PADUA FRANCISCAN HIGH SCHOOL

Padua Franciscan High School’s computer labs were just renovated into an innovation center for both advanced curriculum and computer science. In addition, it will be utilized for the hands-on experience of design, which includes robotics, programming and maker spaces. As a result, the Robotics team will be able to fully develop and realize their designs as they prepare for competition.

Padua’s focus on premier academics is evident in the award-winning MedTrack program and MyTrack program. MedTrack is a four-year advanced science track that helps students explore and prepare for careers in health care. The comprehensive program combines advanced coursework, enrichment opportunities and practical experiences, while integrating the Franciscan approach to health care, which only Padua can provide.

Meanwhile, the MyTrack program prepares students in the Franciscan tradition for careers in business, computer science, engineering, law and studio art with an emphasis on a strong academic foundation,

career course electives, career exploration, professionalism training, hands-on experiences and shadowing opportunities. By providing students with emerging technologies, Padua has remained one of Northeast Ohio’s largest co-ed Catholic high schools.

Padua also is one of the rst to develop a Virtual Reality program to teach anatomy in conjunction with the MedTrack program — with the goal to expand its use in the MyTrack program. Twenty-four headsets were utilized last school year. More headsets will be added this fall to enable graphic design/ gaming development in the computer science curriculum.

Furthermore, the addition of Raspberry Pi devices gives MyTrack Computer Science students the opportunity to advance their technological skills, while MyTrack Studio Art students enjoy hands-on learning, using iPads and Apple Pencils for digital drawing.

With over 30 clubs for students to join, there is something for everyone. Other annual schoolwide activities, such as Spirit Week, Christmas for Others and Olympic Day, help students feel connected and part of the community.

Padua is celebrating its 60th anniversary. The faculty and staff are instrumental in sharing Franciscan values and traditions, while also making sure students are happy, healthy, holy and highly prepared.

Every student is known and loved, while they’re also challenged to achieve academic excellence and live out a lifelong commitment to Christ in holiness and learning. Students commonly say they feel at home. “Never Alone, Always a Bruin” is more than just a saying; it helps students understand what it means to be part of the Padua Franciscan family.

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 Register at

openhouse.

6740 State Road, Parma

Grades Served: 9-12 Total Enrollment: 755 Annual Tuition: $13,150 Average Class Size: 19 Year Established: 1961

• David Stec ’86, president • Robert DiRocco, principal • Elizabeth Oles Smith, vice principal • Mary Zolkowski, assistant principal of women • Chris Dziedzicki ’02, assistant principal of men

• John Chmura ’99, chairperson • James Climer, vice chairperson

Mission Statement: “Padua Franciscan High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school, commi ed to the traditions and values of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi, educates young men and women within a community where all are challenged to achieve academic excellence and to live out a lifelong commitment to Christ in holiness and learning.”