History
The proud traditions of
St. Francis Preparatory School stretch back 140 years to a simple building on Baltic
Street in Brooklyn, New York. There, in the Fall of 1858, the doors of what was then St.
Francis Academy opened for the very first time. The school has twice relocated, first in
1952 to North Sixth Street, again in 1974 to its present location in Queens, and has since
been providing intellectual and spiritual growth to young men and women who seek the
finest Catholic education available.
The Franciscan traditions of peace, love and respect for the individual,
community, and environment are the fundamental building blocks of the St. Francis Prep
Education. The abilities of our students are nurtured and strengthened in an environment
centered around the teachings of Jesus Christ. St. Francis Prep is a community of learning
and teaching, committed to maintaining the standard of excellence which has been in place
since its founding.
Spring 1858
Two Franciscan Brothers from Ireland arrive in Brooklyn and move into 300 Baltic Street.
Fall 1858
St. Francis Academy, the first private Catholic school on Long Island, opens.
1860
Property on Butler and Smith Streets behind and adjacent to the school is bought to allow
for more living space for the Brothers, boarding students, and a gymnasium and chapel.
1935
School adopts its present name, St. Francis Preparatory School.
1952
St. Francis Prep moves once more to North Sixth Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
1974
St. Francis Prep relocates to Francis Lewis Boulevard in Fresh Meadows, Queens, and women
are admitted for the first time.
1983
St. Francis Prep earns the U.S. Department of Education's Excellence in Private Education
Award.
May 1995
St. Francis Prep begins Our Vision for the Future Endowment Campaign.
1999
St. Francis Prep is recognized by U.S.News & World Report as an "Outstanding
American High School" and dedicates wall of recognition in honor of graduates,
parents and friends who have made an investment in the St. Francis Prep Endowment Fund.
May 2000
St. Francis Prep dedicates Alumni Hall of Fame.
Today
St. Francis Prep is the largest private Catholic secondary school in the
United States, accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, registered with the Board of Regents of the State of New York, and a member of the the New York State Association of Independent Schools. The Prep was a recipient of the U. S. Department of Education's
"Excellence in Private Education" award and recognized
by U.S. News and World Report® as an Outstanding American
High School. Ninety-eight
percent
of the graduating
seniors
go
on to the college of their
choice. There are over 25,000 proud alumni.
Mission Statement
St. Francis Prep is a Catholic, college
preparatory school in the Franciscan tradition. Our mission is to enable all students to
develop and broaden their spiritual, intellectual, creative, emotional, social, and
physical abilities. We value the unique contribution each person makes to the Prep
community. Together we create an environment filled with academic success, respect,
integrity, and joy.
Belief Statements
The community of St. Francis Prep values
God’s life in each person. Therefore, we are compelled:
- To be seekers of Truth.
- To develop a critical intellect.
- To treat all with respect and dignity.
- To lead lives of justice, integrity, and compassion.
Philosophy
Saint Francis
Preparatory School is a community that affirms its Catholic identity by the four
"Golden Links" of Franciscan education, which holds that Spiritual,
Intellectual, Social, and Physical values can be drawn from learning. We direct our
educational efforts through academic programs and activities to enable students to value
all of God's creation. Enlightened by the teachings of Jesus, we-the students, parents,
faculty, staff, administration, and alumni-view the school as a means of encountering God
and as a visible sign of our religious beliefs. In the words of Pope John Paul II, the
mission of the Catholic school is "to communicate Christ." At the Prep, this is
uniquely interpreted in the spirit of Franciscanism, which is to manifest peace, love, and
respect for the individual, the community, and the environment.
At St. Francis Prep we create an atmosphere where all can experience,
communicate, and live the Gospel message. We challenge every individual to value learning,
thinking, and critical inquiry. The teachers strive to not only instruct students, but to
inspire them. We provide opportunities for students to develop their academic potential
and make college and career choices in concert with their personal desires and talents. We
appreciate and respect the cultural diversity in the school and the New York metropolitan
area while embracing our shared humanity. We encourage active citizenship in our democracy
by increasing students' awareness of and involvement in local, national, and global
issues.
This is the vision we mutually define. To work for these ends is a task
of joy which provides fulfillment to the entire Prep community.
Graduate Profile
Our focus at St. Francis is the whole
person. Therefore, Prep graduates strive to live the four Golden Links of Franciscan
education:
- SPIRITUAL
-To continually experience a loving God in themselves and in others.
-To live the teachings of Jesus in the spirit of Francis of Assisi.
- INTELLECTUAL
-To always value learning, thinking, and critical inquiry.
-To make responsible decisions in all aspects of their lives.
- SOCIAL
-To recognize themselves as members of the world community.
-To respect and accept the unique contributions of each individual to society.
- PHYSICAL
-To accept and nurture our bodies as gifts of the Creator.
-To encourage stewardship of our planet.
