St. Francis Xavier School, a K-8 rural school of approximately two hundred eighty-five students, is located in Gettysburg, PA. Although a small community, Gettysburg is both a college and a historic town.
This unique influence complements its rural traditions. Like our Parish, our students come from diverse backgrounds.
We continue to prepare the children to face the challenges inherent in any modern day society.
The parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and students are united by a common spirit.
St. Francis Xavier School was established in 1877. The Sisters of Charity, Emmitsburg, MD, were the first group of Religious women to teach at the school.
When they were withdrawn in 1920, the Sisters of Mercy were invited to staff St. Francis Xavier School.
The Mercy charism continues today to celebrate the Catholic faith, transmit the gospel values and, in partnership with parents, faculty, and the community, prepare the students to face the future with Christian insight.
In 1994, the Sisters of St. Joseph were invited to join the parish community and assist in ministering to the people of God.
In 2002-2003, we proudly celebrated 125 years of teaching minds and hearts.
Our motto has been taken from the works of St. Francis Xavier: "Educate them in the Christian Way of Life." To this day, we strive to follow this worthy maxim.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 213 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
St. Francis Xavier School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Student Body
Total Students
213 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- St. Francis Xavier School, a K-8 rural school of approximately two hundred eighty-five students, is located in Gettysburg, PA. Although a small community, Gettysburg is both a college and a historic town. This unique influence complements its rural traditions. Like our Parish, our students come from diverse backgrounds. We continue to prepare the children to face the challenges inherent in any modern day society. The parents, faculty, staff, administrators, and students are united by a common spirit. St. Francis Xavier School was established in 1877. The Sisters of Charity, Emmitsburg, MD, were the first group of Religious women to teach at the school. When they were withdrawn in 1920, the Sisters of Mercy were invited to staff St. Francis Xavier School. The Mercy charism continues today to celebrate the Catholic faith, transmit the gospel values and, in partnership with parents, faculty, and the community, prepare the students to face the future with Christian insight. In 1994, the Sisters of St. Joseph were invited to join the parish community and assist in ministering to the people of God. In 2002-2003, we proudly celebrated 125 years of teaching minds and hearts. Our motto has been taken from the works of St. Francis Xavier: "Educate them in the Christian Way of Life." To this day, we strive to follow this worthy maxim.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Francis Xavier School's ranking?
St. Francis Xavier School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for St. Francis Xavier School?
The application deadline for St. Francis Xavier School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
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