Our History: A Foundation of Faith & Learning
Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic School began with a simple yet powerful vision: to nurture both the minds and spirits of children. In the late 1940s, a small group of dedicated Dominican nuns from Adrian, Michigan, arrived in Casa Grande with this dream. They established St. Anthony's Convent in a local duplex and, within two years, transformed a garage into a classroom, opening a kindergarten program with 40 students.
Growth came quickly. In January 1950, Father Sylvio J. Ross, Pastor of St. Anthony's Church, blessed and broke ground for a new school building on Second Street. The school opened with 135 students across four grades, adding a grade each year until, by September 1954, all eight elementary grades were represented.
Sister Georgina Marie Bowers, one of the original nuns who arrived in Arizona with only her faith and a vision, served as the school's first principal. Her leadership and dedication laid a strong foundation for the future. In 2000, we proudly celebrated our Golden Anniversary, honoring Sister Georgina as our guest of honor at a special tea. For over 50 years, Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic School has continued to educate the minds and spirits of Casa Grande children, building on the legacy of those pioneering nuns.
Our Mission: Partnering with Parents in Faith and Learning
At Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic School, we believe that parents are the first and most important educators of their children. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to partnering with parents in the Catholic formation of their children. As a faith community, we strive to guide each student toward the ultimate goal: a deep and lasting relationship with God.
Inspired by the charism of our patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua, we encourage our students to Learn, Love, and Lead. This philosophy permeates all aspects of our educational program, fostering intellectual growth, spiritual development, and leadership skills in every student.
