Learn. Believe. Soar.

Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in the Roman Catholic

Faith and Salesian Spirituality, St. Francis de Sales Parish School has

provided an outstanding, Christ-centered education for families in

the Portage Lakes area for over half a century. St. Francis de Sales

Parish School staff recognizes that each child is created in the image

of God. Through innovative and individualized instruction, we

Saint Francis de Sales was

born in 1567 and is the

patron saint of writers. He

earned a doctorate in both

canon and civil law from

the University of Padua. He

was a priest and Bishop

of Geneva. His book,

Introduction to a Devout Life (1609), addresses

how ordinary life can

become extraordinary with

God. Pope Alexander VII

canonized him.

Welcome

to St. Francis de Sales School

To form, within the lives of the

children we serve, an authentic

love of living a Christian life. We

are a Roman Catholic community

founded in prayer and action,

serving the mission of Jesus.the

Mis

sio

n

seek to train the intellect while

integrating Christian values to

equip our students with a faith-

filled vision of life. This unique

approach to education sets St.

Francis de Sales Parish School

apart from other schools.

Our approach fosters an

environment of care and respect

for all, assists our students to

build positive relationships,

instills a life-long love of

learning, and encourages each

student to use their God-given

talents to live a life of faith

and make the world a better

place. St. Francis de Sales

Parish School is truly a safe and

nurturing place where students

can Learn, Believe, and Soar.

Learn.

BeLIeVe.

SOar.

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Be who you are and be that well.—St. Francis de Sales

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We are . . .v A pre-school through grade 8 Roman Catholic Parish School

v Accredited by the Ohio Catholic School Accreditation Association

v Fully licensed by the Ohio Department of Education

v Here to serve families with students from St. Francis de Sales, Nativity of the Lord Jesus, Queen of Heaven Parishes, as well as students from the local area

v Always striving to ensure that parents are partners with us in education

v Able to provide transportation for our students from Coventry Township, Green, Manchester, Barberton, Springfield and Akron public school communities

v Preparing our students to fully and actively participate in the faith-life of the Church

v Committed to help our students be technologically, academically and morally prepared for high school and life

v A Christian faith-community that seeks to develop an awareness of God’s presence in each child so they may embrace the dignity of all

v Using innovative strategies to communicate effectively with our families

v Creating positive climate with school uniform

v Providing a balanced hot lunch program for our students

Salesian Spiritual Goals1. Foster a personal friendship with God that leads to a faith-filled vision of life.

2. Integrate a strong academic course of study with the Catholic faith.

3. Build faith communities, which calls all of its members to understand diversity, and respect the dignity of each person.

4. Embrace and model Gospel values of peace, justice and charity to be catalysts of positive change.

5. Encourage an awareness of care for the gifts of God’s creating hand.

6. Promote the development of the mind to empower all to make life-giving choices.| 3 |

We learn.You learn to speak by speaking,

to study by studying, to run by

running, to work by working, in

just the same way you learn to

love by loving.—St. Francis de Sales

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|| St. Francis de Sales Parish School knows

the value of an excellent education is more

important than ever. We offer a strong academic

course of study permeated with the teachings

of the Catholic faith that develops students’

analytical and creative thinking skills, cultivates

students’ ability to communicate effectively,

and prepares students to function in a highly

technical world with a deeply human touch.

Our engaging and knowledgeable faculty use

innovative strategies to individualize instruction

to meet each child at their current academic

level and challenge them to achieve their

best. Our entire community recognizes

that diversity is a gift and each person

is treated as a child of God. Whether

our students are collaborating in the

classroom, participating in a faith or

service opportunity, engaged with up-to-

date technology, or admiring God’s beauty

in our outdoor learning lab, they are actively

engaged in developing all the skills needed to be

who God intended and be that well.

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Areas of Studyv Religionv Sciencev Mathematicsv English/Language Artsv Readingv History/Social Studiesv Phonicsv Healthv Spanishv Information Technologyv Physical Educationv Artv Musicv Library/Media Research

Falcon Factsv Small class sizes

v IOWA test scores in the top Quartile in the nation

v SMART board technology in all classrooms

v iMac technology learning lab

v Tablet technology (iPad, Chrome Books) available to all students

v Newly renovated Library/Media Center

v Individualized instruction and programming for students with special needs

v Weekly enrichment instruction delivered for students identified as gifted in the areas of mathematics and reading

v Students well prepared for public and private high schools

v Graduates receive academic scholarships to local Catholic high schools each year

v Graduates accepted at private and public colleges, universities, and academies across the nation and become leaders in their field

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We believe.

Falcon Faithv Our parish priests visit our

classrooms weekly to participate in the religious instruction of our students

v Our students performed over 2000 service hours in the past three years

v Our students in grades 2 through 8 spend, on average, 18 hours in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during a school year

v Weekly all-school Mass

v Our students are immersed in daily prayer, daily religious instruction, Sacrament preparation, and frequent reception of the Sacraments

v We have the St. George Chapel in our building for group and individual prayer

v 26 of our graduates have chosen the vocations of priesthood and religious life

v Currently have six men in formation in seminary and two women who have recently entered the monastery

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To carry

God on the tongue

with beautiful words, to

carry God in the heart with

beautiful affection is not

everything. We must carry

Him in our arms with good

works.

—St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales Parish School is deeply committed

to help each child foster a personal friendship with God.

We strive to give each student a strong knowledge of our

Catholic faith to empower them to lead a faith-filled vision

of life and service.

Through daily prayer, weekly school-wide Mass, daily

religious instruction, sacramental preparation, opportunities

for frequent reception of the Sacraments, and Christian

service projects, we strive to make the word of God come

alive for our students. We desire to learn and exemplify the

spirituality of our Patron, St. Francis de Sales.

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We soar.St. Francis de Sales Parish School creates and sustains an

environment that encourages students to develop an interior moral

compass. Curricular and co-curricular programs offer a variety of

opportunities for students to exercise Christian leadership and

nurture human and spiritual growth. These ideals and leadership

stay with our students long after they have walked our hallways.

Our CYO athletics are known for their well-coached teams

and competitive sportsmanship that maximizes student fun,

fundamentals, personal achievement, and spirituality.

These co-curriculars, allow our students to realize the world

beyond themselves and transform their everyday learning into acts

of heart, mind, and world changing action.

Co-curricular programs & activities

v Student Councilv Drama Clubv Band v Choirv CYO Athleticsv Yearbook Clubv Spirit Clubv Christian Coffee Housev Boys Scoutsv Mass buddy programv Altar Serversv Safety Cityv Educational Field Tripsv Math Counts

Falcon Fellowshipv We offer CYO sports such as basketball, volleyball, and track, and

also participate jointly with other parishes to field teams in other sports

v We have developed a new Alma Mater and have Francis the Falcon as our school Mascot

v Many of our students go on to compete at varsity levels and are leaders on their teams at both local public and private high schools

v Our drama club has consistently put on outstanding student productions

v Many of our students earn lead roles in their high school productions at both local public and private high schools

v Our student organizations allow student leadership and collaboration and prepare students for high school leadership positions in similar clubs and groups

There is nothing

small in the

service of God.

—St. Francis de Sales

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Friendship begun

in this world

will be taken up

again, never to be

broken off.

—St. Francis de Sales

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St. Francis de Sales Parish School adheres to the admission

policy and curriculum of the Diocese of Cleveland. Admission

inquiries are handled personally by the school Principal and

Pastor. Enrollment and registration are held in March of each year.

Kindergarten testing is held in April. Special arrangements for

midyear transfer students can also be arranged. Families of students

with special needs should contact our principal to see how we can

serve you.

We welcome the opportunity to have you visit our parish school

and talk to our faculty and staff. We offer multiple opportunities to

experience and tour Saint Francis de Sales Parish School including:

v Personal visits

v Student shadowing

v Annual open house and preview breakfast held during

Catholic Schools Week in January

admissions

TuitionSt. Francis de Sales Parish

School offers one of the lowest

Catholic school tuition rates in

Summit County. In addition

to a convenient payment

plan and tuition assistance,

we extend affordable parish,

cluster, and multiple child

family rates. Tuition for each

academic year is established

prior to spring graduation for

the upcoming fall enrollment

and new academic year.

Financial aidPSAS (Private School Aid Service) forms are available to families

each January and due in March for 1st round awards and June for

2nd round awards. Completion of this form enables eligible families

to be considered for Diocesan Tuition Assistance (DTA). St. Francis

de Sales Parish and Pastor are committed to financially assist any

family who desires a Catholic Education but cannot afford it. No

child will be denied a Catholic education. We will make it work for

your family.

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Learn. Believe. Soar.

© 2015 Saint Francis de Sales School and School Advisory Board

The Falcon and Saint Francis de Sales School logo are trademarks of Saint Francis de Sales School and Parish. Use requires express permission.

To learn more about Saint Francis de Sales School or to arrange a personal visit, please call 330.644.0638 or the Rectory Office at 330.644.2225

School Office Hours:Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saint Francis de Sales School4009 Manchester RoadAkron, Ohio 44319

Website: school.stfparish.comFacebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/pages/

St-Francis-de-Sales-Parish-School-Alumni-Program-Portage-Lakes-Ohio

“I enjoy waking up each morning knowing that it will be a another great day of learning and interacting with my friends at St. Francis de Sales.”

—Joshua Stecz, 8th grader

“The teachers here push us to strive for us to become our best selves, follow our dreams, and grow in our faith.”

—Abigail Griffith, 8th grader

“I feel that the eduction I have received here at St. Francis de Sales School has prepared me well. I am confident that I will be able to follow any vocation that God wants me to.”

—Nick Mayer, 8th grader

“Our catholic education has served us well, so we knew we wanted the same for our kids. The next step was to find the right school. Saint Francis de Sales School’s focus on academics and service combined with an excellent and dedicated staff made it obvious it is the right school for our children. The fact that it embodies our catholic values was icing on the cake.”

—Andrew & Natalie Hammer

“St. Francis de Sales Parish School has been the best decision for our family. Our children are provided the support, education, and values needed to help them reach their full potential as students and as individuals. The lessons they learn, both in the classroom and through experiences, are setting the stage for their continued success.”

—Dan & Wendy Reynolds