Hubbry Logo
St. Francis Preparatory SchoolSt. Francis Preparatory SchoolMain
Open search
St. Francis Preparatory School
Community hub
St. Francis Preparatory School
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
St. Francis Preparatory School
St. Francis Preparatory School
St. Francis Preparatory School
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Proper name Saint Francis Preparatory School, commonly referred to as St. Francis Preparatory School or St. Francis Prep., is a private, independent Catholic college preparatory school in Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York City, New York. It is the largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the United States.[6] St. Francis is run by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, who maintain a residence on the top floor of the school. As of the 2015–16 school year, enrollment at St. Francis was 2,489.[2]

Key Information

History

[edit]
The Queens building as Bishop Reilly High School in 1963

St. Francis Preparatory originated as St. Francis Academy, a small all-boys high school on 300 Baltic Street in Brooklyn, New York, founded by the Franciscans Brothers of Brooklyn (O.S.F.).[6] The college section became St. Francis College, a private predominantly undergraduate college in Brooklyn Heights. It took its current name in 1935, then moved to a larger facility in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 1952.[7] The school moved to its current location in Fresh Meadows, Queens in 1974 when it acquired the facility that formerly housed Bishop Reilly High School, a co-educational Catholic high school. The school began admitting female students that same year.[7] A fitness center was added recently and the science labs are being updated.[citation needed] There are currently plans to add a three-story addition to the rear of the existing building.[citation needed] The upgrades to the art rooms will support students in the studio, digital and the performing arts.[8]

Co-curricular activities and athletics

[edit]

St. Francis Prep has a rivalry with Holy Cross High School, fueled particularly by their football teams. Known as the "Battle of the Boulevard" due to the two schools being located only 2 miles apart on Francis Lewis Boulevard,[9] the rivalry between the Prep Terriers and the Holy Cross Knights has been called "arguably the greatest rivalry in New York City football."[10]

Notable alumni

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

St. Francis Preparatory School

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
St. Francis Preparatory School is a private, co-educational Catholic college-preparatory high school located in Fresh Meadows, Queens, New York, serving grades 9 through 12 with an enrollment of approximately 2,450 students. Founded in 1858 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn at the invitation of Bishop John Loughlin, it is the largest private Catholic secondary school in the United States and emphasizes Franciscan values of peace, love, and respect in its educational approach. The school's history traces its origins to St. Francis Academy in , where it began providing Catholic education rooted in the Franciscan tradition. It relocated to North Sixth Street in in 1952 before moving to its current campus at 6100 Boulevard in 1974, at which time it became co-educational. Today, St. Francis Prep maintains a selective admissions process based on entrance examinations like the TACHS and prior academic records, with tuition for the 2025–2026 school year set at $11,400, plus additional fees for registration, technology, and an assurance fund. Guided by its mission to foster students' spiritual, intellectual, creative, emotional, social, and physical development in a joyful environment of and , the school offers a rigorous including four years each of , English, and , alongside honors and courses in subjects like math, science, and foreign languages. Over 99% of graduates pursue higher education, with the Class of 2024 earning more than $170 million in scholarships and acceptances to over 350 colleges, while the institution supports extracurriculars in 26 sports, fine arts, and clubs to promote holistic growth.

History

Founding and early development

St. Francis Preparatory School traces its origins to 1858, when two Franciscan Brothers from , Brother John McMahon and Brother Vincent Hayes, arrived in at the invitation of Bishop John Loughlin, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, to establish a foundation for Catholic amid a growing immigrant population. The brothers founded St. Francis Academy as a boys-only institution in September 1859 at 300 Baltic Street in Cobble Hill, utilizing a three-story building previously occupied by a Protestant church and public school, which the bishop had acquired for their use. This marked the beginning of the Franciscan Brothers' educational mission in America, focused on providing accessible Catholic schooling in an era when public education often lacked religious instruction. The academy opened as a college-preparatory school emphasizing Catholic values, classical studies, and moral development in the Franciscan tradition of service and , serving primarily the sons of Irish immigrants and local Catholic families. Initial enrollment was modest, with about 30 students under the guidance of two brothers, but the institution quickly established itself as the first private Catholic high school in the Diocese of Brooklyn. The curriculum centered on rigorous academic preparation, incorporating religious instruction alongside core subjects to foster intellectual and spiritual growth. Early development faced challenges, including hardships during the Civil War years, but post-war recovery was swift under steady Franciscan leadership. Brother John McMahon, the first superior, played a pivotal role in the school's initial stability, supported by figures like Brother Matthew Flynn; by the late 1860s, the institution's incorporation as "The St. Francis Monastery of the City of Brooklyn" in 1868 secured its financial footing through property deeds and expanded operations. Enrollment rebounded, and the curriculum evolved to include advanced offerings in Latin, Greek, mathematics, sciences, and public speaking during the 1870s and 1880s, reflecting growing demand for comprehensive preparatory education. These milestones underscored the broader influence of the Franciscan Brothers in shaping U.S. Catholic schooling, as their model of integrated faith and learning spread to other institutions.

Relocations and co-educational transition

In 1935, the institution adopted its current name, St. Francis Preparatory School, to emphasize its focus on college preparatory for young men. This change marked a shift toward a more structured high school curriculum while maintaining its roots as a boys' academy in . By the early 1950s, surging enrollment driven by the post-World War II baby boom necessitated expansion beyond the original Baltic Street location. In 1952, the school relocated to a larger facility at 186 North Sixth Street in (near Greenpoint), allowing it to accommodate hundreds more students and support growing athletic and academic programs. The move reflected broader demographic pressures on urban Catholic schools during this era of population growth in . The school's most significant transformation occurred in 1974, when it relocated to its current approximately 35-acre at 6100 Boulevard in . This shift was prompted by the urban challenges of 1970s Brooklyn, including declining infrastructure and the need for modern facilities to serve an expanding student body. The relocation involved acquiring the recently closed Bishop Reilly High School building, a diocesan institution that had operated as a co-educational Catholic high school until 1973. Concurrent with the move, St. Francis Preparatory School transitioned to co-education for the first time, integrating female students and fostering a more inclusive environment while preserving core Franciscan values of service, community, and . campaigns by the Franciscan Brothers and supported the transition, enabling renovations and program adaptations to blend the traditions of both schools.

Modern era and expansions

Following the relocation to its current campus in , in 1974, St. Francis Preparatory School underwent substantial institutional growth, expanding its enrollment to become the largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the United States. By the early , student numbers had reached approximately 2,750, reflecting the school's increasing appeal as a co-educational institution offering a rigorous Catholic education. As of the 2024-2025 school year, enrollment stood at 2,400 students, underscoring its sustained prominence among private Catholic secondary schools. The school solidified its academic standing through key accreditations, including registration with the New York State Board of Regents and ongoing accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. In the 2024-2025 school year, St. Francis Prep marked the 50th anniversary of its Queens relocation with a series of events, including a gala celebration that honored the institution's Brooklyn roots and its evolution into a co-educational powerhouse. Institutional milestones in the modern era included the integration of advanced , such as the school-wide adoption of iPads for students and faculty in the mid-2010s to support and curriculum enhancement. During the , the school adapted by implementing a hybrid learning model in the 2020-2021 , balancing in-person and remote instruction amid challenges. Leadership played a pivotal role in these developments, particularly under Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F., who served as principal from 1983 to 2013—overseeing campus expansions and enrollment surges—and transitioned to president in 2013, a position he holds as of 2025. The institution remains under the administration of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, ensuring continuity in its mission of faith-based education.

Campus and facilities

Location and grounds

St. Francis Preparatory School is situated at 6100 Francis Lewis Boulevard in the Fresh Meadows neighborhood of , , a suburban enclave within the borough that offers a more spacious setting compared to the school's prior urban locations in . This location enables the institution to operate on a larger scale, accommodating its role as one of the largest Catholic high schools in the United States. The campus occupies a site originally developed for Bishop Reilly High School, which the Franciscan Brothers acquired from the Diocese of Brooklyn in 1974 following the former school's dissolution. This move to provided an expansive suburban environment, allowing for enhanced facilities and operations that supported the school's growth. The grounds encompass open green spaces integrated with recreational areas, including athletic fields, while bordering public parks like the Kissena Corridor Park, which fosters a balance between suburban tranquility and proximity to 's urban amenities. Accessibility is facilitated by New York City public transit, with the Q76 bus serving stops directly along Francis Lewis Boulevard, and the campus includes on-site parking to accommodate vehicular arrivals. A 1974 deed restriction ensures the property's perpetual use as an educational facility.

Academic and recreational buildings

The main academic building at St. Francis Preparatory School is a multi-story structure composed of four wings—North, South, East, and West—housing the majority of classrooms and administrative offices. This facility underwent significant renovations as part of a $30 million expansion project that broke ground in June 2010, aimed at modernizing and accommodating growing enrollment without increasing class sizes. Specialized academic facilities include a state-of-the-art Center, established through the 2010 expansion to replace outdated laboratories equipped for biology and chemistry instruction. The Art Education Center, added as a new structure on the top floor of the existing building during the same , provides dedicated studios for drawing, sculpture, and . The Music Arts Center, also part of the 2010 expansion, supports the school's music program, which became the first in the nation to receive the Middle States Association's Music Credential in 2011, recognizing excellence in ensemble performance and education. Recreational amenities feature a renovated Fitness Center and associated locker rooms, constructed in the 2010 project to supersede prior inadequate spaces and equipped with modern cardio and weight-training apparatus. The Our Lady of the Angels Chapel was refurbished through a dedicated project completed around 2021 that replaced bench-style pews with cushioned chairs, expanded seating capacity, and enhanced liturgical elements for daily masses and spiritual gatherings. Other key areas encompass a renovated serving as a central resource hub with computer labs for research and collaboration, alongside spaces for drama productions supported by the broader arts facilities upgraded in the initiative. The 50,000-square-foot, three-story steel-frame addition from this project, featuring brick, masonry, metal panels, and glass curtain walls, consolidated educational programs and improved student circulation across the campus in Fresh Meadows. Over the approximately 10–15 years leading up to 2024, the school invested around $40 million in additional facility improvements.

Academics

Curriculum and programs

St. Francis Preparatory School operates a comprehensive four-year college preparatory program for grades 9 through 12, requiring students to earn a minimum of 25 units for graduation. These units include four years each of , English, and ; three years each of and ; and two years of , along with requirements in Fine Arts, , Health, Physical Education, and electives. The curriculum emphasizes Franciscan values of , , and throughout all four years. The school offers over 200 courses in total, encompassing core subjects, honors tracks, and a wide array of electives to accommodate diverse academic interests. (AP) courses are available in over 20 subjects, including AB/BC, , , U.S. , and , allowing students to pursue college-level rigor. Honors options exist across departments such as English, , and , often requiring departmental approval for enrollment. Additionally, affiliations with local institutions like St. John's University, , and enable qualified juniors and seniors to earn college credits in subjects including , World Languages, and English. Specialized programs enhance the curriculum's depth, particularly in STEM and the arts. The Science Research Program, established in the late , provides a three-year sequence for sophomores through seniors, focusing on independent research projects, mentorship, and presentations at competitions like the . In the arts, students can select from a variety of courses in visual and , forming sequences that culminate in majors or advanced portfolios. The World Languages department offers sequences in Spanish, French, and Italian, with levels progressing from introductory to AP, emphasizing cultural immersion and conversational proficiency. Technology integration is a core component, with a mandatory iPad program providing school-owned devices to all students since at least to support and resource access. A required half-unit course introduces foundational skills, complemented by STEM electives in , coding (such as Programming), and . The academic program is supported by a faculty of 150 teachers, of whom 83% hold master's degrees and nine possess Ph.D.s. in a student body of approximately 2,400.

Performance metrics and college placement

St. Francis Preparatory School maintains a 100% graduation rate, with the Class of 2024 achieving a median weighted GPA of 91.8% on a scale where honors courses receive +4 quality points and (AP) courses receive +6 quality points. The school does not formally rank students to foster a collaborative environment rather than competition. In standardized testing, the Class of 2024 recorded average SAT scores of 577 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and 582 in Math, surpassing both New York state averages of 528 and 523, respectively, as well as national averages of 536 and 531. For AP exams, 445 students took 772 tests in 2024, earning recognition for 41 AP Scholars with Distinction, 19 with Honors, and 49 Scholars overall. Nearly all graduates pursue higher education, with 99% of the Class of 2024 college-bound, including 97% attending four-year institutions. Students received acceptances to over 350 colleges across 36 states, Washington, D.C., and three foreign countries, while 572 seniors secured more than $170 million in scholarships and financial aid. The school supports these outcomes with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. According to Niche's 2025 rankings, St. Francis Preparatory School earns an overall grade of A, placing #23 among the best Catholic high schools in New York and #12 for most diverse private high schools in the state.

Admissions and student body

Admissions process and selectivity

The admissions process at St. Francis Preparatory School begins with an online application submitted through the school's official website, sfponline.org, for prospective 9th grade students. All applicants are required to take the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS), administered annually in early —specifically on November 8, 2025, for the upcoming class. Registration for the TACHS occurs from late August to mid-October via tachsinfo.com. Following the exam, the school evaluates candidates based on their TACHS scores and academic records from 7th and 8th grades. For students from Catholic elementary schools, the TACHS system automatically forwards an applicant record form to their current 8th grade teacher for endorsement. Public and non-Catholic school applicants must submit report cards covering 6th through 8th grades by 10. Transfer applications for grades 10–12 are accepted online in November for mid-year entry or May for fall admission, requiring a minimum B+ (85%) average, strong conduct, and no final grades below 75%. The process emphasizes academic readiness, with no formal interviews mentioned in official guidelines. Admission is selective and competitive, drawing from a large pool of applicants across the area to maintain an enrollment of approximately 2,450 students in grades 9–12. While exact acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed, the school prioritizes candidates demonstrating strong performance on the entrance exam and in prior coursework, fostering a rigorous college-preparatory environment. As an independent Catholic institution, St. Francis Prep gives consideration to applicants from Catholic backgrounds but welcomes students of all faiths. Tuition for the 2025–2026 is set at $11,400, inclusive of core instructional costs but exclusive of additional fees such as a $350 registration fee, $275 fee, and $500 assurance fund. The school offers need-based financial assistance through payment plans and , alongside merit-based for top TACHS performers who designate St. Francis Prep as their first-choice school and hold a 90% or higher average without attendance or disciplinary issues. awards, which can be full or partial, are notified alongside acceptance letters in . The admissions timeline aligns with the TACHS schedule, with exam results typically available in , followed by application reviews and admission offers extended in . Accepted students participate in summer orientation programs to prepare for the transition to high school.

Enrollment demographics

St. Francis Preparatory School enrolls approximately 2,450 students in grades 9 through 12, making it one of the largest Catholic high s in the United States. Following its transition to co-education in 1974, the student body is evenly divided by gender, with roughly equal numbers of students. The freshman class typically comprises about 650 students, contributing to an overall high retention rate that sees nearly all enrollees progress through to graduation. The school's student population reflects significant ethnic and racial diversity, particularly given its location in Queens, New York. According to data as of 2023, the demographic composition is as follows:
Racial/Ethnic GroupPercentage
White39%
Hispanic27%
Black/African American16%
Asian American18%
Multiracial/Other0%
As a Catholic institution run by the Franciscan Brothers, the school welcomes students of all faiths, fostering an inclusive environment that aligns with the school's mission of spiritual and communal growth. This diversity has increased over time, with recent figures showing a shift toward greater representation from and Asian communities compared to earlier decades. Socioeconomically, St. Francis Prep serves a broad cross-section of families, with financial aid available to offset the annual tuition of $11,400 as of the 2025–2026 school year. As a commuter school without on-campus housing, it draws its student body from all five boroughs as well as nearby areas of , enabling access for urban and suburban families alike. The school maintains inclusive policies to support varied student needs, including a small cohort of international students from over 10 countries who integrate through dedicated transfer programs and visa assistance. Additionally, counseling services provide accommodations for students with learning differences, ensuring equitable access to the rigorous college-preparatory curriculum.

Student life

Extracurricular clubs and activities

St. Francis Preparatory School maintains over 40 extracurricular clubs and activities, fostering student engagement in diverse interests beyond academics and athletics. These organizations span academic, creative, service, and cultural categories, promoting leadership, collaboration, and personal growth within the school's Franciscan values. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the clubs draw participation from a broad cross-section of the student body, enhancing community spirit and cultural awareness. Among the offerings are 16 ethnic and cultural groups, including the Italian Club, Asian Club, African American Heritage Club, and Greek Club, which celebrate students' diverse backgrounds through heritage events and collaborative initiatives like the annual International Night. Academic clubs such as the Club, Debate Team, and provide opportunities for intellectual challenge and competition; for instance, the Club supports hands-on engineering projects, while Model UN hosts an annual student-led convention simulating global . Creative pursuits are supported by groups like the Alvernian Drama Society, which produces musicals such as and , the Poetry Club involved in the Poetry Out Loud Recitation Competition (with recent city and state finalists), and the Yearbook staff. Service-oriented clubs, including and the Environmental Club, focus on community impact; Key Club participates in district-wide service projects, while environmental efforts align with broader sustainability initiatives. Annual events like the Walk-a-Thon unite the school community, raising over $100,000 annually for charities and capital improvements—such as the 10th annual event that collected $264,365—alongside cultural festivals and guest speaker series that feature diverse voices on topics from global issues to arts. Student leadership is centralized through the Prep Council, the elected student government with positions like president, , and secretary, which organizes school-wide activities and represents student concerns. Clubs have garnered regional recognition, exemplified by the Debate Team's third-place finish in the 2018 Brooklyn Queens Catholic Forensic League Intermediate Public Forum competition and ongoing placements in events. Many groups occasionally integrate with campus ministry for service projects, amplifying their . High participation rates, with a significant majority of students involved, underscore the clubs' role in shaping school culture.

Spiritual and community service programs

St. Francis Preparatory School's Campus Ministry program, staffed by three lay ministers, a Franciscan Brother, and a full-time chaplain, fosters the spiritual development of its students through a range of faith-based initiatives rooted in Franciscan traditions. Daily Masses are held at 7:00 a.m. in the renovated Our Lady of the Angels Chapel, providing a consistent opportunity for communal worship, while school-wide Eucharistic liturgies mark significant events such as the Opening of School and the Feast of St. Francis. The program also includes reconciliation services, prayer services, and pastoral counseling to support students' spiritual growth. Retreats form a cornerstone of the spiritual formation, progressing from freshman orientation experiences to more immersive opportunities for upperclassmen. Sophomores participate in a mandatory one-day retreat at Camp Alvernia, while juniors and seniors have access to optional multi-day retreats, including the senior retreat designed to deepen personal faith and community bonds. Customized retreats are also offered for athletic teams and groups, emphasizing reflection and leadership in a Franciscan context. Peer ministry training enables students to serve as retreat leaders, team members, and facilitators in the Franciscan (FYM), promoting and inclusivity. Interfaith dialogues and collaborative service efforts, such as volunteering at the Interfaith Nutrition Network, encourage respect for diverse beliefs while upholding the school's Catholic identity. Community service is integrated into the curriculum and extracurricular life, reflecting St. Francis's values of peace, simplicity, and care for creation, often exceeding graduation requirements through initiatives like the Midnight Run for the homeless, volunteering at the Presentation Soup Kitchen, and builds. The school's partnership with St. Francis Secondary School in Lare, —its sister institution founded by the same Franciscan Brothers—includes , resource donations such as over $28,000 raised during 2024, and student exchanges to support and development in underserved communities. In April 2025, two Franciscan Brothers from the Kenyan school visited St. Francis Prep to accept donations and strengthen institutional ties. Franciscan Immersion Experiences, such as trips to Camden during , further embody the ethos of poverty and ecology by addressing urban needs and . These efforts, coordinated through Campus Ministry, cultivate a commitment to and global solidarity among students.

Athletics

Sports programs and teams

St. Francis Preparatory School fields 26 varsity teams across a wide range of sports as members of the (CHSAA). The school's mascot is the Terriers, reflecting its spirited athletic tradition. These programs emphasize holistic student growth, aligning with the Franciscan values of the institution by promoting discipline, teamwork, and character development alongside . Boys' varsity teams include football, , , wrestling, soccer, and , providing opportunities for competitive play in fall, winter, and spring seasons. Girls' teams feature , , , , and , fostering similar seasonal engagement and skill-building. Representative examples highlight the breadth of offerings, with additional sports such as cross country, , and available for both genders. Athletes utilize on-campus facilities including a gymnasium and the recently expanded Fitness Center for training and indoor activities. Outdoor practices and games often take place at nearby Cunningham Park, which has served as a key venue for over 50 years. The coaching staff, composed of dedicated educators many of whom are , supports these efforts by integrating lessons in and personal responsibility.

Championships and rivalries

St. Francis Preparatory School's athletic programs have amassed more than 190 CHSAA city championships across various sports. Since the 1970s, the school has demonstrated consistent excellence, particularly in team competitions under the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA). Recent highlights include the varsity cross country team's victory in the Brooklyn-Queens (BQ) Championship in 2024, alongside the junior varsity team's wins in both the BQ and city championships that year. Additionally, the varsity cheerleading squad captured the New York State (NYS) Championship in the 2023-2024 season, marking a historic milestone for the program, and the varsity boys' soccer team won the Tier 1 City Championship on November 5, 2025. In football, the Terriers have secured multiple CHSFL varsity league titles, including championships in 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989, and 1990. The program continued its success into the 2010s, with a notable appearance in the 2018 CHSAA state semifinal. The boys' team has also enjoyed significant achievements, winning over 20 diocesan and intersectional titles historically, with a recent triumph as the 2025 BQ Diocesan Champions. In girls' , the team advanced to the Tier 1 city championship final as finalists in 2025. The school's signature rivalry is the "Battle of the Boulevard" in football against Holy Cross High School, an annual matchup since the 1970s fueled by the teams' proximity along Francis Lewis Boulevard in . This contest is widely regarded as one of the most intense in high school sports. Other notable foes include Christ the King High School, particularly in and , adding to the competitive tradition within the CHSAA. St. Francis Prep maintains an Athletic Hall of Fame, inducting coaches, players, and contributors since the early to honor their impact on the programs. Notable inductees include figures like Joseph Pantaleo '03, recognized for athletic contributions, alongside coaches such as those from championship teams in the . The 2024-2025 winter season featured strong performances, with the boys' team claiming the BQ diocesan title and wrestling showing competitive depth in sectional meets.

Notable alumni

Sports figures

Joe Torre, class of 1958, is one of the most accomplished alumni in baseball history, having played 16 seasons in as a , , and for the , Cardinals, and , where he earned nine selections and the 1971 National League Award. Later transitioning to management, Torre led the New York Yankees to four championships between 1996 and 2000, compiling a .538 over 29 seasons and earning induction into the Hall of Fame in 2014. Vince Lombardi, who attended St. Francis Preparatory School starting in the fall of 1932, played football and served as a charter member of the Omega Gamma Delta fraternity during his time there, laying the foundation for his storied coaching career. Lombardi went on to become one of the NFL's most legendary coaches, guiding the Green Bay Packers to five championships in seven years, including the first two Super Bowls, and earning enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971; the NFL's Super Bowl trophy bears his name. In football, , class of 1991, excelled as a at , where he was named a consensus First-Team All-American in 1995, led the in receptions and receiving touchdowns, and was honored as the conference's Offensive Player of the Year before being selected in the second round of the by the . Battaglia played eight seasons in the across four teams, appearing in with the and retiring after the 2003 season with 71 receptions for 660 yards and two touchdowns. Tom Stith, class of 1957, stands out in basketball as a two-time All-American at , where he set the school's single-season scoring record with a 31.5 points-per-game average in 1959-60 and became the Bonnies' all-time leading scorer with 2,052 points before being drafted third overall by the in 1961. Stith played three NBA seasons with the Knicks and Bullets, averaging 13.6 , and was later inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame. St. Francis Preparatory School's athletic programs have served as a launchpad for achieving prominence at the collegiate and levels across multiple . Among the school's athletes who transitioned to , several became and perished in the , 2001, attacks while serving with the FDNY. Timothy M. Stackpole, class of 1977, and Michael E. Brennan, class of 1991, both former standout football players whose jerseys (numbers 35 and 19, respectively) were retired by the school in their honor, were among the 12 Prep firefighters killed that day. Stackpole, who led Engine Company 22, and Brennan, assigned to Engine Company 54/Ladder Company 4, exemplified the courage of Prep's athletic community in their heroic response to the World Trade Center attacks.

Entertainment and public figures

St. Francis Preparatory School has produced several alumni who have achieved prominence in media and entertainment. , a member of the Class of 1987, is a well-known television host and producer, best recognized for anchoring The Talk on and hosting Big Brother since 2000. Her career also includes roles at local New York stations before transitioning to national broadcasting. In radio and music media, , born Raul Manuel III (Class of 1992), has become a prominent figure as a hip-hop DJ and co-host of on Power 105.1, reaching millions of listeners weekly. His work extends to podcasting and authorship, influencing urban music culture. The entertainment industry features alumni like actor Peter Facinelli (Class of 1991), who gained widespread recognition for portraying Carlisle Cullen in the Twilight film series from 2008 to 2012, alongside roles in television series such as Nurse Jackie. Comedian Ted Alexandro (Class of 1987) has built a career in stand-up, appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman and contributing to comedy specials on platforms like Netflix. Additionally, rapper Bas (born Abbasi, Class of 2005), signed to J. Cole's Dreamville Records, has released acclaimed albums like Milky Way (2022), blending introspective lyrics with production influences from his New York roots. In public service and law, alumni have made significant contributions. Frank J. Aquila (Class of 1975), a leading corporate lawyer and partner at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, has advised on major mergers and acquisitions, including deals valued in the billions. Vincent DePaul Breen (Class of 1952) served as a New York State Supreme Court justice, handling notable cases in civil and criminal law during his tenure. The school's alumni also include heroes of public safety, such as Detective Kevin Hawkins (Class of 1983), an NYPD officer who died in 2007 from a 9/11-related illness after aiding in the World Trade Center recovery efforts. Other fields highlight creative and professional achievements, including playwright William Alfred (Class of 1940), whose work Hogan's Goat (1965) earned critical acclaim and was adapted into a , influencing American theater. More recent graduates from post-2000 classes have entered tech and business leadership, with alumni serving as executives at firms like and , leveraging the school's emphasis on rigorous academics for high-impact careers.

References

  1. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/SFP_FactSheet.pdf
  2. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/page/History
  3. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/AdmissionsProfile.pdf
  4. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/page/OurMission
  5. https://nyirishhistory.us/wp-content/uploads/NYIHR_V14_02-The-Work-of-Education-The-Franciscan-Brothers-in-Ireland-and-Brooklyn.pdf
  6. https://www.sfc.edu/why-sfc/history-and-mission
  7. https://www.franciscanbrothersosf.org/news-and-resources/138-st-francis-college-officially-moves
  8. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/about/cpc/130170.pdf
  9. https://issuu.com/st.francisprepalumni/docs/sfp_grad_news_2024
  10. https://www.qchron.com/news/north/st-francis-prep-readies-building-expansion-plan/article_d6578acd-7f78-5bbe-b002-7c03a59b04e5.html
  11. https://www.findingschool.com/st-francis-preparatory-school
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/1972/12/20/archives/brooklyn-diocese-high-school-to-close-2d-to-be-phased-out-brooklyn.html
  13. https://queensmodern.com/diocese-of-brooklyn-campaign/
  14. https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/how-the-largest-catholic-hs-in-the-u-s-stays-open/article_170b7e8c-5836-5854-987f-e2c19fe2ab03.html
  15. https://issuu.com/st.francisprepalumni/docs/50th_anniversary_gala_journal_2025
  16. https://www.qgazette.com/articles/st-francis-prep-gives-ipads-to-incoming-freshman-class/
  17. https://www.qgazette.com/articles/back-to-school-during-a-pandemic/
  18. https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/471847/brother-leonard-conway-presented-with-the-albert-nelson-marquis-lifetime-achievement-award-by-marquis-whos-who
  19. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/news/102680/Brother-Leonard-Conway-begins-his-30th-Year-as-Principal-during-transition-to-new-role-as-President.htm
  20. https://www.sfponline.org/
  21. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/applicants/env-review/eas/13dcp081q_eas.pdf
  22. https://www.qchron.com/news/north/st-francis-prep-breaks-ground-on-expansion/article_ae6ae601-9b3f-5374-ae93-6c5350ec8dd2.html
  23. https://tritecre.com/project/saint-francis-preparatory-school/
  24. https://sfponline.org/docs/MusicPamphlet.pdf
  25. https://issuu.com/st.francisprepalumni/docs/_st_francis_prep_2020-21_annualreport
  26. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/SFP_CourseOfferings.pdf
  27. https://sfponline.org/docs/CourseBook2022-2023.pdf
  28. https://cdn.ymaws.com/sfponline.site-ym.com/photos/images/2056/winter_04.pdf
  29. https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/new-york/st-francis-preparatory-school-309892
  30. https://www.niche.com/k12/st-francis-preparatory-school-fresh-meadows-ny/
  31. https://www.niche.com/k12/st-francis-preparatory-school-fresh-meadows-ny/rankings/
  32. https://www.nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&ID=00925106
  33. https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&ID=00925106
  34. https://thetablet.org/catholic-hs-shows-how-diversity-can-be-achieved/
  35. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/InternationalStudentApplication.pdf
  36. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/TopTenReasons.pdf
  37. https://catholicschoolsbq.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Brooklyn-and-Queens-Catholic-High-School-Guidebook-2024-2025.pdf
  38. https://www.facebook.com/St.FrancisPreparatory/posts/last-month-our-students-hosted-our-annual-model-un-convention-students-from-sfp-/1168225321979273/
  39. https://www.facebook.com/sfpalumni/posts/footloose-the-musical-alvernian-drama-society-and-the-sfp-art-department-product/122219515892217453/
  40. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/SFP_OpenHouseBooklet-3.pdf
  41. http://nydkcdiv8.weebly.com/division-key-club.html
  42. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/news/567482/10th-Annual-Walk-a-thon-Raised-264365-Video--Photos.htm
  43. https://www.facebook.com/St.FrancisPreparatory/posts/congratulations-to-our-24-25-student-councilstudent-bodypresident-charlie-vallon/978236997644774/
  44. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/news/385397/SFP-Excels-in-Brooklyn-Queens-Catholic-Forensic-League-Speech-and-Debate-Competition.htm
  45. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/CourseBook2022-2023.pdf
  46. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/page/ChapelProject
  47. https://catholicschoolsbq.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Choosing-a-Catholic-High-School-in-Brooklyn-and-Queens-2023.2024.pdf
  48. https://www.instagram.com/p/CuXln0BOSsg/
  49. https://www.sfponline.org/docs/PrincipalsNewsletter2292016.pdf
  50. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8usInIO_mC/
  51. https://thetablet.org/kenyans-visit-queens-st-francis-school/
  52. https://www.greatschools.org/new-york/queens/4585-St-Francis-Preparatory-School/
  53. https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/fresh-meadows/st-francis-prep-terriers/
  54. https://www.facebook.com/St.FrancisPreparatory/posts/st-francis-prep-terriers-have-used-cunningham-park-for-games-and-practices-throu/1153400976795041/
  55. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/page/AlumniNotable
  56. https://www.stfrancisprep.org/docs/SFP_OpenHouseBooklet-3.pdf
  57. https://www.instagram.com/stfrancisprepathletics/?hl=en
  58. https://www.instagram.com/p/C3OvO9QuJHH/
  59. https://www.facebook.com/CHSAASPORTS/posts/congratulations-to-st-francis-prep-the-varsity-tier-1-soccer-champions-and-xaver/818129980816865/
  60. https://nychsfl.org/about/chsfl-varsity-league-champions/
  61. https://www.lohud.com/story/sports/high-school/lohud-varsity-insider/2018/11/24/football-stepinac-repeats-catholic-state-champs-49-7-win/2102582002/
  62. https://x.com/CHSAA_NYC/status/1893292570064597482
  63. https://www.chsaany.org/page/show/8043849-volleyball-volleyball-2023-fall-?subseason=914030
  64. https://thetablet.org/battle-of-the-boulevard-goes-to-holy-cross-with-video/
  65. https://nypost.com/2009/09/09/the-butler-did-it/
  66. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/page/halloffame
  67. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/page/TorreJoe
  68. https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/torre-joe
  69. https://thetablet.org/st-francis-prep-grad-joe-torre-elected-to-baseball-hall-of-fame/
  70. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/joe-torre/
  71. https://qns.com/2013/10/football-legend-vince-lombardi-honored-at-alma-mater-st-francis-prep/
  72. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2013/10/news-hometown-hall-of-famers-program-honors-vince-lombardi/
  73. https://nypost.com/2013/10/02/vince-lombardi-honored-by-high-school-alma-mater/
  74. https://scarletknights.com/honors/rutgers-athletics-hall-of-fame/marco-battaglia/25
  75. https://qns.com/2018/01/battaglia-rose-from-howard-beach-to-football-stardom/
  76. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BattMa00.htm
  77. https://www.nydailynews.com/1996/02/26/marco-battling-combine-blues/
  78. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/news/43810/UPDATED-Passing-of-Tom-Stith-57.htm
  79. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/news/story/_/id/5288434
  80. https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/tom-stith/
  81. https://hoopshallny.org/inductee/tom-stith/
  82. https://www.qchron.com/news/north/st-francis-prep-honors-alumni-by-retiring-their-football-jerseys/article_f47f8487-df5e-500f-b1bd-48994d9cf9ac.html
  83. https://qns.com/2002/01/saint-francis-prep-retires-jerseys-of-fallen-firefighters/
  84. https://www.qchron.com/editions/north/st-francis-prep-to-retire-football-jerseys-of-two-alumni/article_2618fcc6-8a4b-5c32-9d73-35f2dfceaaf9.html
  85. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/page/911
  86. https://sfponline.site-ym.com/news/34141/Peter-Facinelli-91-star-of-The-Twilight-Series-visits-St.-Francis-Prep.htm
  87. https://www.odmp.org/officer/19117-detective-kevin-george-hawkins
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.