Saint Francis Xavier School - Wilmette, IL

St. Francis Xavier is a vibrant Catholic school bolstered by a collaborative faculty, an engaged parent network, progressive leadership and motivated learners. St. Francis Xavier engenders curiosity through a framework of academic excellence, faith tradition, collaboration and innovation in which students are known and honored for their gifts in their many forms. SFX families form a tight-knit community that enriches the school through faith and service, regular and meaningful partnership with administration, and authentic support of faculty, programs and traditions. Faculty models personal responsibility and demands the same of its students.

The school's EPIC Initiative (Explore, Play, Invent, Create) fuels student curiosity and provides a strategic platform for St. Francis's technology initiative within the greater context of creative problem-solving. EPIC connects the dots between the importance of play and innovation and the need to ground the development of curious learners in values to nurture leaders with a conscience. An annual "Respect Each Difference" campaign leverages perspectives from speakers across the the world to open young minds and build bridges of understanding.

Innovation is a hallmark of SFX leadership and collaboration is a defining school characteristic. School culture is rooted in Catholic values in a community where administrators celebrate moments of joy and faculty practices gratitude. Teachers draw on multiple and diverse degrees to enhance learning and emotional buoyancy. Inspired by teachers who build confidence and competency, St. Francis Xavier graduates leave eager to engage the world and make their mark for the betterment of humankind.