Recent News

On March 18, 2025, Saint Francis High School hosted an Alumni Career Day, bringing together past graduates to share their experiences at Saint Francis and their career journeys since graduation. This special event provided students with a firsthand look at the diverse career paths available after high school while celebrating the lifelong connection between alumni and their alma mater.

The alumni guests represented a variety of industries, demonstrating the many ways Saint Francis graduates have made an impact in their fields. Among those who returned to campus were:

Patrice Reiter Robbins (‘02) – Dentist at Brightworks Dentistry | University of Georgia
Jacob Schwartz (‘20) – First Officer at FliteAccess, flying the Citation X | Middle Georgia State University
Jamie Fredlund (‘13) – SWAT Electronic Graphics Operator at CNN | LaGrange College
Annabel Keever (‘20) – Registered Nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta | Texas Christian University
Samantha Holt (‘16) – Property Manager at Transwestern | University of Georgia
Philip Chung (‘10) – Emergency Medicine Physician at Emory | Undergrad: Georgia College & State University, Doctoral: Mercer University
Jessica Morse Arbiser (‘12) – Cybersecurity Manager at The Home Depot | College of Charleston
Students had the opportunity to learn about each alum’s time at Saint Francis, their college experiences, and their current careers. Alumni reflected on the lessons and values they carried with them beyond high school, with many crediting organization and accountability as key skills they developed at Saint Francis that helped them succeed in their professional lives.

From the fast-paced world of aviation to the critical work of healthcare professionals, the event showcased the many different paths Saint Francis graduates have taken. Their stories highlighted the importance of hard work, adaptability, and pursuing passions beyond the classroom.

Saint Francis Alumni Career Day was a meaningful opportunity for students to see firsthand how their education and experiences at Saint Francis can lead to exciting and fulfilling careers. Once a Knight, always a Knight!

We are thrilled to share that one of our high school seniors, AJ Loud, has been named a National Merit Finalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program! This prestigious recognition is a testament to AJ’s hard work, dedication, and academic excellence, and we couldn’t be more proud of his achievement.

The Journey to Becoming a Finalist
Each year, more than 16,000 high school seniors are selected as National Merit Semifinalists based on their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. From there, students must meet additional qualifications to advance to Finalist status, including:

✔️ Confirming their PSAT/NMSQT scores with strong SAT or ACT results
✔️ Receiving an endorsement from their high school principal
✔️ Demonstrating academic excellence and leadership

AJ has met all of these requirements, placing him among the nation’s top high school scholars!

What’s Next?
As a Finalist, AJ is now in the running to receive one of the 6,870 National Merit Scholarships awarded in 2025. About half of all finalists will earn a Merit Scholarship, opening doors to prestigious colleges and universities across the country.

No matter the outcome, AJ’s achievements have already made us incredibly proud. His commitment to excellence reflects the spirit of Saint Francis School, and we know he has a bright future ahead!

The Saint Francis Elementary community gathered for a spectacular morning of music and art at the annual Spring Concert & Art Showcase on March 12, 2025. With the theme "Regards to Broadway," our talented students took center stage, delivering show-stopping performances and displaying artwork inspired by the magic of theater.

From the moment the guests arrived, the energy was electric. Families and friends marveled at the creativity on display, a testament to the dedication of Ms. Courtney, our wonderful art teacher. Each piece told a story, capturing the imagination and hard work of our young artists.

As the lights dimmed in the performance hall, the real magic began. Under the expert direction of Ms. Blacksmith, our music teacher, students took the stage with enthusiasm and confidence. From classic Broadway melodies to upbeat show tunes, every song was performed with heart and excitement. The audience was treated to lively choreography, heartfelt solos, and even an amazing finale number had everyone tapping their feet.

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents, family members, and guests who attended. Your support and encouragement mean the world to our students and faculty. Special thanks to Ms. Blacksmith and Ms. Courtney for their dedication, passion, and countless hours spent preparing for this event. Their guidance and commitment allow our students to shine and grow in their artistic and musical journeys.

As the final note played and the last round of applause echoed through the room, it was clear: our students put on a performance worthy of Broadway itself. We are so proud of their hard work and talent, and we can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!

The All States Art Exhibition (ASAE) is the most prestigious statewide competition for high school artists in Georgia, hosted annually by the Georgia Art Educators Association. This year, the event took place on Friday, February 28th, at Piedmont College, bringing together talented young artists for a day filled with hands-on workshops, professional instruction, and a highly anticipated awards ceremony.

A Day of Artistic Exploration
Students participated in workshops led by college professors and graduate students, engaging in diverse artistic disciplines ranging from Printmaking and Cyanotypes to Bas-Relief and Clay Caricatures. Other workshops, such as Refactography, Storytelling Through Color, and Abstraction Techniques, expanded students' creative approaches. Each participant took two workshops, enjoyed a meal in the college dining hall, and ended the day at the much-anticipated awards ceremony.

A Highly Competitive Selection
The ASAE is an elite showcase of artistic excellence, with only 6% of 872 entries (53 pieces) accepted into the exhibition. The selection process is rigorous—teachers submit only their top student artworks to district competitions, where independent jurors select the best pieces to advance to the state level. This year’s show featured mostly 2D works, with fewer than ten 3D pieces making the cut. Among them was Jace Parent’s ceramic piece, “Almost Identical,” which stood out as one of just four ceramic works and the only functional piece in the exhibition.

Our district, which includes Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb counties, is one of the most competitive in the state, making the recognition even more significant. Once delivered to Piedmont University, the selected works were professionally curated and installed by museum staff at the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art in Demorest, GA.

Recognizing Artistic Excellence
Given the high level of competition this year, the jury expanded its awards, granting six honorable mentions in addition to the traditional first, second, and third-place winners. Among the artists whose work now holds a distinguished place in an art museum are Seniors Austin Gomes and Jace Parent, a milestone achievement for these young creatives.

The All States Art Exhibition 2025 was a day of learning, inspiration, and celebration of artistic talent, reinforcing the power of art in education and beyond. Congratulations to all the students whose hard work and creativity earned them a place in this esteemed event!

Over Winter Break, twelve juniors and seniors embarked on an unforgettable journey through Spain, exploring history, culture, and cuisine with chaperones Mrs. Gerber, Ms. Pearson, Mrs. Macomber, and Mr. Stegos. Students visited iconic cities, uncovering Spain’s rich past and vibrant traditions.

Exploring Spain’s Historic Gems

The trip began in Segovia, where students admired the Roman aqueduct, the grand Cathedral, and the Alcázar. A day trip to Ávila showcased its medieval walls and historic churches. They also visited Cuevas del Águila, a fascinating cave system, and the ancient Toros de Guisando statues.

In Toledo, students marveled at the Cathedral, El Greco’s The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, and a traditional sword-making demonstration. A stop in Consuegra offered views of the famous windmills that inspired Don Quixote.

Cultural Highlights & Culinary Delights

Granada captivated with its Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens, and the Royal Chapel. In Sevilla, students climbed the Giralda, explored the Alcázar, and enjoyed a flamenco class and show.

The adventure ended in Madrid, featuring a Royal Palace tour, the Prado Museum, and indulging in churros and chocolate. A Spanish cooking class was a favorite among students.

Unforgettable Memories

Knights Abroad Spain 2025 was an enriching experience, blending history, art, and cultural immersion. From medieval fortresses to flamenco dancing, these memories will last a lifetime.

We want to thank The Good Fellas Agency for their invaluable consulting expertise in redesigning our website. This project began with an outdated site featuring a restrictive layout, missing critical content, and a cumbersome user experience. The Good Fellas Agency solved this quickly and effectively by leveraging FACTS CMS, custom HTML/CSS, and a complete reorganization of the site’s structure. In no time at all, they transformed our website into a modern, user-friendly platform with intuitive navigation and optimized content. Their quick problem-solving and expert guidance throughout the entire process has elevated our online presence.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication. We truly appreciate everything you’ve done!

The term "Thespian" comes from Thespis, the first known actor in Ancient Greece. His legacy continues through theatre programs like Saint Francis Troupe #8908 of the International Thespian Society (ITS).

As part of Georgia Thespians, we participate in ThesCon, the world's largest high school Thespian conference. This year, over 6,000 students gathered in Columbus, GA, to attend workshops, watch performances, and audition for Fine Arts programs.

A special congratulation to Ella Sandrock (11th grade), who auditioned for 40+ colleges and will continue pursuing Musical Theatre scholarships next year!

Saint Francis students can earn ITS membership through theatre courses and productions, gaining access to incredible opportunities like ThesCon.

Saint Francis at ThesCon
River Center for the Performing Arts | Columbus, GA

We’re proud of our talented Thespians and excited for their bright futures!

On Thursday, February 13, the 4th-grade students at Saint Francis School embarked on a journey around the world—without ever leaving campus! The annual Around the World Assembly provided a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their hard work, share their newfound knowledge, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures. This event was a vibrant celebration of global learning, public speaking, and community engagement.

Leading up to the assembly, each student researched a different country, diving into its history, traditions, geography, and culture. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the breathtaking landscapes of Brazil, students explored the unique characteristics that define each nation. This project was more than just an academic exercise—it was an invitation to step into another culture and understand the world from a new perspective.

The assembly was a colorful and engaging experience, as students dressed in outfits inspired by their chosen countries. Some wore traditional clothing, while others opted for colors or symbols representing their nation. This visual representation added an extra layer of excitement, bringing the spirit of each country to life in the school's auditorium.

One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for students to present their research in front of an audience. Standing in front of their peers, teachers, and family members, each student delivered key facts about their country, sharing intriguing insights about customs, famous landmarks, and notable figures. This experience was a wonderful exercise in public speaking, helping students build confidence and develop communication skills that will serve them well in the future.

Of course, no cultural exploration is complete without food! As part of the assembly, students and their families prepared and shared dishes representing their selected countries. The tables were filled with an array of delicious treats, from French pastries to Mexican tamales. This culinary aspect of the event allowed students to connect with culture through taste, offering everyone a chance to try something new and appreciate the flavors of the world.

The Around the World Assembly was more than just a school project—it was a celebration of curiosity, diversity, and the joy of learning. It provided students with an opportunity to develop research skills, practice public speaking, and engage with their peers in a meaningful way. Most importantly, it encouraged them to appreciate the beauty of different cultures and recognize the ways in which our world is interconnected.

A big thank you goes out to the teachers, parents, and students who made this event such a success. Your dedication and enthusiasm truly brought this experience to life. As our 4th graders continue their educational journeys, we hope this assembly has inspired them to keep exploring, asking questions, and embracing the rich tapestry of cultures that make our world so special.

The mens and womens Varsity basketball teams won their semi final games last night with the boys advancing past BEST Academy by a score of 71-65. The womens team defeated Wesylan by a score of 78-43 to make it for a chance to clinch their 13th Region Title.

Come watch the Knights in the Region Championship at BEST Academy

Championship Tip-Off Times On Saturday (2/15/25)

Women Tip-off at 6:30 PM vs The Galloway School

Men Tip-off at 8:00 PM vs Mt. Paran Christian School

Venue Information:

BEST Academy

1190 Northwest Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Our first-ever Daddy-Daughter Dance is officially in the books, and what an unforgettable evening it was! On Friday, February 7th, Saint Francis School was filled with laughter, joy, and cherished moments as fathers and daughters came together to dance the night away.

From the moment they arrived, daddies and daughters were dressed to impress, creating picture-perfect memories that will last a lifetime. The evening was filled with sweet treats, lively music, and plenty of dancing—whether it was twirling on the dance floor, slow dancing to a heartfelt song, or showing off their best moves to upbeat favorites.

One of the most heartwarming parts of the night was witnessing the special bond between fathers and daughters. From the tiniest kindergarteners to our middle schoolers, every young lady shined with excitement, knowing this was a night just for them and their dads. The smiles, the laughter, and even the goofy dance moves made for an evening filled with love and connection.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this event so magical—from our wonderful volunteers and organizers to the families who participated. Your support and enthusiasm made this first Daddy-Daughter Dance a resounding success.

We can’t wait to make this a tradition and create even more special memories in the years to come. Here’s to an evening filled with fun, love, and lots of dancing!