About
Our Mission
Rooted in the Catholic faith, Padua Academy offers young women a transformational college preparatory education, challenging them to live Christ-centered lives of leadership and service.
Our History
Founded in 1954 by Rev. Joseph L. McCoy, OSFS, Padua Academy is a four year Catholic high school for young women. The members of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, led by Fr. Roberto Balducelli, OSFS, built our "school with a soul" on Broom Street.
In the early years, members of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia administered and staffed the school. To ensure a continuing tradition in the founding spirit, St. Francis de Sales and St. Francis of Assisi were chosen as the patrons of the school.
Our Motto
Padua's school motto, "Suaviter sed Fortiter," translates as "Softly, but Strongly" and describes the qualities of an educated woman: nurturing and responsive to the uniqueness of others, yet purposeful and determined, accepting a responsible role in the global community.
Spirituality. Scholarship. Service. Sisterhood.
Rooted in the Catholic faith, Padua Academy offers young women a transformational college preparatory education, challenging them to live Christ-centered lives of leadership and service.