Testimonials

Testimonials

Hear from our community of parents, dedicated faculty, and inspired students about what makes St. Francis Xavier Catholic School a special place to learn, grow, and thrive.

Parents

We’ve been part of the St. Francis family since 2014 and it has been a wonderful experience for our daughters. The school has been a constant, safe, and supportive place where they’ve grown both academically and personally. The strong sense of community, the caring teachers and administrators, as well as the meaningful traditions, make St. Francis feel like home. It’s more than just a great school, it truly feels like we are a part of a family.
SFX PARENT
We love St. Francis Xavier Catholic School because it nurtures our children’s faith, character, and education in a caring, values-driven environment. The strong sense of community and the kindness of the people make it feel like an extended family where everyone supports one another. This school and community are such a blessing to our family!
SFX PARENT
The Zavada tradition continues for over 60 years. As the oldest of six, my education at St Francis was 1965-1973. There was no question when my wife Lora and I were choosing an education for our 5 children where they would attend, starting in 1988 through 2006 and now we have the first of our grandchildren that enrolled in 2024. St Francis, without a doubt, best prepares students for success after graduation both mind and soul.
SFX PARENT
Having our Ft. Myers grandchildren attend the same school our children attended validates our belief that St. Francis has always represented a strong faith-based educational foundation where students achieve great success. We love that our grandchildren are finding their own paths in school, but that they are proud to be part of the legacy of our family. We also love that four of Lynn’s former Bishop Verot students are now sharing their teaching gifts with the next generation. St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is truly a family where every child is challenged to be who they are and be that well.
SFX PARENT
The school and our church mean everything to us and both have really embraced our family with open arms. SFX just feels like family and the bigger it gets the smaller or closer it feels. We feel like we know almost every parent and teacher there and our kids do to. They make it easy to get involved through all the home and school events and sports regardless of athletic ability or interests they provide something for everyone.
SFX PARENT
St. Francis Xavier is one of the greatest gifts we have been able to give our children. We have watched both of our girls grow and thrive emotionally while being challenged academically. The dedication of the teachers and staff is what makes our school truly special. It is a safe, welcoming environment where our children can learn, grow, and enjoy a fun-loving community. We are proud to be a part of the St. Francis Xavier school family!
SFX PARENT
Faculty

Faculty

Working at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School has been such a blessing over the past nine years. What stands out most to me is the sense of community, you truly feel like part of a family here. The students are eager to learn, and the parents are deeply invested in their children’s growth. I love that faith is at the center of everything we do, and it creates an environment where students not only learn academics but also values that will guide them through life. It’s a joy to be part of a school where both hearts and minds are nurtured each day.
SFX FACULTY MEMBER
Working at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School has been an incredible blessing because it allows me to help students grow not only academically, but also in their faith. Every day, I get to witness the joy of children discovering new knowledge while also learning to live out the values of kindness, service, and love that are at the heart of our Catholic tradition. What I cherish most about being part of this community is the sense of family. The support from fellow teachers, administrators, parents, and parish members creates an environment where students can truly thrive. Teaching here has given me the opportunity to integrate faith into every subject, whether it’s celebrating Mass together, praying as a class, or connecting Gospel values to our daily learning. It is a gift to walk alongside my students during such formative years of their lives, and I am grateful every day to be part of a school that nurtures the whole child – mind, body, and spirit.
SFX FACULTY MEMBER
St. Francis is special because it fosters a warm, inclusive community where every student feels valued and supported. With dedicated teachers who inspire a love for learning and a wide range of extracurricular activities, students have opportunities to explore their passions and develop new skills. Additionally, the emphasis on character-building and being Christ-like, helps students grow into responsible and compassionate individuals. It is rewarding to see all of the students learn and grow and I love coming to work each day.
SFX FACULTY MEMBER
There are a multitude of reasons why St. Francis Xavier is special to me and to the generations that have attended this school. Before coming to SFX I was teaching in the public school system. While I valued my time there, I always felt that something was missing – the opportunity to share my faith and connect it to learning. At St. Francis, learning goes far beyond textbooks and tests. It’s about forming individuals who are grounded in faith, guided by strong values and prepared to make a positive impact on the world. Here, my faith and my passion for teaching come together in a way that is both meaningful and fulfilling. I’ll always be thankful that my path led me to St. Francis.
SFX FACULTY MEMBER
students in chapel

SFX Class of 2026

My favorite memory from school is when we took a class trip to Marine Lab and learned about marine biology. This school has inspired me a lot, especially our school motto, which is to Be Like Christ. Learning about our faith helped me realize that no matter where I go wrong, God will still love me.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2026
I’ve been going to St. Francis since Kindergarten. I’ve met many great teachers and kids. I have also made many memories. The best teacher I’ve ever had was probably Mrs. Novak. She’s kind, funny, and keeps a productive classroom environment. One of the best memories I’ve had was when I was in art class and we watched coverage of the new Pope being chosen.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2026
To start this off, one of my favorite things about being at St. Francis Xavier is the friends that I have acquired ever since I’ve been here. I am really happy with the teachers that I have and the community around me. One of my all time favorite times of the year is lacrosse season. My coach is great, my team is awesome, and it’s so fun being able to hang out with my friends after school. Ever since I started going to St. Francis, it has showed me how to be a better person and a better person with Christ.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2026
I have been at St. Francis since I was in sixth grade. Catholic school education has changed me for the better. Every day I excel in my academics and faith. One of my favorite memories is doing a weather news project in sixth grade with my friends. I also enjoy making new friends. Another thing that makes St. Francis special is that we get one-to-one help when we need it. St. Francis has helped me grow as an overall person.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2026
My favorite memory at St. Francis is going to Marine Lab in seventh grade. Also, a teacher taught me a lesson that being kind doesn’t always have to be actions. It can be words you say, things you do, or even what you do to help other people. Learning about my faith has helped me grow closer to God and helped me make new friends, be a better student, and be a better person in general.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2026

SFX Class of 2027

Being in a Catholic school has taught me many things, not just education wise. It has taught me to treat others with kindness, even when no one else is. There are many great people and students here. I don’t think one person has ever made me feel embarrassed or scared. The teachers here are amazing educators and friends. Every day I move on to another class, I know that I just learned something great. Being in a Catholic school has one huge factor – it is the fact that we can have religion classes. My religion teacher has taught me so much, and we have only been in school for four weeks. Overall, I think St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is amazing.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2027
One of my favorite memories from St. Francis Xavier was when the play was happening. The play was one of my favorite times, even though I wasn’t an actor or singer, I got to be stage crew. Although it was always chaos, we were kind of like a family. We always stuck together, there were almost no secrets among us, and we always had fun. Another memory of mine that I love was when I figured out that we were allowed to write books and such on our iPads, and most teachers didn’t care as long as we were working and doing our assignments. So that really helped me find out that I love writing and I let my creativity flow through my book.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2027
I like how we go to mass every week. It helps us all strengthen our faith and grow closer to God. In addition, the majority of the school goes and we all pray together as one. I love how we all come together to receive the Body of Christ and hear the readings from the Bible along with a great homily that gives us tips on how to be better people.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2027
At St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, we can learn and explore many things. Here, you aren’t just learning math and social studies, at this school we have sports, art, robotics, music, and other fun clubs. Since we are a Catholic School, we go to church every week. There we learn about our faith and God, as we do in religion class. St. Francis is a great school, and you can experience many different exciting things and make some new friends.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2027
Chapel student

SFX Class of 2028

My favorite memory is when we had Field Day. It is so fun and energetic, you have a lot of things to do and you would never get bored. Also, you get to enjoy new fun things. My favorite thing I love about St. Francis is that the teachers help you and lead you along the way. Everyone should also be like Christ in all that we think, do, and say – that is our role model. Also, we always help each other if someone is left out or sad. We are a whole big family.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2028
One of my favorite school memories probably would be in fifth grade when we would read novel studies and then watch the movie version. Mr. Marinelli is my favorite teacher because he is the soccer coach which inspires me to be better at math and to train for soccer. Ms. Amland is my Religion teacher, she knows about many things and has brought me closer to God. This school has helped me in more ways than I can explain, I love it here.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2028
St. Francis is a great school full of awesome memories. My favorite memory is the first time I went to mass. The first time I went to school mass I was amazed that everything is done by the students – choir, readings, and intentions, all done by kids my age.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2028
One of my favorite memories at this school is going on some really awesome field trips, the best one being Panther Posse in Fourth Grade. A teacher that inspired me is Ms. Nizza, she is one of the best teachers at St. Francis. Learning about my faith has helped me a lot through the years at St. Francis. Some ways that St. Francis has made me a better person is remembering our motto: Be Like Christ.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2028
Catholic education has made a difference in my life because being here has helped me become more helpful, understanding, and kind. A favorite memory of school is when my friends and I did karaoke during recess. Learning about my faith is something that’s helped me in my daily life because my religion teacher and priest teach us how to pray better and we learn about God, disciples, and Jesus.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2028

SFX Class of 2030

My favorite memory is that I made friends with others fast because everyone here is nice. Ms. Gerfin inspired me to like science because she is fun and she makes school fun.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2030
I like that there is technology class, recess, lunch, and P.E. Most importantly I like having fun with teachers and friends. I really like how safe it is with all the security we have. I have fun memories made here with friends and teachers.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2030
My favorite memory is having recess for one hour. When we were doing math the teacher was funny. My faith helps me because we go to church a lot. When I got here someone helped me.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2030
My favorite memory is meeting new friends and learning about God. We get to do plays at school, I did the Sound of Music. I love P.E., we get to play lots of games.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2030
I like this school because people are nice, it is really safe, and the Playground is big.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2030
I get to pray and learn about God and Jesus. I have the best principal in the world. The teachers here are really kind. I love the way the principal greets us in the morning. The teachers help us when we don’t know something.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2030
I love St. Francis because the field trips and Field Day are fun. The teachers and students are nice. We go to church and we pray at the beginning and end of the school day. I love St. Francis very much.
STUDENT, CLASS OF 2030

“Be Like Christ”

Producing Leaders with Compassion