Leadership & Administration
Julie Radel
Principal 35 years in education · 9 years at St. FrancisMeet Mrs. Radel
Mrs. Julie Radel has devoted 35 years to Catholic education, serving at St. Francis Solanus School for the past nine. A believer in developing the whole child, mind, heart, and spirit, she has made it her mission to weave faith more visibly into every corner of school life, from the artwork on the walls to the prayers students know by heart.
Read her welcome letter →
Faith & school
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What she loves most about Catholic education
“Catholic schools get to develop a whole child, including spiritually.”
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What she hopes every student knows
“Jesus loves them. They are valued as a person.”
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How she brings faith into the life of the school
“In the years I have been Principal, I have worked with others to bring more of our Catholic faith into St. Francis Solanus School. The interior of the school has more visual reminders of our faith. We know more Catholic prayers and practices. We work on treating each other in a Christian manner.”
A little more about Mrs. Radel
- Favorite saintToo many to count
- Favorite part of the school dayGreeting students
- Something surprisingShe taught at-risk and special education preschool for 10 years
- Favorite Bible verse“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- Pilgrimage dreamThe Vatican
- Favorite Catholic traditionThe All Area Catholic Schools MassAt QND every September
- Favorite musicTen Thousand ReasonsAlong with Shepherd Me O God and Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
- Favorite movieThe Sound of Music
- Coffee or tea?Unsweet iced tea
- Unexpected hobbySewing
What our families say
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 FamilyKnown 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 FamilyTo 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 HolbrookAccountability 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 FamilyEnthusiasm 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 FamilyLessons 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 FamilyAcademic 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 FamilyInviting 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 FamilyLoved 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!