Our Mission, Vision & History
St. Francis Solanus School Mission
To provide a Christ-centered academic environment that empowers students to serve God and others.
Our Vision
For every child to reach their full spiritual, social, and academic potential so that they may become faithful servant-leaders in the world.
Our Story
St. Francis Solanus School is a special place where students, faculty, and staff are given the opportunity to live our Catholic faith each day. We strive to deliver the quality of education that inspires all families to send their children to our school. This is accomplished by collaboration between our parents and teachers, high academic and behavioral standards for our students, and maintaining a strong focus on our Catholic identity.
St. Francis Solanus School was established in 1862 as a Roman Catholic elementary school. Today we serve pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. We are centrally located in Quincy, Illinois, and next door to Quincy University, a Catholic, independent, liberal arts institution of higher learning in the Franciscan tradition. St. Francis Solanus School faculty members are academically qualified and highly motivated. All of our teachers are certified by the State of Illinois. Parish priests provide additional religious education to help develop students’ understanding of God and our Church.
Our focus at St. Francis Solanus School is on a well-rounded education that includes extracurricular activities and fine arts programming, as well as the spiritual, academic, moral, emotional, and physical growth of our students. By investing our time, talents, and treasures in our students, we can provide them the opportunity to become future leaders, molded in the teachings of Christ.
Academic preparation at St. Francis School emphasizes education of the whole child. To achieve this, our curriculum includes mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, and religion and is enriched with programs in physical education, technology, music, art, and library. Students regularly score above the national average on standardized tests.
Robust extra-curricular activities such as student council and the spring play allow students to develop their unique God-given talents and abilities. Students are encouraged to participate in athletics programs of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA), and instrumental and choral programs of the Parochial Music Organization (PMO). Students are also invited to participate in active and excellent Boy and Girl Scout programs that help build character, train students in the responsibilities of participating in citizenship, and develop personal fitness.
At St. Francis Solanus School, we welcome all students and families willing to share our mission to provide a Christ-centered academic environment that empowers students to serve God and others. This includes students of any race, religion, color, national, and ethnic origin. Join us as we inspire faith, knowledge, and service in the leaders of tomorrow.
Our Values
Faith
- Love for God and His church
- Christian ideals and virtues
- Participation in the Liturgy
- Scripture and Prayer
- Preparation for the reception of the Sacraments
- Christian community and love for others
- Devotion to Mary and the saints
Knowledge
- Thoroughness and excellence in all things
- Solid instruction, hard work, leadership, creativity, and responsibility
- Read fluently and with understanding
- Communicate clearly and correctly through speaking and writing for a variety of purposes
- Effective use and application of computational skills and mathematical concepts
- Effective use of scientific method and concepts
- Effective use of technology
- Express creativity through fine arts
- Demonstrate personal and social skills needed for spiritual, physical, and emotional wellness
- Work both independently and cooperatively
Service
- Love of God is basic to good citizenship
- Mutual respect
- A warm heart and helping hand
- Good manners
- Understanding of the democratic process, history, and cultural diversity needed to become active citizens within our country and the global community
- Demonstrate a respect for legitimate authority in the school and community
- Kindness, honesty, integrity
- Every child has unlimited potential for goodness, happiness, and life