Saint Francis de Sales School is a Catholic elementary school located in the heart of West Philadelphia, delivering an exemplary education to students of all faiths and backgrounds. We believe that diversity is an expression of God's limitless creativity, and have an outstanding reputation for serving minority and immigrant communities for over 100 years. Today, our school proudly enrolls an incredibly diverse student body of 450 children from 46 countries and all over Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

We believe in welcoming families of all faiths and places of origin, and that every child is born in the image and likeness of God and should, therefore, be treated with human dignity and respect. We believe academic excellence can be achieved through encouragement, support, and nurturing students’ natural, God-given talents.

Our school community is grounded in a focus on the Catholic virtues of justice, fortitude, prudence, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility. While these values anchor our school's Catholic identity, they are crucial traits for all to develop and equip our students with the skills needed to grow into peacemakers and leaders in their communities. Students are encouraged to develop these traits throughout the year as we focus on a virtue each month, and through our service project program.

Saint Francis de Sales School has received the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's School of Distinguished Instruction award every year since its inception in 2020, and is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools through 2033.

In addition to our high-quality curriculum for core subjects and religion classes, we also offer STEM classes, art, performing arts and music education, sports programs, homework club, First in Math, a robust after-school music program through Play on, Philly, and many more programs to enrich the educational experience of our students. 

You can find out more about the programs we offer here: Academics