St. Francis Elementary School was established in 1930 during the presidency of Edward J. Barclay. Its first building, a modest thatched roof structure, was located opposite of what is now Kai’s store in the center of Pleebo. The school was initially led by the late Dominic Wallace, who served as its first headmaster from its founding until 1967.

In 1960, the late Sr. John Joseph joined the staff, marking the beginning of a significant period of growth. As the student population expanded and advanced academically, the need for a junior high school became apparent. Consequently, St. Francis High School was established, evolving from the original elementary school.

Following the tenure of Dominic Wallace, Mr. Victor N. B. Walker succeeded him as principal of the elementary school. From 1992 to 1994, Bro. David Konneh managed the school’s affairs. When the Marist Brothers departed due to the civil crisis, Mrs. Regina Klo Topor served as principal from 1994 to 2007. She was succeeded by Sr. Philomena Wrehdi Jappah, SHF, who served as principal for one and a half academic years (three semesters) before being appointed as Assistant Education Secretary for Finance, Training, and Administration at the Education  Secretariat of the Diocese of Cape Palmas. 

Sr. Theresa Bloh Topor, SHF, briefly served as principal for both the elementary and high school for one semester before Mr. Boniface Dalieh was appointed acting principal in 2009. In October 2010, Mr. Dionysius T. Weah was appointed first as acting principal and then as the actual principal, a position he holds to this day. Mr. Jonah Cheru currently serves as his vice principal.