Catholic High School in Sacramento: A Faith-Filled Education That Prepares Young Women for Life

The right environment can shape a young woman's future as much as the education she receives. At St. Francis Catholic High School, academic excellence is paired with faith formation, leadership opportunities and a commitment to serving others.
 
As Sacramento's only Catholic all-girls high school and the region's highest-ranked Catholic high school by Niche, St. Francis offers an education where faith, education and service are woven into every aspect of campus life. 

A Catholic High School Rooted in Faith

Faith provides the foundation for everything we do at St. Francis. As part of the Diocese of Sacramento, our mission is guided by four enduring pillars: Faith, Excellence, Leadership, and Service.

Students encounter these values throughout everyday campus life. Whether gathering for school Mass, participating in prayer services, celebrating the liturgical seasons, or serving alongside classmates, they discover that faith is something to be lived.

Faith Beyond the Classroom

Campus Ministry helps students deepen their faith through experiences that encourage reflection and prayer.

Throughout the year, students participate in school Masses, liturgies, retreats, reconciliation services, and prayer opportunities that invite them to pause, reflect, and strengthen their relationship with God. These shared experiences create meaningful friendships while helping students recognize God's presence in both joyful moments and life's challenges.

Students who wish to take an even more active role in Campus Ministry can serve as retreat leaders, help plan liturgies, lead in prayer services, and accompany younger students on their own faith journeys.

Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

One special celebration that brings the school community together is the annual Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, held in October. On this day, the school community honors our patron saint whose example calls us to live with joy, simplicity, and service. 

Retreats That Transform

Every Troubie has the opportunity throughout high school to step away from the demands of daily life and focus on what matters most.

Class retreats encourage students to reflect on their relationships with God, their classmates, their families and themselves. For seniors, the Kairos retreat offers a powerful opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection, which many graduates describe as one of the most meaningful experiences of their time at St. Francis.

Faith in Action Through Service

As they focus on serving others, our students partner with organizations throughout the Sacramento region to help children, families, older adults, and individuals experiencing hardship. Each semester our students work with local food banks, women’s shelters, churches, and organizations that support those living with special needs, the elderly and more. Through these experiences, students understand Catholic social teaching as a call to love and serve others with compassion and humility.

A long-time tradition includes volunteering as a counselor at Camp ReCreation, where our young women create a welcoming and inclusive experience for campers with developmental disabilities. Counselors are paired one-on-one with a camper and spend the week assisting with daily activities, games, crafts, swimming, outdoor recreation and other camp programs, while also providing encouragement, companionship and hands-on support to campers. Many counselors leave camp feeling inspired and fulfilled, and return year-after-year to continue providing support.

Troubies volunteer at local food banks, sorting donations, packaging food and preparing supplies for distribution to local families. Additionally, each year during Homecoming Week, the girls channel their competitive spirit into service through St. Francis’ long-running canned food drive. This high-stakes yet friendly competition ends with thousands of canned food collected to help neighbors in need.

For those looking to deepen their commitment, St. Francis offers immersive service experiences such as going on a 7-day trip to Vermont at the Mercy Ecospirituality Center. While there, students live in their community while caring for the 40-acre farm and conservation property to support the center's mission of environmental stewardship. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, they experience firsthand how prayer, work, and service can come together in everyday life.

Another way our Troubies make a difference is by getting involved in social justice. The Laudato Si Youth Advocacy Summit at the California State Capitol is a movement inspired by Pope Francis. Students’ involvement focuses on Catholic social teaching, environmental stewardship, advocacy and civic engagement. 

Academic Excellence Grounded in Faith

Faith and learning go hand in hand at St. Francis.

Students are challenged through a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Dedicated teachers, academic counselors, and college counselors help every student prepare for success after graduation.

Learn more about our college-preparatory curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, STEM opportunities, and college counseling on our Academics page.

A Welcoming Community

St. Francis welcomes students from all faith backgrounds.

While Catholic traditions shape campus life, every student is welcomed with respect and encouraged to explore her own spiritual journey. The result is a caring community where students support one another, celebrate one another's successes, and grow together in faith and friendship.

Experience the St. Francis Difference

The best way to understand life at St. Francis is to experience it for yourself.

Attend an admissions event, visit campus, or spend a day shadowing a current student. You'll discover a community where faith is lived each day through prayer, service, leadership, and meaningful relationships.

As the only all-girls Catholic high school in Sacramento, you'll find a welcoming community committed to helping young women grow in faith, serve with compassion, and prepare for lives of purpose.
 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

Do students have to be Catholic to attend St. Francis?

No. St. Francis welcomes students from all faith backgrounds. While Catholic traditions are central to the school's identity, students of every faith are respected and encouraged to participate fully in the life of the school.

What faith opportunities are available at St. Francis?

Students participate in school Masses, liturgies, retreats, Kairos, prayer services, reconciliation, Campus Ministry, and service experiences that help them deepen their faith throughout high school.

What is Kairos?

Kairos is a retreat experience for seniors that encourages students to reflect on their relationship with God, strengthen their friendships, and grow spiritually through prayer, conversation, and shared experiences.

How does St. Francis incorporate service into student life?

Service is integrated throughout the St. Francis experience. Students volunteer throughout the Sacramento community and have opportunities to participate in immersion experiences, including the Mercy Ecospirituality Center in Vermont, where they explore Catholic social teaching through stewardship of Creation and community living.

Is St. Francis academically challenging?

Yes. St. Francis offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with Honors, Advanced Placement, and AP Capstone courses, supported by dedicated academic and college counselors. Learn more on our Academics page.

Can prospective families visit campus?

Absolutely. Families are encouraged to attend admissions events, schedule a campus tour, or shadow a current student to experience the St. Francis community firsthand.