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In 1922, a High School Department was formed to educate young sisters. Sisters who had not had an opportunity to acquire a high school education were happy to earn their diploma. This “high school” began in one room with a table, a few backless benches, a dictionary, a minimum of textbooks and a globe. Lessons were generally written on whatever scraps of paper could be salvaged. From this rudimentary school, great education was attained and the idea for a formal high school came to light. The sisters wanted to provide much needed Catholic high school education to the young women of rural medium-income families. Plans were in progress for the opening of a regularly established high school, not only for the sisters, but also for girls who wished to further their education. In September 1926, St. Francis High School was officially established as a girls’ high school, accommodating both boarders and day students. With a faculty of four, the school opened its doors to 16 students – 12 of whom were sisters. The teachers held very high standards and soon the school was accredited through the University of Minnesota. Each year brought more students. In 1931, a new St. Francis High School was built to accommodate 100 boarders. It was so successful, that within 10 years, it was obvious that expansion of the facilities was needed. More construction and remodeling developed room for 140 boarders and 350 students. Through the years, many changes took place, but excellence in education always remained the same. News of this wonderful educational opportunity traveled abroad. From 1960 through 1977, St. Francis High School attracted students from Latin America. They came from Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, San Salvador and Venezuela. A total of 61 Latin American students attended St. Francis High School. However successful, the time came when it was deemed advisable to discontinue the school and convert the facility to other purposes. In 1977, the last 19 graduates walked through its doors. Over 50 years, 2,358 young women graduated from St. Francis High School. Some went on to become Franciscan Sisters – all left with great values and exceptional education. |
“Your high school” as it continues to nurture lives in 2007 … The building itself is known as Saint Francis Center. The ground floor of the center houses Saint Francis Health and Recreation Center (www.stfrancisrec.org), sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters, and the Little Falls school district’s Continuing Education Center. On the first floor of the center is the Franciscan Life Center, the gym used by SF Health and Recreation Center, vocations office and development/communications offices. Welcoming more than 140 students each week, Saint Francis Music Center (www.sfmusiccenter.org), sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters, is located on the second floor, along with meeting rooms on the east side. On the north end of the third floor are bedrooms for guests and a lounge area. The remainder of the third floor is dedicated to Franciscan Leadership offices. |
Saint Francis High School in Little Falls, Minnesota, lives on in the memories and successful lives of the many women in the United States and abroad, who graduated from 1924 – 1977.  |
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Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota
116 8th Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345
(320)632-2981m info@fslf.org