St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School was founded in 1951 as an African American Franciscan church and school. With a mission rooted in life-long learning, leadership, and service, the school’s expansion supports enrollment growth and replaces aging mobile classrooms with a permanent structure.

The new two-story, 31,000 SF elementary school serves grades K–6. It includes smart classrooms, a gym, library, art room, cafeteria, and an administrative suite. A custom monumental stair connects the main entrance and features handcrafted metalwork by a local artisan. 

Faith-Inspired Design with Neighborhood Integration

To reflect the school’s Franciscan values and cultural heritage, classroom clusters are organized with bold graphic wayfinding and murals of African American Catholic imagery. The building’s exterior blends with the surrounding residential neighborhood with stone veneer, plank siding, cedar brackets, and a metal standing seam roof. A long canopy supports safe and accessible student drop-off. A separate kindergarten entrance allows parents to walk their children directly to class.

A new playground is adjacent to the elementary school, providing safe outdoor access. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School’s commitment to sustainability and wellness is reflected in features like a vegetated green roof.