There is no institution of which Baker City is more proud than St. Francis’ Academy, conducted by the sisters of that name. It is today one of the most complete among the educational institutions of Eastern Oregon, and its patronage is by no means confined to Baker county but extends over the neighboring counties, also into Idaho.
A visit to this seat of learning some days ago, elicited some facts regarding the institution and its work, which may be of interest to those who have not been there. Situated in the suburban portion of tile city, on a large tract of land owned by the sisters, the pupils have quiet and a sense of being at home in the very environs of this rapidly growing city. The sisters are enabled to have large playgrounds for the various divisions of the students. A tour of inspection through the building shows how orderly, neat and well-arrange are the different rooms of the Academy. Entering the institution by high steps in front, you are really in what is the second story of the building. On the ground floor is the kitchen, dining room, and large recreation room, used by the children in had weather, or when it is not desirable for them to play outside.
On the floor above are tine parlors, office, four music rooms, three class-rooms, recitation room and library. On the third floor we find the chapel, children’s and sisters’ dormitories, etc., and in the attic are the boys’ dormitories, studio and trunk rooms. The coarse of instruction is a most complete and comprehensive one, and no pains are spared to give the pupils at St. Francis’ all the advantages of a first class education. The branches embrace the primary, secondary, preparatory, academic and collegiate departments, anti a graduate by passing the state examination is given a state diploma enabling them to teach for six years in any of the schools of the state, which can then be merged into it life diploma. Besides the ordinary studies, the languages, general vocal music and needle work are taught throughout the course. Private lessons in instrumental music, including piano, organ, banjo, violin, mandolin. zither and guitar, also painting and waxwork in all their branches, are given by competent instructors.
The instruction given at St. Francis’ is of the most thorough and practical character, as they train the heart as well as the mind, and intend to form noble men and women, who will go forth in the world loving only that which is beautiful, pure and good, and fitted for whatever duties life may impose.