School History

Founded in 1961 as a school for boys, Padua Franciscan became co-educational in 1983 and is now the largest private, co-educational secondary school in northeast Ohio. Today, it is one of less than twenty high schools officially chartered by the State of Ohio as college-preparatory. In 2004 and 2006, Padua was named one of the nation’s top 50 Catholic secondary schools by the Acton Institute.

Padua’s very reason for existence is based on values rooted in the life and spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi. These values clearly remind us of the unique talents possessed by each individual as a creation of God. This spiritual approach to all living things has endured for nearly 800 years, and would become the tenant of thought for many great educators, from Saint Anthony of Padua (patron saint of Padua Franciscan) to Saint Bonaventure. As a school in the Franciscan tradition, it is our mission to develop the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical characteristics of young people during their critically formative years. It is our goal to instill in these men and women the skills necessary for a lifetime of learning, giving them an appreciation for others and those less fortunate, and developing in them a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

1959

The Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart Province established St. Anthony of Padua parish on State Road in Parma in 1959. Responding to the educational needs of the time, the Friars developed plans to build a Catholic high school on property adjacent to the parish. Padua Franciscan High School was founded as a school for boys two years later in 1961. The Provincial Leadership chose St. Anthony of Padua as the patron of the school. The educational philosophy and culture of the school are based on the traditions and values of St. Anthony of Padua, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi.

1965

 In 1965, Padua celebrated its first graduating class.

1983

Padua began as an all-boys school. After nearly two decades, the benefits of a co-educational secondary school led Padua to welcome girls for the first time in 1983.

1987

Until 1987, the leadership of Padua was centered in the person of the friar-principal. In order to create the necessary administrative structure for engaging in the long-range development of the school, the first president, Fr. Clarence Chambers, OFM, was named.

1995

Padua’s first capital campaign, The Greening of Padua (Phase I) was completed on August 16, 1995. Projects of the $600,000 campaign included the creation of new entry roadway and main parking area, as well as the redesign of the building’s entire south side (entrance pavilion), including dramatic landscaping and lighting.

1999

Phase II of The Greening of Padua was completed in 1999. This capital campaign raised $850,000. The campaign allowed the moving of the football field to its current location, the installation of an eight-lane all-weather 400 meter track, and the relocation of the baseball, soccer and softball fields

2008

In 2008, Padua added a dynamic, progressive academic program called MedTrack®.  The MedTrack program is an award-winning, four-year advanced science track focused on helping students explore and prepare for careers in healthcare. The comprehensive program combines advanced coursework, enrichment opportunities, and practical experiences, while integrating the distinctive Franciscan approach to healthcare which only Padua Franciscan can provide.

2014

The Padua Plus+ Campaign was inaugurated in 2014. The generous donations furnished $4.5million for the replacement of windows, the renovation of classrooms, chemistry and physics labs, the re-configuring of the front and rear entrance, the creation of a dance studio, the renovation of the locker rooms, and tuition assistance.

2021

A new era was inaugurated when Padua selected its first lay president. In 2021, Mr. David Stec ’86, alumnus of the Padua class of 1986 was hired as president.  Having served as campus minister and later principal, Mr. Stec brought a rich experience to his new role.

2023

In 2023, six Franciscan Provinces in the United States merged to form one new Province. The new Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe took over the reins of leadership of Padua Franciscan High School from the former Sacred Heart Province. The new Province continues its commitment to training men and women for the 21st century and beyond.  Padua joins the ranks of other Franciscan educational institutions:  Roger Bacon High School, Cincinnati, OH; Siena College, Loudonville, NY; and St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY.

Padua is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Ohio Catholic Schools Accrediting Agency. An Ohio corporation, Padua was founded by the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart of Saint Louis, Missouri, and bases our educational philosophy on the life and spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi. As a school in the Franciscan tradition, our mission is to develop the unique talents of each student, while giving them the skills they need to succeed in college and beyond

As we look to position Padua Franciscan High School for the 21st century, we remember our Franciscan heritage. Like Saint Francis of Assisi, at Padua Franciscan we believe that one does not impact society through large groups, but rather on a person-to-person basis. In this tradition, we look to finding positive ways to meet challenges and seek to respond to the individual needs of students with careful planning and compassion.