Saint Francis High School Admissions Strategy & Application Consulting
Guidance for Families Applying to This Mountain View Catholic College-Preparatory School
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including Saint Francis High School.
As Seen On
About the School
An Overview of Saint Francis High School
Founded in 1955 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, Saint Francis High School (SFHS) is a coeducational, Catholic, college-preparatory school on a 25-acre campus in Mountain View, California. Rooted in the Holy Cross tradition of educating hearts and minds, Saint Francis enrolls approximately 1,760 students in Grades 9–12. The school offers more than 70 athletic teams, award-winning arts programs, and more than 100 clubs and student-led activities, alongside a nationally recognized sustainability program that has cut campus energy use by more than 11% over the past decade.
Fast Facts
Location
1885 Miramonte Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040
Type
Private, Co-Ed, Day School, Catholic (Holy Cross Tradition), College Preparatory, Grades 9–12
Enrollment
1,760 students
Faculty
100+
Testing Required
HSPT (High School Placement Test), built into the online application
Academic & Admissions Snapshot
Athletics
70+ teams, CIF Central Coast Section (West Catholic Athletic League)
Clubs & Activities
100+ clubs, affinity groups, and student-led activities
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Interview
Casual, 10 minutes, on campus or via Zoom
Honors Placement
Tied in part to HSPT subject scores (e.g., English 1 Honors requires a National Reading Score of 85+)
Want a Full Picture?
For a deeper look at Saint Francis’s admissions process and student life, read our How to Get Into Saint Francis High School: Navigating Admissions.
What Distinguishes the Saint Francis High School Admissions Process?
Saint Francis builds HSPT registration directly into the online application, so families don’t need a separate sign-up step. If your child is applying to more than one Catholic high school within the San Jose, Oakland, or San Francisco Dioceses, they only need to take the HSPT once. The admissions interview itself is intentionally low-key, a casual 10-minute conversation with a Saint Francis teacher or administrator about the student’s interests and goals, rather than a formal evaluation.
Key Admissions Dates & Events
Application Windows Open
Sept 2, 2026 (2:00 pm)
Open House
October 18, 2026 (9:00 am–12:00 pm)
Virtual Academic Night
October 21, 2026 (7:00–8:00 pm)
Lancers After the Bell
November 18, 2026 (3:30–8:00 pm)
Application Support Night
November 18, 2026 (5:00–7:00 pm)
Application Deadline
December 11, 2026 (11:59 pm)
High School Placement Test
January 9 & 23, 2027 (9:00 am–12:00 pm)
Interview Nights
January 14, 21, 26, and 28, 2027 (Zoom)
Transcripts & Recommendations Due
February 1, 2027
Admissions Decision Release
March 12, 2027 (5:00 pm)
Admitted Students Welcome Night
March 16, 2027 (6:30–8:00 pm)
Admitted Students Drop-in Hours
March 22, 2027 (3:30–7:30 pm)
Registration Deadline
March 23, 2027 (4:00 pm)
Qualifying Placement Exam
April 10, 2027 (8:00 am–2:00 pm)
What the Saint Francis Application Requires
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01Student Essay
The online application submitted through Ravenna Hub requires 8th-grade applicants to complete three student essays. These essays ask candidates to reflect on their co-curricular interests, personal background, and alignment with Saint Francis’s Holy Cross values.
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02HSPT
The High School Placement Test is required for all applicants and is registered for directly within the online application. HSPT subject scores can also determine eligibility for certain honors-level placements once enrolled.
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03Recommendations
Two academic letters of recommendation are required, completed by a principal, vice-principal, counselor, or a 7th or 8th grade core-subject teacher (English, math, or science).
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04Transcript
Applicants must submit official middle school academic records. Saint Francis requires complete grade reports from 7th grade (full year) and 8th grade (first semester/trimester). This academic record is evaluated to ensure candidates are prepared for Saint Francis’s rigorous college-preparatory curriculum.
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05Interview
As part of the 9th-grade evaluation process, applicants participate in a personal 10-minute interview. These casual, conversation-style interviews are conducted on campus or via Zoom in January by a member of the Saint Francis faculty or administration to discuss the student’s interests, goals, and fit for the school community.
Expert Admissions Strategy & Support for Saint Francis Applicants
Navigating the Saint Francis admissions process requires strategic preparation. Because HSPT performance influences both admission and initial course placement, Cardinal Education provides tailored test preparation, expert guidance on securing strong recommendation letters, and interview coaching to help students approach the process with confidence.
Families interested in specialized support for Asian American applicants can also explore Maximize Saint Francis Admissions Success: Expert Guidance for Asian American Families.
“Saint Francis gave our daughter a genuine sense of community and a rigorous academic foundation. Cardinal Education helped us prepare for the HSPT and the interview with real confidence.”— Parent of a 9th Grader
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saint Francis require the HSPT?
How many recommendation letters does Saint Francis require?
What is the admissions interview like?
Does Saint Francis require a specific religion to apply?
What do the student essays entail?
Considering Saint Francis High School?
Our consultants help families prepare for the HSPT, recommendations, and interview with clarity and confidence.