The holidays are magical for many reasons. As a special season for reflecting on life’s many blessings, the students and staff of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School are committed to making a lasting impact in the Yorba Linda community.
“All are encouraged to model the school’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, through their servants’ hearts. We believe it is through gratitude for our blessings and a ‘calling’ to serve that we live out our purpose,” explains Allyson Grant, Ministry Chair.
For nearly 25 years, St. Francis of Assisi School has welcomed children of all faiths, from preschool to eighth grade. St. Francis is a tri-parish school, serving Santa Clara de Asis and St. Martin de Porres Catholic Churches in Yorba Linda, and San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills.
St. Francis prioritizes a “whole child” educational approach, in which a child’s spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth are all equally important in developing and inspiring students. Clergy are frequently present on campus, engaging with the students and adding to the inclusive atmosphere.
“Forming well-rounded students, excited to embrace each phase of learning, remain important priorities for St. Francis staff,” says Principal Jeannette Lambert. “We consider our parents as partners and pride ourselves on this partnership to ensure each student’s individual goals are met.”
Thanks to a diverse, challenging curriculum, eighth-grade students leave St. Francis School fully prepared to flourish in high school and beyond. The majority of St. Francis graduates matriculate into top-tier high schools and universities.
A strong, close-knit bond reverberates throughout the campus, ensuring that everyone feels confident they truly belong at St. Francis—and that sentiment is one student and staff work diligently to spread throughout the greater community.
The St. Francis family works with several local charitable organizations, including Grandma’s House of Hope, Project Linus, and Ronald McDonald House.
Students and their families host a Thanksgiving Food Drive, make cards with messages of hope and encouragement for locally incarcerated individuals, and are organizing a clothing drive for youths released from juvenile hall. On campus, the schoolwide “SFA Kindness Campaign” rewards students for acts of kindness and consideration, allowing them to recognize good deeds amongst their peers.
Whenever they embark upon a new philanthropic endeavor, St. Francis students do so with the selfless spirit of giving—something they consider a privilege to share with others.
“We consider it a responsibility and blessing to respond to those in need, and we lovingly embrace opportunities for stewardship,” adds Principal Lambert. “Guided by the spirit of
St. Francis, our students are inspired to use their God-given talents to make a meaningful difference in our world.”
To learn more about St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, visit sfayl.org.
