St Francis Xavier School

4715 North Central Avenue

Phoenix, AZ 85012

29 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by student on January 17, 2024

It's welcoming to many students and it makes you want to enjoy going to school and getting homework is a normal function of school. IN my first year here I had no idea what to do and felt lost but the people here were so welcoming that by my second month there it was fun and I enjoyed coming to school everyday.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2022

We highly value the fact that St. Francis fosters the development of the whole child, and believe that the Jesuit principles of “being a kid for others” promote a strong foundation for the future. We have found the support from the teachers, administration, and community at this school is exceptional.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2022

Great school and a supportive environment. The teachers really care about the students and the goal is to educate the whole person, not just academics. There is a real sense of community and plenty of activities for kids to get involved. We looked at a number of public and private schools and this seemed like a good fit. Not an over the top cram type school and not too lax. Like any other place there are clicks- among both the kids and the parents- but that’s life. I’m too busy to even get involved in that kind of stuff.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2021

Terrible school never send your child here.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2020

This year was our 5th year at SFX with 2 kids at the school and we love the school. The sense of community each morning with pledge and prayer (that all parents can participate in) is so great to start the morning with the school. New principal Ryan Watson has been a great hire and is elevating the school experience for all families.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2019

We left. It was the worst decision I ever made for my child.
Submitted by other on June 28, 2019

Extremely terrible the teachers load you with homework and alway expect you to stay after school and embarrass you in front of everyone.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2017

Awful! The other parents are cruel gossips. administration does not even notify parents when there is physical bullying. Kids have so much homework they are too scared to participate in other activities during the week. My kid came home on first day of school with crumbs of food in his hair, and I know he didn't put the crumbs there. Aftercare is a racket, so expensive and very little supervision. At the end of the year they have a party that costs extra, $40 per kid, unless you can take off work--you have to pay for it. The nutrition practices are awful, and I know the kids at public school are given more nutritious food.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2017

All of my children (4) attended SFX and had a Fabulous experience.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2017

We transferred our child to SFX from another Catholic school in the diocese. This school exemplifies what we always wanted in a Catholic environment. The teachers are strong, leadership sets the tone for effective learning, Ignatian ideology is woven throughout the curriculum, and overall, the community is warm and open. In our experience, the educators are very aware and apply the latest pedagogical approaches that are supported by learning science. Project based learning is evident, teaching across the curriculum is part of the learning experience, technology is used to support learning not to take the place of effective learning, and the teachers really do seem to care about ALL students (not the select few which was our previous experience). The principal and other leadership model Ignatian spirituality in their interactions with students and parents. The religion program in the junior high is tremendous. The junior high teacher is strong and holds students accountable using Ignation principles. The math program is amazing and both junior high math teachers are "teacher's teachers." They really want ALL students to learn and know how to motivate. The science program has numerous hands on learning opportunities with an actual science lab. The Spanish teacher is also a super teacher who motivates and pushes students to learn and holds them accountable for their learning. The resource teacher is also an expert in her field and recognizes students strengths in a positive manner. I had previously heard this was the school for wealthy Catholics and they couriered favor with administration. This has not been our experience. SFX models Ignatian principles in all aspects of schooling. As within any organization, I am sure there are issues, but we have not encountered them. This school is a blessing for my child and for others.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2017

SFX has been a fantastic environment for our kids. We were new to the school and they welcomed us. I disagree with the comment regarding older teachers. My daughter has an older teacher who has been there for decades and she is one of the best teachers we have ever had. My daughters are also a bit "out of the box" and their uniqueness is welcomed and championed. We could not be happier.
Submitted by other on August 05, 2016

The community at SFX breeds homogeny. If the child or his family do not fit within the confines of the set standards of thoughts, behaviors, lifestyle, world views...even physical appearances...then the child is likely to suffer the consequences, usually in the form of covert bullying, social exclusion and mob mentality. This is extraordinarily damaging to a child's newly forming identity and vulnerable emotional psyche. If you are certain that your child's personality can withstand persecution for their differences, or you have iron clad confidence that your child doesn't have a mind of his/her own and is willing to lend themselves to social inculcation of the highest form, and you as a parent don't mind taking away your child's God given right to learn and think for themselves about areas such as human diversity of thought, cultural myths and social/economic variances, then you may be comfortable in this school. But if you are a parent of child with a beautiful and innocent soul who happens to be socially awkward, emotionally sensitive, brilliant in divergent thought and idea, asks questions that most are afraid to ask, and naturally stands up for the underdog or rejects social cliques then please love your child enough to steer clear of this school. Personally, my experience is that this school sadly and sorely lacks in genuine empathy, from the top of admin all the ways down to many of the parents, and is void of any willingness in working with children who don't fit the mold. And, I'm blessed with a child who does not conform to anyone's expectations of a mold but the one he was born to fit. We, therefore, got her out as soon as we could before further damage could be done.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2015

We are happy to be part of the St Francis Xavier school, parish and Jesuit community. We chose St Francis Xavier not only because of theexcellent academics, but also because we loved the school motto - Kids for Others. Each morning begins with the entire school communityattending Pledge and Prayer in the courtyard and the last line of Pledge and Prayer is always "Go out and be kids for others." We love that our kids are being taught to think of others before themselves.St Francis Xavier is a great fit for our family and we are very happy at the school. There is no one school that is the right fit for everyone and it's important to see for yourself what is best for your family.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2015

We based our decision on where to send our son to school based on what Catholic parish we joined. After attending mass at several valley parishes we decided that St. Francis was the right fit for our family. We love the Jesuit's mission of helping others. At the school they emphasize being a kid for others and having respect for others on top of getting a good education. We were thoroughly impressed with the school after attending the new parents retreat where they explained that while attending the school they help the children aim to be Loving, Open to Growth, Intellectually Competent, Religious, and Committed to Doing Justice. I feel like after graduating my son will at least have a good foundation (other than what we can give him at home) to be a good, kind, caring person. The community of parents, teachers and administrators is amazing. I have seen the community come together to support people who are going through hard times when people are going through cancer, have lost a loved one or just going through a hard time. Academically, I am thrilled with how far along my son is in coursework. He is completing work that is not expected of him until next year! It makes me feel that the teachers are able to push the faster learners while ensuring the students who have difficulties in certain subjects don't fall behind. We are beyond pleased with our choice in schools and highly suggest the school to everyone we know!
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2015

After touring several Catholic schools in the area, my husband and I selected St Francis Xavier for our children and couldn't be happier with our decision. What sets St Francis apart from other Catholic schools is that it is a Jesuit school, the only Jesuit elementary school in the state. The academics are stellar and the teachers are amazing, but what also attracted us to St Francis is the way they care for the students as a whole. St. Francis believes strongly in helping foster the social, emotional and spiritual formation of their students as well. We love that the motto is "Kids For Others" and is ingrained in everything they do and throughout the curriculum.The sense of community is a big part of St Francis as well. Each morning begins with the principal leading the entire student body in Pledge and Prayer in the courtyard. Parents are invited to stay for Pledge and Prayer and it's a nice way to start each day with your children and the other St Francis families. The community is very welcoming and there are many opportunities to get involved. We didn't know many others when we started, yet our children quickly made friends that we feel will last a lifetime, as did we as their parents. We are so happy we selected St. Francis Xavier for our children.
Submitted by parent on December 27, 2014

I absolutely love this school, teachers, faculty, and families. The best part is it's moto " kids for others". Where in this self centered day and age due you see this?! Love it!!
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2014

I couldn't disagree more with the review below. My daughter has attended Saint Francis since the 4th grade after transferring midyear from another Catholic school. She is thriving academically, socially and spiritually at Saint Francis. Kim Cavnar is a holy woman and the administration is kind and peaceful. We have attended other schools and no school is perfect and the fact that we have consistency is very important. We came from a school that had 7 principals in 14 years and it was like being on a bad ride at Disney World. I'm saddened to see anger like the review below directed at such a sweet and kind place. Sure there are cliques -- there are cliques everywhere and it's a learning opportunity for my child to see that there are people that are exclusive -- it's not a reflection of the school. Perhaps this school is not suited for people with such negative outlooks. There are other choices out there...why write something so awful -- just move on if your not happy.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2014

The teachers get a 5 star rating! The teachers care about each and every student and truly love their jobs with the kids. On the other hand, they hate their jobs because of the administration. The administration rules with an iron fist, and only treat a few teachers fairly. The principal continues creating new fake positions to bring teachers she likes on as administrators. The administration is too big, and Kim Cavnar (principal) enjoys surrounding herself with horrible administrators, to make herself look better. The only thing that will make this school better is to remove the entire administration. Do NOT send your kid here, send them to a place that will love them for who they are and doesn't have teachers who are afraid of their administration.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2014

I have to disagree with the negative post that was recently made. The classes may be larger than some schools, but the quality of the education, the support from the teachers, and the community as a whole make SFX on of the best decisions our family has ever made. Fundraising is a part of most schools, but the results show in the quality of the music, art, Spanish, P.E. programs, beautiful campus, etc. There is no pressure to participate financially if you can't and all things such as the art sale, class trips, auctions projects etc. are given to those who may not be able to afford the additional costs. The SFX community cares for all the families and children and I see examples of that each and everyday. Like most things in life you get out of it, what you put into it.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2014

I agree with many of the comments here. The class sizes are really big, the teachers have to depend on parents to get the job done. It is all about fundraising. I was excited to go to see my children's artwork, but when I got to the art show their artwork had a price tag on it... I am one of the few parents who can't afford to spend $25 to take home my children's artwork. There is very little communication from the teachers. I am disappointed with the art program and the music program. The food served at lunch and sold from the snack bar is not nutritious and it saddens me to have to always be telling my kids no to the candy that the other kids are purchasing from the snack bar. The science curriculum is very weak. Public schools follow the USDA meal plans and offer much healthier choices. The drop off and pick up procedure is terribly time consuming, and prevents my children from participating in some activities that are offered after school. I also agree with the comment about this not being the school for an out of the box child. Diversity is not encouraged or welcomed... if your child or family situation is different, this is not the school for you.