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From the Principal

Welcome to
St. Francis

An education that inspires families to send their children here, built on strong academics, high standards, and a deep Catholic identity.

A smiling St. Francis student holding up her drawing in art class

A letter from Principal Julie Radel

Seal of the Parish of St. Francis Solanus
St. Francis Solanus SchoolQuincy, Illinois · Est. 1860

Dear Prospective Family,

We hope that you consider St. Francis Solanus School for your child or children. We have offered a faith-filled education for generations of students for 160 years. There is room for more students in our preschool through eighth grade classrooms.

Our school and parish families look forward to having your family become part of the St. Francis Solanus School family.

There are many reasons to consider our school… See all ten ↓

If you would like a tour, or more information about St. Francis Solanus School, contact me at jradel@stfrancissolanus.com. You may also call (217) 222-4077 or submit an inquiry online.

Sincerely, Julie Radel Principal, St. Francis Solanus School
Why St. Francis

Ten reasons to consider our school

Mrs. Radel's own list, for families weighing their options.

Faith, every day

We have Mass as a school family weekly, pray several times daily, and have many events that nurture a child's religious development. These include the annual All City Mass, Growing in Faith sessions, and sacramental preparation. Religious Education →

Teachers who go further

Our teaching staff is innovative, caring, experienced, and provides a quality education. Our support staff often go beyond what is expected to benefit our students. We work toward developing the whole child.

Specials and a STEM lab

Our students enjoy classes taught by our specialists: P.E., vocal and instrumental music, art, and library. We have a STEM lab for grades 6–8. Music, Art & Library →

Small class sizes

We feature small class sizes for more individual attention.

Before and after care

Before and after school care is offered at a reasonable rate. Extended Care →

Right in the middle of Quincy

We are centrally located in Quincy, right across from Quincy University.

Help with tuition

We can explain multiple ways to finance a Catholic education. Tuition & Aid →

Something for every interest

Our students are involved in many types of extracurricular activities. Some are offered at our school or with the Catholic elementary schools, while others are in the community. Clubs & Activities →

Every faith welcome

We welcome students of different faiths.

Tradition and a parish behind us

We have rich traditions, strong parish support, and a welcoming feeling.

From Our Families

Why families choose St. Francis

Faith & Tradition

Our family's love for St. Francis Solanus School is deeply rooted in faith and tradition. With Joe's family having attended for generations, it is incredibly meaningful to now watch our children walk the same halls and grow in the same values-rich, faith-centered environment.
Joe & Alexis Darnell Family

Known at every stage

St. Francis Solanus meets the individual academic needs of all our children at every stage of development. Our older kids recognized the "St. Francis Solanus difference" during an initial school visit and were ready to start the next day! The parent-teacher partnership is collaborative and focused on helping students do their best, and the Catholic influence of the priests, deacons, DRE, and staff is focused on fostering a true and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Aaron & Karen Weiman Family

To be Jesus to others

St. Francis provides a quality Catholic experience. They learn not only how to add and subtract but to know Jesus, love Jesus, and to be Jesus to others. We are proud of our choice to have provided a faith-based education for our children and that our children have continued to choose St. Francis for their children. It is important to celebrate the privilege of a Catholic education and we have been blessed to have been supportive of continuing this legacy.
Deacon Dennis and Pat Holbrook

Accountability with grace

The culture is one of partnership. Students are truly known by their teachers and staff. There is accountability paired with grace. Leadership is present and engaged.
The Friye Mamdani Family

Enthusiasm and dedication

The teachers of St. Francis are observing and always seeking ways to improve the abilities of our students. The enthusiasm and dedication from the teachers has helped our children gain confidence and excel in multiple areas.
Brad & Makenzie Holtmeyer Family

Lessons come to life

The teachers at St. Francis bring lessons to life, creating engaging classrooms where students feel excited about learning. What stands out most is their strong training in literacy instruction, ensuring that every student grows as a confident, capable reader and communicator.
John & Lindsey Kelly Family

We felt the pull

We never thought we would be the family transferring our children to a new school. After being parishioners for a few years, we felt the pull to enroll our children at St Francis school. As soon as we took a tour, our girls' faces lit up and they said they wanted to start the next day.
Brad & Amanda Genenbacher Family

Loving, caring & nurturing

Mrs. Wiewel has taught both of our girls over the last two years. She is so loving, caring and nurturing and with her help, our child was able to succeed in an academic area she was previously struggling in.
Brad & Amanda Genebacher Family

Academic excellence

St. Francis School offers a welcoming and nurturing environment where academic excellence is paired with strong values rooted in the Catholic tradition.
Dr. Samuel & Danielle Healy Family

Inviting family-feel

The school is small which gives it a warm, inviting family-feel. Staff and students alike begin to know everyone within the building. This brings a sense of comfort knowing our children are being well taken care of while growing in academics and in faith.
James & Tera Terwelp Family

Patience, grace & compassion

Mrs. Hull's teaching goes beyond academics as she weaves the Catholic faith naturally into daily lessons and experiences. She teaches the students about Jesus and points them to Him through her examples of patience, grace, and compassion within the classroom. By the end of the school year her students are not only academically ready to move on to first grade, but they have also grown in character, respect, and love for Jesus and others.
James & Tera Terwelp Family

Kindness and positivity

Mrs. Tuley truly loves and cares about her students. She creates a warm learning environment and brings such kindness and positivity to the classroom. She makes learning exciting and fun and helps the students grow in their Catholic faith.
John & Lindsey Kelly Family

Goes above and beyond

Mrs. Collins is special to St. Francis School because she is dedicated, kind and a genuinely good person. She goes above and beyond to make each student feel supported and valued creating a positive and welcoming environment for all of the families of St. Francis.
Dr. Samuel & Danielle Healy Family

A shining light

The teachers of St. Francis are observing and always seeking ways to improve the abilities of our students. Our Literacy Intervention led by Mrs. Marshall has been a shining light for our school. She has poured her knowledge of literacy into our children, and we have seen a great improvement in their ability to read and comprehend.
Brad & Makenzie Holtmeyer Family

Blessing beyond measure

Teaching at St. Francis School is truly one of the greatest blessings in my life. Having the opportunity to teach all four of my boys while also working alongside my mom has made this journey even more meaningful. There is something so special about teaching in the very school where I once sat as a student myself.
Amy Wiewel

Love being a priest

I love being a priest! I pray for many to come from our parish!!
Fr. Steven Arisman

Loved and cared for.

We find comfort in the fact that our girls are loved and cared for from the moment the door opens and they are welcomed into school each morning until the staff wave goodbye at the end of the day. Everyone they encounter throughout the day at St. Francis is Jesus to them - just what a true Catholic school should be!
The Gengenbacher Family

Discover the difference.

At St. Francis Solanus School, every journey is unique and remarkable. Begin your story today.