As a part of the Catholic religious order which traces its origins to St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430), Villanova Preparatory School promotes his ideal of a community where its members are “of one mind and heart on the way towards God.” An Augustinian approach to education seeks to create a community context in which learning can flourish.
Established in October 1924, Villanova has now successfully embraced this approach to education for more than 100 years. The 131-acres on which Villanova sits were purchased for approximately $20,000 USD in the early 1920's. The first buildings on site were Cantwell Hall (today, as it was originally, the boys dorm) and Austin Hall for classroom spaces.
In the early 1970's the school became co-educational, and by the early 1980's young women were admitted as resident students. The impressive McGrath Science Center was completed at the same time, today housing all science courses taught for high school students. In 1989 Villanova became the only high school in the United States to receive an endowed scholarship from Lady Clare Boothe Luce; today the investment continues to fund the Clare Boothe Luce Program for supporting young women in STEM.
In 1990 the Clarke Gym was built, with the new pool and aquatic center following in 1997. Most recently, the school has added an Art Center, two digital arts labs, and the Taylor Student Center for housing the school's Counseling Department.
Villanova Preparatory School has always found a compelling legacy in the life and writings of St. Augustine. The fifth-century bishop, philosopher, and theologian passionately believed the search for understanding and truth to be a common quest, leading seekers ultimately to God, the source of all truth and wisdom. The school continues to grow and build an institution in honor of the teachings.