Overview
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls is a prominent private, all-female, college-preparatory institution located at 1000 West Lycoming Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1941, it is part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and is dedicated to fostering young women's development through faith and education, under the patronage of St. Therese of Lisieux. The school's motto, Vigilate et Orate (Watch and Pray), highlights its commitment to spiritual and academic growth. The school colors are maroon and white, and its mascot is the Sentinel.
Leadership
The leadership team at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls is spearheaded by:
- President: Mrs. Kristie Hughes Dugan, an alumna of the class of 1992, who exemplifies a dedicated commitment to her alma mater through her leadership that enhances both the spiritual and academic climate of the school. Her initiatives and leadership style can be followed on social media such as [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lf_president/).
- Principal: Ms. Kathleen Thérèse Radebaugh, an adept educational leader with a Masters of Education and Reading Specialist Certification from Cabrini College, conducts the academic affairs of the institution.
Educational Offering
The school provides education from grades 9-12 with a robust curriculum that aims to exploit each student's potential, characterized by a tuition fee of approximately $8,000. A key feature of its educational offering is the high school newspaper The Theresian, acclaimed for its quality and content.
Student Life and Athletics
A prominent feature of student life at Little Flower Catholic High School is its wide array of extracurricular activities and athletics spread across seasons:
- Fall Sports: Cross Country, Golf, Field Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball.
- Winter Sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Indoor Track, Swimming.
- Spring Sports: Softball, Lacrosse, Track and Field.
Community and Alumni Engagement
Little Flower holds strong connections with its alumnae network of over 36,000 graduates, including notable personalities such as Christine Nangle, a comedy writer, and Sister Mary Scullion, an advocate for homelessness. The school actively manages an alumnae association to foster ongoing engagement and community support.
Recent Developments and Collaborations
A critical recent development is the partnership with Holy Family University, aimed at enhancing academic offerings and fostering community ties. This collaboration includes admissions and scholarships, a dual credit program, and continuing education opportunities, significantly improving student access to advanced educational pathways.
- Diversity: The school has a student body of about 563 with 65.7% minority enrollment, signifying a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Contact Information
- Phone: Main: (215) 455-6900
- Fax: (215) 329-0478
- Website: [littleflowerhighschool.org](https://littleflowerhighschool.org/)
Competitor Profiling
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls stands out for its solid educational framework and community reputation but faces competition from several notable institutions in the Philadelphia area:
- Archmere Academy: A prestigious co-educational Catholic preparatory school in Delaware, noted for its rigorous academic programs and widespread extracurricular activities.
- Nazareth Academy High School: An all-girls Catholic school renowned for its college preparatory program and strong emphasis on arts and athletics in Philadelphia.
- Merion Mercy Academy: Situated in Merion, PA, this independent Catholic school focuses on academic excellence and leadership.
- The Baldwin School: Located in Bryn Mawr, PA, this institution offers an elite educational experience with a focus on leadership, global understanding, and the arts.
- Villa Maria Academy High School: Based in Malvern, PA, Villa Maria is known for its catholic educational rigour and its strong commitment to empowering young women.
Recognitions and Achievements
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls is recognized for its academic and extracurricular excellence, marked by a silver ranking in the Philly Favorites high school category. Additionally, it stands competitively in local scholastic rankings, which reflect moderate levels of satisfaction among its student and parent body.
Academic and Extracurricular Profile
The school's dual credit offerings and continuing education components are primed to reduce future education costs and provide students with valuable college credits in advance. Athletic programs with 14 sports played across three seasons are a testament to the school’s emphasis on a competitive yet inclusive sports culture.
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls remains a pivotal institution for female education in Philadelphia, leveraging strategic collaborations and robust programs to maintain its leadership in academic and extracurricular development.
