Padua Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, located just 20 miles from South Jersey, has spent more than seven decades cultivating young women into confident, capable leaders. Guided by its four pillars—scholarship, sisterhood, spirituality and service—students grow academically, socially and spiritually in a supportive, values-driven environment. Grounded in Catholic tradition, Padua provides a rigorous college preparatory education that inspires young women to embrace leadership, serve others and live with purpose.
Padua’s motto, Suaviter sed Fortiter—“Softly, but Strongly”—reflects the qualities of an educated woman: nurturing and responsive, yet purposeful, determined and responsible in the wider world. The fabric of Padua Academy, as 2025 valedictorian Audrey Dever shares, “is woven with love, the catalyst of immense personal development within each and every member of our class.” She adds, “Just as we have been transformed by this community we love, so has this community become something greater, thanks to the love we poured into it.”
Padua’s academic programs challenge and inspire. With 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses—including AP Capstone—students strengthen critical thinking, research and communication skills essential for college and life. AP Capstone provides a two-year experience in seminar and research, where students design original projects and engage in meaningful academic discourse. Padua’s commitment to excellence is evident in all levels of its curriculum and is supported by innovative technology, supportive staff and school counseling with college advisement.
There is something for each young woman at Padua. With over 50 clubs and activities, students explore interests and propose new clubs, fostering leadership and initiative. Courses in communication arts, visual arts and performing arts further enrich student growth. With a yearly musical theater production, students are involved as student producers, actors and as stage crew. Padua’s nationally recognized PATV program gives students hands-on experience in television and video production, with over 75 live broadcasts annually that students lead every step of the way.
With 95 state championships and over 78% of students participating in 16 varsity sports, Padua Academy was ranked the second-best high school for athletes in Delaware by USA Today High School Sports (July 4, 2025), second only to the all-boys Salesianum School. Its Division I Athletics Program develops champions while teaching teamwork, resilience, leadership and sportsmanship.
School spirit and traditions reflect faith, unity and community. Students enjoy class retreats, Spirit Week, Big Sister/Little Sister experiences, annual class Masses, a Halloween parade, a Christmas tree trim, Catholic Schools Week, closing Liturgy and baccalaureate. During Spirit Week, each grade is assigned a color as a way to express class spirit, with participation by students and faculty alike.
The achievements of Padua students tell only part of the story—the true value of a Padua education is its holistic approach, one that nurtures intellect, faith, character and a deep sense of belonging. Students embody the impact of Padua’s mission, leaving prepared not only for college but also for life. Padua offers a community that nurtures growth, celebrates individuality and empowers young women to lead with purpose.
Padua Academy
Wilmington, Delaware
(302) 421-3739
PaduaAcademy.org
