Francis HowellHigh School

The FHSD curriculum is intended to teach students many different subjects, and standardized testing is designed to quantify what students have learned. One of the most important lessons that students learn doesn’t have a score that will show up on any test – caring for others in the community.  Read more about FHSD Community Serivce

The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that it has been selected as one of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top Workplaces for the sixth consecutive year. FHSD ranked in the Top Workplace large business category, which is comprised of similarly-sized organizations and featured three other school districts.  Read more about FHSD Named a Top Workplace for Sixth Consecutive Year

The first comprehensive four-year Francis Howell High School was built on “Howell Prairie” and opened in 1915. In 1940, the U.S. Government seized 18,000 acres in southeastern St. Charles County (including the high school site) and forcibly relocated more than 500 residents. The United States War Department used the 30 square mile location to build the Atlas Powder Company, an ordnance works that would manufacture TNT for the war effort.  Read more about FHHS and the Weldon Spring Ordnance Works

Five high school seniors from the Francis Howell School District have been selected for recognition as part of the 2018 Missouri Scholars 100, a program that honors 100 of Missouri’s highest achieving students. Jennifer Ferry from Francis Howell Central, Claire Frank and Erin Zhang from Francis Howell High, and Noah Slaughter and Caitlind Walker from Francis Howell North were among the elite students selected this year. Zach Miller from Francis Howell Central is an honorable mention scholar.  Read more about Five FHSD Students Named Missouri Scholars 100

The Francis Howell School District has announced that Jessie Altman has been selected as a new assistant principal at Francis Howell High School, effective July 1, 2018. Altman is currently the Dean of Students at FHHS. She replaces Jessica DiPaolo, who has accepted a position in another school district.  Read more about Jessie Altman Announced as New FHHS Assistant Principal

Earlier this year, Francis Howell High School hosted the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) Summit, involving 30 students from Francis Howell, Francis Howell Central, and Francis Howell North High Schools. The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), an organization that leads similar activities throughout the St. Louis area, conducts the Anytown Youth Leadership Institute and facilitates the Gateway2Change cohort of several St. Louis areas high schools. FHHS took many lessons from the session, the most important of which is to take action.  Read more about A Great IDEA - FHHS Seeks More Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy

The 2018 U.S. News & World Report Best High School Rankings have been released, and all three traditional high schools in the Francis Howell School District were named to the prestigious list of the Best High Schools in Missouri. The rankings evaluate more than 500 public high schools in Missouri and more than 20,000 nationwide to identify schools that best serve all of their students – including historically underserved populations – and assess the degree to which students are prepared for college-level coursework.  Read more about FHSD High Schools Among the Best in Missouri

On Thursday, May 3, more than 80 high school students from all three FHSD high schools presented their Project Lead The Way (PLTW) capstone projects for review at Schneider Electric in O’Fallon, MO. PLTW provides a real-world, hands-on learning experience for elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states. The program empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. This year, Francis Howell High School, Francis Howell Central High School, and Francis Howell North High School were all named PLTW Distinguished Schools, only eight other high schools in Missouri received this distinction for 2017-18.   Read more about The First Annual FHSD PLTW Showcase

Because of our aging population, new technology, and advances in medical practices, health care occupations are in high demand … a demand that will continue to rise as people live longer and healthier lives. And like any service, those who need health care want the most skilled practitioner available. FHSD’s Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Sciences courses strive to develop those skills in future practitioners. As a way of recognizing the most dedicated health care students, the District recently held its second annual White Coat Ceremony.  Read more about A Healthier Future – FHSD Holds White Coat Ceremony for Biomedical Students

The FHSD Business Department is hosting the second annual Student Job Fair on May 3, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, at Francis Howell Central. Students from FHHS, FHC, FHN, and FHU are invited to attend.  Read more about FHSD to Host Second Annual Job Fair for Students

Students from Francis Howell School District joined a record 1,900 high school marketing students from across Missouri at the annual DECA State Career Development Conference in March. As a result of the students’ outstanding efforts, several took home top awards and FHSD high schools will have 28 representatives at the International DECA Career Development Conference in April.  Read more about Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs – 28 FHSD DECA Students Qualify for International Competition

On April 11, 2018, Francis Howell High School celebrated 45 student-athletes who will further their education and sport at the collegiate level. It’s a day to remember not only for the athletic and academic careers of these students, but also a day to remember how a school can rally together behind an ideal – of teamwork and sportsmanship.  Read more about Playing For an Ideal – 45 FHHS Student-Athletes Will Further Careers at Collegiate Level

The Francis Howell School District honored 255 graduating seniors from Francis Howell, Francis Howell Central, and Francis Howell North high schools at a special luncheon held in their honor at Old Hickory Golf Club on Friday, April 6, 2018. This group of FHSD seniors achieved a grade point average of 4.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.  Read more about FHSD Honors Seniors with a 4.0 and above Grade Point Average at Annual Luncheon

The Francis Howell School District is excited to announce the recipients of the 2018 Howell of Fame Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of volunteers and staff. This year’s 12 recipients will be honored at the annual Howell of Fame Awards ceremony on Monday, May 8, along with 2018 District Retirees, District Teacher of the Year, Teachers of the Year from each building, District Support Staff Employee of the Year, and Support Staff Employee of the Year from each building.  Read more about 2018 Howell of Fame Recipients Announced

The future of Francis Howell School District students depends on the quality of the education they receive, and paraprofessionals and interpreters are instrumental in helping to provide the best possible education for our students. On Monday, April 2, 2018, FHSD will celebrate Paraprofessional and Interpreter Appreciation Day to recognize their contributions to our students’ educational success.   Read more about FHSD Celebrates Paraprofessional and Interpreter Appreciation Day

After a comeback season, the FHHS Golden Girls were announced as the Overall Champions at the 2018 Missouri Dance Team Association State Competition. The team grew together to develop an outstanding work ethic to defend their title. While overcoming challenges early in the season, the team pulled together and came out on top, once again.  Read more about No Matter What – Golden Girls Win Back-to-Back State Titles

For most residents of the Francis Howell School District, there will only be three items on the April 3, 2018, ballot. Two are directly related to the District, Proposition Learn and the Board of Education election; the third will be for St. Charles Community College Trustees.  Read more about Proposition Learn Ballot Language

There are so many high achieving students in the Francis Howell School District that sometimes it’s a challenge for students to stand out. Then to stand out from the thousands of great students in the metropolitan area is an even more fantastic feat. Logan Goulet of Francis Howell High School has done just that with her selection as a KMOX/Southeast Missouri State University Student of Achievement, one of only 30 students across the area to achieve that distinction.  Read more about Goulet of FHHS Selected as KMOX/SMSU Student of Achievement

The Francis Howell School District has selected Dr. Nathan Hoven as the District’s new Chief Academic Officer, effective July 1, 2018. The Board of Education approved the selection at the March 15, 2018, Board meeting. Dr. Hoven will replace Nicole Whitesell, who has been hired as the Director of the St. Charles County Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program.  Read more about Dr. Nathan Hoven Selected as New Chief Academic Officer

The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that Francis Howell High School, Francis Howell Central High School, and Francis Howell North High School have all been named Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished Schools. The three FHSD high schools are among only ten high schools in Missouri to have received this Distinction for 2017-18.  Read more about FHSD High Schools Recognized as “PLTW Distinguished Schools” for 2017-18

Twenty-one Francis Howell School District students from the Lewis & Clark Career Center have earned the right to compete at the SkillsUSA Missouri State Leadership and Skills Conference. Competing recently at the District level, the students from FHHS, FHC, and FHN were challenged to a variety of technical, hands-on, written, and oral events. The competition showcases students’ technical and career-oriented education.   Read more about Francis Howell Students Compete in SkillsUSA District Competition

Students in the Francis Howell School District can now attain a “Seal of Biliteracy” that recognizes proficiency in two languages. The FHSD Board of Education has formally adopted the resolution that aligns with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) goal of preparing Missouri students for a lifetime of success.  Read more about FHSD Seal of Biliteracy

What a season it was for the Lady Viking swimmers from Francis Howell High School, a wave of success that peaked with a top four finish at the MSHSAA State Swim Meet. No FHHS team has ever made such a splash. However, their success in the pool pales in comparison to the success they have had in the classroom and the time given back to their community. These Lady Vikings are pulling together for the betterment of their school, community, and themselves.  Read more about Making Waves – FHHS Girls Swim Earns First Final Four Finish at State Meet

The Francis Howell High School wrestling program has continued its tradition of success this year, finishing eighth at the MSHSAA State Wrestling Meet in February, and medaling three wrestlers, including two state champions. Peter Enos and Jack Flynn became the 30th and 31st State Champions in the FHHS wrestling program’s storied history.  Read more about Two FHHS Wrestlers Win Individual State Championships

National Signing Day is one of the most exciting days in the lives of many student-athletes, when they commit to continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Not only does it validate all the hard work put in by students and their families, but it’s also a chance to continue to play a sport they love, and earn a degree.  Read more about National Signing Day in FHSD

Every Friday night at Francis Howell High School is a special one. The energetic and positive atmosphere at Viking games is no secret; everyone knows how much fun they can be. But not everyone knows how fulfilling these games can be. In January, FHHS hosted its first annual Swishes for Wishes Night to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and one special guest had his wish granted thanks to the charitable efforts of some local future leaders and the community who supports them.  Read more about FHHS Make-A-Wish Club Grants Child’s Wish

It happens all the time – kids are sitting around their living room playing video games, looking for ways to improve their score. Then they start one of the fastest growing startup tech companies in the world. OK, maybe that doesn’t happen all the time, but Nick Williamson did just that. The co-founder of Qadre, Williamson recently stopped by Francis Howell High School to inspire more than a hundred eager listeners that they can build the next great technology or tech company – if they play their cards right.   Read more about Playing Your Cards Right - Tech Company Qadre Founder Speaks to FHHS students

Sports doesn’t just give participants the chance to experience the thrill of victory. It also allows the community to come together to support each other – to be a part of something bigger and more important than just their personal needs. A perfect example is the annual Francis Howell Special Olympics (FHSO) Basketball Tournament in January. Athletes and volunteers from all over the District joined together to show that the true thrill is in knowing how much this community cares for each other.  Read more about Being a Part of Something Greater - FHSD Special Olympics Basketball Tournament

Win the game – that’s the goal of every team. For the students who participate in activities, clubs, and sports at Francis Howell High School, however, winning the game isn’t everything. Helping their community win is also their goal, a goal these students have truly scored.  Read more about Playing On for the Community – FHHS Students Make Community Service Priority

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has announced the Francis Howell School District as the best public school district in St. Charles County. Winners were selected by readers’ choice for the “Best of St. Charles County” publication.  Read more about Francis Howell School District Named Best in St. Charles County

It is in our nature to desire improvement in the way our government operates, no matter where we fall on the political spectrum. But some people actually do more than talk – they take action. The Francis Howell High School Youth and Government (also known as Youth in Government) group took their first step toward affecting positive change when they recently traveled to Jefferson City, Missouri, for the YAG annual state convention. If they are the future of government, then the future looks bright. Youth and Government (YAG) is a student-driven simulation of state government, which annually involves 1,000 Missouri students in Grades 8-12. Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register and prepare for the YAG State Convention.  Read more about FHHS Youth and Government Excels at Conference

Yearbooks are the chronicles of – for many of us – the most memorable years of our lives. It tells the story of us, our friends, and those friends who become family. The Francis Howell High School Publications staff creates and distributes what the school believes is one of the best in the country – one that merits Hall of Fame consideration. Apparently, they are not alone. Along with students taking home many other awards, the FHHS Yearbook was inducted into the National School Publications Association’s Hall of Fame.  Read more about FHHS NSPA Yearbook Hall of Fame

We all want our kids to be great students and athletes, and it is hard to be both. But there is a trait that connects the classroom and the field of play – leadership. At Francis Howell High School, the Viking Leadership Academy is what bridges that gap. VLA develops lifelong leadership skills in students to make the FHSD community an even better place for all. Most recently, VLA hosted the first of several guest speakers who will visit during 2017-18 school year, Dr. Brandon Orr, Director of the Positive Coaching and Sports Psychology at the University of Missouri.  Read more about Bridging the Gap – Viking Leadership Academy Hosts Dr. Brandon Orr

Every year, culinary teams from the FHSD high schools come together to compete in the annual Sodexo Culinary Celebrations Iron Chef Competition. Sodexo, the District’s food service provider, generously donates all of the food for the event. The only competition more fierce than the culinary throw down is the competition to see who gets to be one of the judges!  Read more about The 10th Annual Iron Chef Culinary Throw Down

The student population of FHSD continues to become more diverse, and the percentage of minority students in the District has doubled over the past decade to almost 20 percent. As the demographics of the student population continue to change, so does the professional learning for FHSD employees.  Read more about FHSD Seeks to Increase Equity and Cultural Proficiency

Wednesday, Nov. 1, was the start of the NCAA early signing period, the first day high school seniors are able to sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI). In FHSD, it is a day to honor student-athletes in many sports as they prepare for the next step in their academic and athletic careers. Signing an NLI is all about commitment – the future commitment to play a sport at the collegiate level, as well as the past commitment that has provided this opportunity for high school students.  Read more about FHSD Early Signing Day

The Missouri Music Educators Association wants us all to help trumpet the importance of music education in our schools. One of the ways it does so is by honoring the best musicians in each area of the state. Several FHSD students have earned coveted spots on the Metro 8 Honor Band and Metro 8 Honor Jazz Band, proving that FHSD bands are among the best in the state.  Read more about FHSD Band Students Selected for Metro 8 Honor Bands

Ganon Evans has one goal in life – to change the world for the better. We all have similar desires, but Evans doesn’t just speak of positive change, he makes it happen. An outstanding student in the classroom and senior class president, Evans impresses his teachers and administrators. However, it is the trust that other students have in him to speak for them that truly makes him a student worthy of our monthly Spotlight.  Read more about Student Spotlight – Ganon Evans Represents FHSD Students at October Board Meeting

Francis Howell School District teachers Gail Anderson and Karey Fitzpatrick join a select group of St. Louis area educators chosen to receive the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. This award recognizes teachers for their passion for teaching, their impact on student learning, and their knowledge and creativity in the classroom. The recipients are chosen for their outstanding contributions to the teaching profession and to the students they teach.   Read more about Two FHSD Teachers Receive Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award

For more than 20 years, Francis Howell School District has been able to count on Coach Tony Perkins leading our kids to success on the field and in the classroom. To his players and people throughout the FHSD community, Tony Perkins has become a legend. As it turns out, we are not alone in that assessment. For his decades of hard work and success, Perkins recently earned the Metro Legend Award from the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.  Read more about Vikings Baseball Coach Tony Perkins Wins Metro Legend Award at St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame

The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that eight FHSD students have been named Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. These seniors are among 16,000 Semifinalists chosen as part of the annual academic competition. The Semifinalists, who were selected based on scores on a PSAT qualifying test, will compete for some 7,500 scholarships worth more than $32 million, to be awarded this spring.   Read more about Eight FHSD Seniors Selected as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Many things divide us these days, but nothing unites Americans more than the chance to help our neighbors. With Hurricanes Harvey and Irma devastating parts of the southern United States, Francis Howell School District students and staff – specifically, Becky-David Elementary, Central Elementary, and Francis Howell High School – have been stepping up to make a difference in the lives of others, raising thousands of dollars for disaster relief efforts.  Read more about When Learning and Caring Meet – FHSD Students Raise Over $6,000 for Hurricane Victims

Francis Howell High School programs teach Respect, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Excellence (RISE), and dedicate their time to hosting events that teach students the value of helping others and getting involved. The third annual First Responder’s Night football game drew a huge crowd because of this dedication. Over 4,000 students, staff, and community members packed the stands on Friday, September 8, to show their support for military personnel and first responders.  Read more about FHHS Hosts Third Annual First Responder’s Night

Francis Howell School District is always looking for ways to save taxpayer dollars and still improve convenience for parents and students. Both goals are achieved with the Peachjar flyer distribution system. FHSD delivers school information and approved flyers from community organizations electronically through Peachjar. These eflyers are emailed directly to you, and can also be viewed by clicking the Peachjar button on the home page of your school’s website.  Read more about Peachjar Electronic Flyers

The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that 242 students, have been named Advanced Placement Scholars for 2016-17. The AP program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through AP courses and exams with the prestigious AP Scholar Awards.   Read more about FHSD 2017 AP Scholars

Francis Howell High School is holding its first annual Future Viking Night on Aug. 18, 2017, at Francis Howell High School. The Vikings will be hosting the Mehlville Panthers for a football game that night, and there’s no better way to introduce students to the FHHS Viking community than to showcase the state-recognized positive atmosphere at their athletic contests.  Read more about Grab an Oar – FHHS to Hold First Annual Future Viking Night, Aug. 18

Niche has just released its 2018 list of best Schools in America, and has ranked the Francis Howell School District No. 16 in Missouri. That is the highest ranking of any district in St. Charles County, and with more than 500 public school districts in the state, this ranking puts FHSD in the top 3 percent in Missouri.  Read more about Niche Ranks FHSD as One of the Top School Districts in Missouri

If you were asked to guess which of the three Francis Howell School District high school sports programs that were recently named a “Leadership School” by the Missouri State High School Activities Association for the 2016-17 school year, which would you guess? If you guessed all three, you are correct. This is another example of how FHSD students are making their communities a better place to live, learn, and play … and watch a game.  Read more about FHSD High Schools Named MSHSAA Leadership Schools

The Francis Howell School District is proud to announce that two budding scientists from Francis Howell High School, Laurie Lee and Ryan Russell, have successfully completed the Students and Teachers as Research Scientists program (STARS) at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.  Read more about Shining STARS at FHHS

This is a reminder that all incoming seniors in the Francis Howell School District are required by Missouri law to have TWO meningococcal immunizations by the first day of their senior year, unless the first dose was administered after the age of 16 years old, in which case only one dose is required  Read more about Senior Immunization Requirements

The 2017-18 school year will kick off on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017. As students stream back into classrooms, they will encounter some new programs and initiatives. Here’s what’s new in FHSD.  Read more about What’s New for the 2017-18 School Year

The FHSD Board of Education has approved the recommendation of the Extracurricular Task Force to establish an activity fee structure for the 2017-18 school year. Students participating in a sport, activity, or club - in which a sponsor or coach is paid a stipend - will be required to pay a yearly activity fee. Students will be assessed one fee regardless of how many sports/activities/clubs they participate in during the school year. An application for financial assistance/waiver will be available for students, as needed.  Read more about New Activity Fees and Changes to High School Activity Transportation

“Transition Day” in the Francis Howell School District is an opportunity for incoming sixth and ninth graders to familiarize themselves with their new school. This year, Transition Day will be held at all FHSD middle and high schools on Friday, Aug. 4.   Read more about Transition Day Transportation

It’s part of the mission of the Francis Howell School District (FHSD) – prepare students today for success tomorrow. One of the greatest ways to prepare a student for college is to give them a taste of what a college course is like, and the best way to do that, is to have them take an Advanced Placement (AP) course. To improve the chances for success of the students in those classes, FHSD offered a free prep class this summer to high school students, the first of its kind in St. Charles County.  Read more about FHSD Hosted St. Charles County’s First AP Prep Camp in June

To be an inspiration, one must first be inspired. The story of Francis Howell High School (FHHS) graduate Erin Hediger could be that inspiration. Hediger is a Biology/Pre-Physician major at the University of Missouri-Columbia, which sounds like a daunting task. Hediger, however, has conquered a more formidable challenge – she beat cancer. And if you ask her, her triumph was made possible because of the Francis Howell School District community coming together. Hediger was recently selected as a scholarship recipient by the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults’ Scholarship Program.  Read more about FHHS Grad Erin Hediger is an Inspiration

View important back-to-school information and schedule pick-up information.  Read more about Viking Schedule Pick-Up Information