About Us

Established in 1999, Padre Pio Academy is a private Catholic school (K-8) which operates with the
recognition of the local archdiocese and is independent of any parish or diocesan funding. Our legal
accreditation is through the National Association of Private, Catholic Independent Schools
(www.napcis.org). We have been generously granted the use of the original school facility of St. Joseph
parish as well as permission to attend morning Mass once a week at their church.

The school had its origins in the desire of five local families to found a school that would provide their
children with a traditional Catholic education - one that would be firmly rooted in the magisterium of the
Roman Catholic Church, draw on some traditional resources (e.g. the Baltimore Catechism), and be
spiritually fortified by the Tridentine Mass. Most importantly, Padre Pio was selected as our patron saint,
as many of our original Board members already possessed a strong personal devotion. They believed,
with his beatification pending at that time, that he was the one to ensure the school being able to get off
the ground. Indeed, our patron saint came through as by June 1999, Padre Pio Academy was legally
incorporated as a tax-exempt organization.

In the next several years, we experienced many variances of fortune in our attempts to grow and develop
the school. One of the more difficult experiences was having to suspend the operation of our high school
due to a reduction in the student body. However, this change has also enabled us to focus on
development and growth of the elementary school. Through every happenstance, St. Padre Pio has
manifested his loving providence and intercession, keeping our school community strong and vibrant by
bringing us the aid we needed. He has led many supportive people and organizations to become involved
in our educational effort at times of crisis and need. Most importantly, he continues to lead all the faculty
and families to Jesus through His Mother Mary, to whose Immaculate Heart Padre Pio Academy is
consecrated.