer a sandwich bar and a salad bar.....you can't please everyone so that is why hot dogs are offered as an ALTERNATIVE~! The school we left looked like a college campus....St. Francis is not as aesthetically pleasing, but as my son said....it is not what is on the outside but what is on the inside.....he doesn't have a favorite teacher...he loves them all....his IOWA tests have improved since we left the other " top rated" school....the teachers care.....we have been there 3 years now and I have seen hardly any turnover in the faculty....the Administration is OUTSTANDING....I drive 30 minutes to take my son to this school because there is no place I would rather have him be! I will be driving 40 minutes one way to attend the High School next year read more