In the lower school, grades (JK- 4), children are challenged by methods that foster self-motivation, self-confidence and self-discipline. Students are immersed in rich detail in their subjects, and benefit from a stimulating combination of hands-on and traditional class activities. St. Francis teachers seek to draw out and engage children's own learning styles, encouraging them to take risks and seek new challenges as they strive in the classroom.
St. Francis School is fully accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, and is a member of the following organizations: National Association of Independent Schools, Kentucky Association of Independent Schools, Elementary Schools Heads Association, National Middle School Association, National Association for Gifted Children.
Ratios
8:1 (Junior Kindergarten), 11:1 (Kindergarten - 4th grade)
One third of St. Francis teachers have served on the faculty for 15 or more years. Teachers coach in the classroom as well as on the athletic fields. Teachers engage in an on-going process of professional development; the faculty are excellent models of lifelong learning.
Curriculum:
Lower School curriculum includes intensive Language Arts work, focused on developing strong reading and writing skills. Children are exposed to high-quality literature, and are taught to read deeply into texts, coaxing out their deeper meanings. An average school day includes work in foreign language, science, social studies and physical education, as well as time in the math lab and in our finely developed visual art and music studios. St. Francis has a successful history of meeting the needs of learners all along the continuum, always striving to provide the best possible instruction for each and every student. See below of specific overviews by department.
