Saint Francis Preparatory School

Opened in 1858, Saint Francis Preparatory School has a rich history. Originally named St. Francis Academy, it started as a small all-boys school in Brooklyn. The school was founded by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, who still reside on the top floor of the current building. Saint Francis Prep, as it’s often called, later evolved, adding a college section that eventually became St. Francis College. The preparatory school itself adopted its current name in 1935. Saint Francis Prep eventually outgrew its Brooklyn locations, first in the Baltic Street neighborhood then later in Williamsburg. The school finally settled in its current Fresh Meadows, Queens location in 1974. Interestingly, the move to Queens coincided with a significant change. Saint Francis Prep took over the former site of Bishop Reilly High School and became co-educational, welcoming female students for the first time. Today, Saint Francis Preparatory School is the largest non-diocesan Catholic high school in the United States. With over 2,400 students, the school continues its tradition of providing a college preparatory education. Recent additions to Saint Francis Prep include a state-of-the-art fitness center. The science labs are also undergoing renovations, and there are plans for a three-story addition to the building. Further enhancements to the art rooms are in the works, designed to enhance the students’ experience in studio art, digital art, and performing arts. The tuition for the 2023-2024 school year at Saint Francis Prep is $10,600. The school motto is “Deus Meus et Omnia,” meaning “My God and My All.” You can spot students sporting the school colors, red and blue, and hear them cheering on their Terriers. This school is more than just high school. For many, Saint Francis Prep is a lifelong connection, captured by the slogan, “High School is 4 years, St. Francis Prep is Forever.”