A Catholic Classical High School

in Lakewood, Ohio

Now Enrolling Grades 9–12

The Catholic Classical High School Cleveland Families Choose

At Padre Pio Academy High School, students are presented with a coherent worldview taught through the study of the great works of history, literature, philosophy, theology, mathematics, science and the arts. Our students learn to discern truth and to identify fallacy, embrace the challenge of growing in virtue and to love God and neighbor.

Padre Pio Academy High School is an independent Catholic school that offers small class sizes, individualized attention, academic excellence, spiritual formation, and the transmission of our Faith.

We invite you to learn more about our high school. Call (216) 226-4854 to arrange a private visit for your child today.

Why Choose Padre Pio Academy for High School?

Padre Pio Academy High School offers something increasingly rare in Greater Cleveland: a rigorous, faith-filled education that forms the whole person — mind, soul, and character. Here's what sets us apart:

  • Small class sizes — individualized attention from teachers who know your child by name

  • Classical curriculum — built on the Trivium, Western Civilization, Humane Letters, and Latin; no Common Core

  • Daily faith formation — Mass, Adoration, Confession, and prayer woven into every school day

  • College preparation — standardized testing includes the CLT, PSAT, and National Latin Exam

  • No screens, no shortcuts — we emphasize books, writing, and face-to-face human formation

  • Virtue-centered culture — students are formed in goodness, not just academics

  • Affordable tuition — financial aid and Ohio SGO tax credit scholarships available

Padre Pio Academy is a proud member of the National Association of Private Catholic Independent Schools (NAPCIS).

PPA High School Admissions: Common Questions

  • PPA is a Catholic classical school, meaning our curriculum is built on the historic medieval Trivium and the great works of Western Civilization. We do not follow Common Core. Every subject is taught from a Catholic worldview, and faith formation including Mass, daily prayer, and Confession is central to school life, not supplemental to it.

  • Non-Catholics are welcome at Padre Pio Academy. However, all students participate in religious instruction and daily prayer. The Catholic mission of the school is not compromised for any student.

  • Padre Pio Academy is a member of the National Association of Private Catholic Independent Schools (NAPCIS) and meets Ohio's high school graduation credit requirements, including standardized testing through the CLT and PSAT.

  • Yes. Financial aid is available through FACTS and through Ohio's SGO tax credit program (Every Child Every Family). Students must be enrolled before applying. The FACTS application deadline for the 2026/2027 school year is April 17, 2026.

  • We are located at 12920 Madison Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio - serving Catholic families throughout Greater Cleveland, including the west side, suburbs, and surrounding communities.

  • Call us at (216) 226-4854, complete the inquiry form on this page, or attend one of our Shadow Days or Open House events. Applications, essays, and transcripts are due January 31. Acceptance letters are sent on a rolling basis in February.

Application Process

  1. Call (216) 226-4854 or complete the form below to arrange a private visit for your child.

  2. Padre Pio Academy also offers designated shadow days. Our upcoming Shadow Day is on March 5, 2026. You can find out more and register here. We have an Open House on February 25, visit here for more information.

  3. Applications, essays, and transcripts are due on January 31, 2026. To learn more about this process, please contact Kristen Ibanez (kibanez@pioacademy.org).

  4. High school acceptance letters are sent on a rolling basis in February.

  5. Registration (and fee) opens for new families on February 9, 2026.

  6. FACTS financial aid applications are due on April 17, 2026. Please note, you must be enrolled to be considered for financial aid. Information on tuition and how to apply for financial aid can be found here.

A man stands at the front of a room giving a presentation to a group of students seated in chairs, with a blue curtain behind him and an American flag to the side.

Schedule a Visit or Apply Today

At Padre Pio Academy we take seriously the formation of our students intellectually, spiritually, and culturally in the Catholic tradition.  We aim to do this at the service of the universal call to holiness and to develop disciples of Jesus Christ.  Padre Pio Academy does all this in fidelity to the Sacred Scriptures, Tradition, and the Catholic Church's Magisterium.

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PADRE PIO ACADEMY TEACHES A SERIOUS CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS STUDY PROGRAM. NO CHILD IS EXEMPT FROM RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION OR FROM DAILY PRAYER. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT NON-CATHOLICS ARE WELCOME AT THE SCHOOL BUT THAT THE CATHOLIC MISSION OF THE SCHOOL WILL NOT BE COMPROMISED.

Padre Pio Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship or other school-administered programs.