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.
School motto
The school motto, "Suaviter sed fortiter," translates as "Softly, but strongly," and reminds one of 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.
History and spiritual foundation
The school was founded in 1954 by Rev. Joseph L. McCoy, O.S.F.S. and built with the help of members of the St. Anthony of Padua Parish. Its patron saints are St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, and St Anthony of Padua. The first classes of Padua Academy took place in the upper level of Saint Anthony of Padua Grade School, located at 9th and North Scott Streets, two blocks away from the present building. Classes also took place in the old P.S. #11 school building in the early years. The present building at 10th and Broom Streets was designed and executed by Rev. Roberto Balducelli, O.S.F.S., who came to the United States from Italy in the 1940s and died in 2013 at the age of 100. The school was built by volunteer labor with the help of Brother Michael Rosenello, O.S.F.S., who remains on staff at the school.
School profile
Padua has an enrollment of more than 660 girls and is within walking distance of its male counterpart Salesianum. Students from these schools can often be found after school on each other's campuses for various activities and sports events. Padua and Salesianum have an exchange program during the first period class which allows students to take courses together and increases the number of electives offered by each school. The school annually presents the Women's Achievement Award, honoring a national figure who represents a role model for young women. Recipients include Rwandan author and genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza ; Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon ; author and inspirational speaker Liz Murray ; former First Lady Laura Bush ; and inspiration for The Blind Side, Leigh Anne Tuohy. The 2015 honoree was businesswoman and former supermodel Kathy Ireland.
2013-14 athletics accomplishments
National rankings The Padua soccer team was ranked 18th in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America in June 2014, marking the third year in a row the team has earned a national ranking by the NSCAA. In the Spring of 2016, the Padua Soccer team became ranked 2nd in the nation. State championships Padua captured the state title in six sports during the 2013-14 school year: cross country and volleyball in fall, competitive cheerleading and indoor track in winter, and soccer and track & field in spring. Individual awards Regan Lehman ’14 was named All-American and Delaware State Player of the Year for soccer. Maiya Dendy ’15 was named Gatorade Player of the Year for track & field. Lauren DiSabatino was named Delaware Volleyball Coach of the Year, and Marnie Giunta was named Delaware Cross Country Coach of the Year and Delaware Indoor Track Coach.
