Girls STEM School Sacramento: How St. Francis is Redefining What’s Possible

What does it look like when young women are given every opportunity to lead in science, technology, engineering, and math? The girls at St. Francis can tell you, as they are launching experiments to space, competing on the world stage in robotics, and earning national recognition in computer science.

For families searching for an all-girls STEM school in Sacramento, St. Francis stands out, and it’s not just for what is taught, but for what young women achieve while there.

A STEM Program Built for Real-World Impact

STEM at St. Francis is not confined to textbooks or lectures. It is immersive and hands-on. The STEM Zone learning and discovery facility extends the experience beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to apply their skills through co-curricular, team-based programs.

Academic teams and programs allow them to go deeper, whether that means engineering underwater robotics systems, coding complex software, or conducting scientific research.

Competing on the World Stage: Robotics Excellence

One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is the all-girls robotics program.

As part of the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Robotics competition, St. Francis’ students design, build, and control remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that solve true engineering challenges. The students gain experience in computer vision, controls, power, mechanical design, leadership and project management while working collaboratively as a team in dedicated robotics labs in the STEM Zone.

And they don’t just participate, they excel. The St. Francis robotics team is the only team to finish in the top five at the World Championship competition for the past five consecutive years, winning the title in 2023. The team is widely respected and even a bit intimidating. When they walk into the room, other teams take notice.

In a field where female representation remains low, an all-girls robotics team competing and winning on the global stage is a powerful differentiator.

Launching Science Into Space: The International Space Station Program

At St. Francis, students design experiments that are launched to the International Space Station. The school is one of only a dozen high schools nationwide selected for the International Space Station Program (ISSP).

Students design, test, and launch original experiments to the International Space Station each year. Participants follow NASA specifications, collaborate with mentors, and ultimately receive real data from astronauts conducting their experiment. The 2026 ISSP team’s experiment is answering questions about yeast growth in microgravity, t in collaboration with our commercial biotechnology partner.

For students interested in aerospace, engineering, or scientific research, this is an opportunity unmatched in our region.

National Recognition: AP Computer Science Diversity Award

St. Francis is also gaining national attention for our success in computer science education.

The school has earned the College Board AP^® Computer Science Female Diversity Award, recognizing its commitment to expanding access and participation for young women in both AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles.

This distinction is not easily earned. Out of thousands of schools nationwide, only a select group achieves the level of female representation required for recognition.

At a time when women make up a small percentage of the computing workforce, programs like these are critical. By creating an environment where girls are encouraged to explore computer science early and succeed in it, St. Francis is helping shape the next generation of innovators, engineers, and tech leaders.

Why an All-Girls STEM Environment Matters

Research consistently shows that girls thrive in environments where they are encouraged to take risks, lead, and explore without limitations.

This creates a culture where:

• Girls are more likely to enroll in advanced STEM courses
• Girls feel confident pursuing leadership roles
• Collaboration replaces competition
• Curiosity is encouraged and celebrated

This environment is reinforced by the STEM Zone, where students extend their learning through hands-on, co-curricular STEM experiences.

The results speak for themselves: higher participation in STEM courses, national recognition, and graduates who are well-prepared for college and beyond.

Preparing Students for the Future of STEM

The future of STEM is collaborative, interdisciplinary, and constantly evolving. At St. Francis, students are leading the charge.

Whether they are coding, engineering, researching, or competing, students graduate with:

• Hands-on experience in real-world STEM applications
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Confidence to pursue STEM majors and careers
• A proven track record of achievement

For families seeking an all-girls STEM school in Sacramento, these outcomes matter. Because it’s not just about learning STEM, it’s about becoming a leader in it.

Discover What’s Possible

At St. Francis Catholic High School, STEM is more than a curriculum, it’s a pathway to discovery, innovation, and leadership.

From robotics world championships to experiments in space, students are redefining what young women can achieve.

Learn more about STEM opportunities at St. Francis Catholic High School and see how your daughter can thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes St. Francis a top girls STEM school in Sacramento?

St. Francis offers a unique combination of advanced coursework and hands-on programs, while also receiving national recognition. Highlights include a world-level robotics team, the International Space Station Program, and the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award.

Do students need prior experience to join STEM programs?

No. Many programs welcome beginners and provide training and mentorship. Students can explore new interests and build skills over time.

How competitive is the International Space Station Program?

The ISSP program is highly selective, with only a small number of students chosen each year. Participants must demonstrate strong interest, commitment, and academic readiness.

What opportunities are available in computer science?

Students can take AP Computer Science courses and participate in programs designed to increase female representation in tech, supported by award-winning instruction and curriculum.

How does robotics benefit students beyond engineering?

Robotics teaches teamwork, leadership, time management, and communication, skills that are valuable in any career path.

Are STEM opportunities only for upperclassmen?

No. Students can begin exploring STEM as freshmen and continue building their skills throughout all four years. Even prior to attending St. Francis, middle school students can join our Jr. Robotics team or take our Girls Who Design summer class!

How does St. Francis support girls in male-dominated fields?

By providing an all-girls environment, mentorship, and access to advanced opportunities, St. Francis helps students build confidence and succeed in fields where women are traditionally underrepresented

What the Research Says: All-Girls STEM Programs Work

A landmark study published in Science Education (Chen et al., 2026) analyzed data from nearly 15,000 U.S. undergraduates and found that all-girls STEM programs produce measurable, lasting benefits — with effects that grew stronger, not weaker, after controlling for prior interest and self-selection. Key findings include:

• Girls who attended single-sex STEM programs in high school were nearly six times more likely to intend a STEM career than girls who attended no programs — one of the largest effects ever documented in STEM intervention research.
• Single-sex STEM programs closed — and in some cases reversed — the gender gap in STEM identity, with girls in all-girls programs outscoring boys across all program types.
• These benefits held up even after rigorous statistical controls for prior interest, family background, and self-selection, strengthening the case that the programs themselves are driving the gains.
• Coeducational STEM programs boosted girls' interest and identity but did not increase their STEM career intentions — suggesting that single-sex programs within coed schools fall short of what an all-girls environment can provide.

This research affirms what we see every day at St. Francis: when girls learn and explore STEM in an environment designed for them, they develop a stronger sense of identity and a clearer vision of their future in STEM.