Just 20 miles from South Jersey, Padua Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, has been shaping high school women into leaders for more than 70 years. While its accomplishments and accolades are impressive, its legacy cannot be captured by statistics alone. The school’s focus on four pillars—scholarship, sisterhood, spirituality and service—creates an environment where students thrive academically, socially and spiritually. These values have touched the lives of 9,291 alumnae, extending their impact far beyond the local community.
Padua’s 90 athletic state championships, 108 distinct courses, and the 11,000-plus service hours completed by students last year only scratch the surface of what makes it special. The true value of a Padua Academy education lies in its ability to foster personal growth and lifelong connections, all supported by a dedicated faculty with more than 480 years of combined teaching experience. The impact of these elements combined is clear to Padua’s students and their families.
Michelle Heffernan, a Woolwich resident, is the proud parent of a member of Padua Academy’s Class of 2025. “Padua’s teachers create opportunities for my daughter to engage, lead and excel, far beyond what’s taught in the classroom,” she says. “It’s the combination of everything they do that fosters Padua’s community of caring support. Simply put, Padua provides my daughter everything she needs to succeed.”
This holistic approach is what sets the school apart. At Padua, learning isn’t confined to textbooks or classrooms; it extends into every aspect of a student’s life, preparing them for both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Martha Holladay, who is celebrating her 50th year of teaching at Padua, reflects on the enduring mission of education at Padua. “St. Francis de Sales commanded us to teach our students’ souls, and that remains our mission,” she says. “My students know how much I care about them—they know.” This deep sense of sisterhood and community is felt throughout the school.
Padua’s academic programs challenge and inspire students, offering a diverse range of courses that help each student explore her passions and build a strong academic foundation. Padua offers 25 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including the AP Capstone program: a two-year, skills-based program focused on seminar and research.
Dr. Andrew Bozanic, AP Capstone teacher, explains that students develop critical thinking skills, learn to build arguments using scholarly evidence, present their findings and reflect on their research process.
“AP Research is one of the few times that students get to play in the ‘sandbox’ of their choosing with original research projects, mimicking undergraduate and graduate research practices,” Bozanic says.
Padua Academy is proud to offer more than 45 clubs and activities, ensuring that every student can find something that speaks to her interests. Whether a student is passionate about the arts, service, leadership or learning a new skill, there is something for everyone. This variety encourages students to explore new interests and develop important life skills along the way.
Students can also propose new clubs to explore their interests. Sianna Dhillon, a member of Padua’s Class of 2026 and a resident of Woolwich, did just that when she launched the Debate Club this year. Sianna was inspired by her passion for debate, law, and communication.
“This club lets us explore new ideas and engage in diverse topics,” she says. At the Activity Fair, Sianna promoted Debate Club, with the hope to mentor students with similar interests, and will embark on the inaugural year of the club with over 20 other students.
With 90 state championships, Padua Academy is Delaware’s winningest girls athletic program. However, its focus extends beyond titles, striving to develop well-rounded athletes who embody teamwork, sportsmanship, commitment, resilience and leadership. Recently, Padua partnered with the Philadelphia Eagles to launch a girls flag football club, offering students an exciting new opportunity in this growing sport.
While statistics may offer a glimpse into Padua’s success, they don’t tell the whole story. The true value of a Padua Academy education goes beyond numbers. Padua women, throughout its history and into the future, are offered the opportunity to grow and thrive in a community of support. The mission, rooted in scholarship, sisterhood, spirituality and service, ensures that Padua students are not only prepared for college but for life.
Padua Academy
Wilmington, Delaware
(302) 421-3739
PaduaAcademy.org
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Published and copyrighted in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 7 (October 2024)
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