Vincentian Academy

Campus

The Academy comprised three buildings housed on a 67-acre (270,000 m²) campus in McCandless Township, a north suburb of Pittsburgh. There is an approximate 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and the enrollment as of the 2015-2016 school year consists of a total of 263 students.

Academics

Vincentian Academy maintained 100 percent university placement. Vincentian was one of twelve schools in Pennsylvania that offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

The IB Program

At Vincentian Academy approximately 80 percent of all juniors and seniors took some IB courses. These courses included anything from IB Higher Level Biology to IB Standard Level Mathematics. Overall, 84 percent of all those students taking IB exams pass.

History

The school was founded by the Vincentian Sisters of Charity (now members of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth) in 1932 as Vincentian High School. It began an affiliation with Duquesne University in 1995, whereupon it adopted the International Baccalaureate curriculum; the affiliation, during which the school was known as Vincentian Academy–Duquesne University, ended in June 2010.

Alma Mater

Oh, Vincentian! We hail our alma mater Blue and gold, the colors we hold dear Mind, heart, spirit, guided by our Father Friendships formed will last throughout the years Honesty, respect, and human kindness Tempered with a pride in quality Integrity, and faith in God define us Oh, Vincentian! We hail thee

Instated as official Alma Mater in 2007

Affiliation with Duquesne University

Early in the 1990s, Duquesne University president Dr. John E. Murray was investigating the possibility of a high school for Duquesne, disturbed by contemporary reports that American high schools were inferior to schools in Europe, Asia, and even third-world countries. Reasoning that a university-affiliated school could be a model for the region and offer an advanced curriculum and integrate the resources of a major university into its operation, Murray explored the possibility as an extension of Duquesne's Spiritan tradition of often unconventional leadership.

Dialogue with the Vincentian Sisters began in 1993; an agreement was finalized 1994, and the inaugurating class was set to enroll in 1995, with Dean Derek Whordley of the Duquesne University School of Education to be president of the new school. In September 1995, Vincentian Academy–Duquesne University became officially operational, and 31 new Academy students were assimilated into the high school classes. A slow expansion was planned, with the new Academy gradually replacing the old Vincentian High School.

The International Baccalaureate program was selected as the new Academy's curriculum because of its international appeal and academic quality. Moreover, it would be an attractive venue for university researchers and a unique experience for teachers. In adopting the IB, Vincentian Academy-Duquesne University became the only Catholic IB school in the world that was part of a major university.

End of university affiliation

In late January 2010, Duquesne University announced that it would be ending its 15-year partnership with Vincentian Academy. As such, Duquesne no longer has a part in performing administrative duties, nor will it determine a president for the school. The split became effective on June 30, 2010.

Duquesne University had begun to provide administrative support services for Vincentian in 1995 for a five-year period, whereafter the partnership agreement was renewed in 2001 for a 10-year period. Academy principal Sr. Camille Panich noted that the reasons for the partnership had been achieved: "Duquesne has helped strengthen the Academy and position it for long-term success". Duquesne University president Charles J. Dougherty likewise noted that "our partnership agreement for administrative services is concluding with a stronger Vincentian Academy".

Though the formal partnership has ended, some of the benefits that Duquesne University afforded to students, including use of the university's library and science facilities, will continue.

2015/2016 School Year

On March 11, 2016 School Principal; Edward Bernot officially resigned as School Principal to become the Principal of Saint John Paul II Academy in Boca Raton, Florida. His current term does not end until June 2, 2016. The newest principle of the Academy is former elementary Principal Rita Canton

2016/2017 School Year

On Monday November 1st, 2016; the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth announced that Vincentian Academy will not be running under the "president/principal model" as of that day. John Fedko president of the Academy will continue to work as a chairman for special projects. Sister Adeline Fehribach, Chair of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth noted that, "We are very grateful to Mr. (John) Fedko for his leadership skills over the past 5 years and the SCN and the family of Vincentian Academy thank him for his assistance in this part of Vincentians time of change" John Fedko's term as President lasted from July 1st, 2011 to November 1st, 2016