St. Francis of Assisi Church

St. Francis of Assisi Parish was established in 1927, with Franciscan Friars serving as its leaders. The first school opened in 1930 in a two-room metal building staffed by two Sisters of St. Joseph at Carondelet. In 1941, a new brick building was built to accommodate the growing school.

As the parish grew, a new church building was dedicated in 1953. Below the new church were four classrooms, lavatories, bus garages, and other rooms to accommodate the growth. Because of continued growth, additions to the school were completed again in 1959, 1962, and 1976. In 1976, the church underwent renovation. 1981-82, the current parish center was added, providing a gym/cafeteria, school library, school offices, and more classrooms. The original school building, which had been converted into a convent, was demolished in the early 1980s to make way for additional parking. In the late 1980s, six additional classrooms were added, and the sacristy was expanded, connecting it to the present-day rectory. In 1990, an extensive renovation project expanded the church and updated operating systems. 

St. Francis adopts a one-class-per-grade approach and utilizes its space and personnel resources in a unique manner. Using instructional aides and other staff, SFA provides programming to enhance the student experience. We are current in educational practices that allow for higher levels of student engagement and a learning community model where several teachers can work with students simultaneously in flexible spacing. A focus on blended, personalized learning has allowed for higher degrees of individualization. St. Francis of Assisi School has demonstrated its commitment to evolving to provide students with a model for success essential for 21st-century learning.

Extensive renovations were last completed in the early 1990s. Since then, we have seen a need to improve several areas around our Church, rectory, and school for the safety of all. As we approach our 100th anniversary as a parish in the next few years, St. Francis of Assisi School has demonstrated its ability to continually evolve, providing its students with a model for success essential for 21st-century learning. The parishioners of St. Francis have always answered the call to support the parish and to participate actively.

We look forward to many years of continued spiritual growth and vitality under the guidance of our pastor, Fr. Paul Hamilton.