St. Francis De Sales High School in Columbus, Ohio

“The school offers an excellent college prep education, but goes the extra mile. When my daughter was struggling with illness, the chemistry teacher offered to come to our house to help her catch up. She is just one example of the compassionate teachers who go the extra mile to help each student succeed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I graduated from DeSales in 2006 and I constantly wish I was back in high school. I love everything about DeSales, from the athletics to the choir to the drama club. The faculty when I was there is amazing and the teachers made a huge impression on my life. The community is a very familial community with emphasis on equality and love. The campus ministry is a major influence on every aspect of the school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Athletics are a big deal at this school and the art department is awesome. Academic oppertunities are good and good grades are stressed and pushed. Teachers are extremely understanding and all the faculty are very involved and caring.”
This review was posted by a student.

“I am a senior at SFDHS (class 2010) and there is a lot that needs to be said for this school. though i have not been exposed to other high schools, i was however, public schooled up until my freshman year. the difference between public and private school for me has been one of complete improvement. I started freshman year looking for a good football team to be on. I found De Sales and was all for it. Sophomore year was the year that my interests changed from athletics to arts and music. I was elated to find so many opportunities. I joined the marching band, the jazz band, Drama, Horizon (Liturgical band). There is something for everyone at De Sales and we are encouraged to get involved. On the academics side, each and every teacher I have had has been totally effective. They have all gone out of their way to offer academic, moral and emotional support for me and other students as they need it. Many teachers are advisors to clubs or coaches or help run different organizations, which adds to their perspective and wealth of knowledge. AP and Honors classes are offered for many subjects, elective classes round us as scholars, and the grading scale is such that it gives us a leg up over other students when it comes time to apply to colleges. (We also have a 98% Graduation rate) Discipline is effective in dealing with each situation presented. They balance offense with penalty well and while no one person or administrative team can mature a student at will, and that person may not reform right away, they offer plenty of support to help them get there. The principal is personally invested in as many of us as he can. I.E. when I hit honor roll this year he personally called me to his office to congratulate me. His associate principals also get incredibly involved in our academic and personal well being, which can generally be said of most if not all teachers at some time or another. the guidance department goes further for each of us across all grade levels than I could have ever anticipated seeing. I noticed a previous review talking about weed and sex and drugs and all of that. Things have definitely changed from then to now and that needed to be said. Never has there been an instance where I have smelled weed anywhere in the school--during or after hours. And being involved in so many things I rarely go home straight after school. The fact is that the people making those bad choices to do drugs or drink wash out in the first 2 years. It is not tolerated. Furthermore, it is the belief of the institution itself that before dismissal is used; every possible step is taken to help them stop the behavior. The Christian attitude is always applied here. Expulsion is not always the answer and when people make dumb mistakes, this school tries their best to deal with it from one case to the other because at Saint Francis De Sales High school, none of us are a number. Lastly, Faith and family is the focus of our school life. We start class with a prayer and by the senior year many of us feel connected to each other person. The family exists within the school and it has been a great support system for many. When it comes down to it, anyone reading this review should never base their opinion off of what you hear. Call the school. Ask questions, because the choice to attend any school is a personal choice and it has to be the right fit. But despite my longwinded speech that I do apologize for, what I am trying to say, in a nutshell: Saint Francis De Sales is a top notch school with 2 presidential blue ribbons and a wonderful faculty and administrative team. It has a positive attitude with something for everyone and it has taught me much more than things from a book. I am ready for college and I am ready to be a contributing part of this country.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Prior to the opportunity arising to send my son to DHS, he was enrolled to attend our local public school. Although my public school is excellent, it lacked the religious support that young people need to excel in a difficult world. This is the core strength at DHS - God! While our society demands excellent scholastic skills, too many schools seem to think that God has to be removed to achieve it. DHS proves that theory wrong everyday. All students, faculty and staff try to live up to the high standards of our Lord. Does everyone hit the mark everyday? No, but they certainly try and they help and forgive those that do not. The main improvement I would like to see at DHS is an increase in diversity amongst students and faculty. This would expose the entire DHS family to great gifts that God gave to all of his people.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I cannot express the excellence at this school. The teacher's are great and really care for there students. The education here is above excellent and the faculity is even better. They really care about the whole student not just 'passing them'. It is well worth the money and having just been through 4 years there I would highly advise any parent to send there child there. Mr. Garrick was a wonderful choice for leadership.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I can't say enough about the academics and the family environment that is provided at DeSales. My daughter's progress over the years has excelled because of the academics that are provided to her. As she exits her Senior year and begins her road for college, this education has allowed for her to be very competitive in applying for colleges and universities across the country. She recently entered into a scholastic competition which, depending on her performance of the interview and essay process, would make it possible for her to receive a full scholarship for four years. Out of the many students from other competitive schools around Ohio, she finished as the 2nd best; thus, allowing her to win a complete all expense paid scholarship for four years. This is the blessing and results of a great college prep high school. Thanks to all teachers and staff at St. Francis DeSales.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I was a student at DeSales last year and there were several instances that were not acceptable. First, the school has no drug or alcohol control whatsoever. Also, they are way too into sports. over 50% of my teachers last year were coaches. There is this faint smell of weed in th egirls bathroom, and I've seen kids hand out pill vials after school. There were two teachers that really helped, though, and that was Stephas and Scott, Theology and Science teachers. There is an unbelievable amout of teen sex going on, and the faculty are oblivious. I'm not trying to knock this school, you just need to hear this from someone who went there, and switched schools ASAP. If you don't have a jock or a cheerleader, you are a no-one. The profanity is crazy,people are always making out in the halls. You couldn't pay me to go there. Thanks.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“I know that DeSales is a committed school. Just take a walk in the halls before homeroom, see the teachers working with students.The science and math departments are well known for their developing the latest in courses that students can use at college. Just recently, teachers worked together after school hours to help students with understanding what they could expect on an ACT test. The sports program can boast of male and female coaches of the year in several of the sports. But it is the religion classes that go beyond the classroom to develope the student's sense of morality and making good judgement decisions. This school developes the whole of the student. I am pleased with my son's progress, and look forward to my daughter attending DeSales next year. Thank you, Mrs.J.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would like to say the school has provided opportunities for my son that he would not have found elsewhere.The teachers, the courses, the extra-activities after school, the encouraged parental involvement, the religion classes, all of it helped to develope my son into the man he is today. DeSales has a vision for the kind of student it wants to produce.Students are expected to graduate with study skills that will take them into college, and a sense of community that will encourage them to participate in their neighborhoods. There is strong leadership at DeSales on all levels of learning.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“DeSales has one of the best athletic programs in the state of Ohio,particularly, Football. Academically, the school has received awards of excellency and parent participation is phenomenal. I would recommend DeSales to anyone looking for one overall impressive high school at a reasonable tuition rate for a private school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers at this school are excellent. They did a great job with my ADHD child. Not just in their ability to teach him, but also in helping him feel valued and to belong. I say hats off to De Sales as a safe and excellent school.”
This review was posted by a parent.