Why Liguori Academy?
Liguori Academy is a private high school located in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Inspired by the teachings of Saint Alphonsus Liguori and our motto, Boundless Love, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Our Liguorian Education is built on strong values, community, and boundless opportunities. We deliver a career and college-ready curriculum that is shaped by industry insight and real-world demands. Our students are prepared not just for graduation but for life after high school.
Liguori Academy is committed to providing an accessible private school education through grants, scholarships, and needs-based assistance. No qualified applicant is denied admission to Liguori Academy due to financial need. Whether you are passionate about helping students succeed, interested in our curriculum, or ready to get involved, there is a place for you at Liguori.
Liguori Academy Yass Prize Profile
Click below to see the Liguori Academy 2024 Yass Prize Semifinalist information.
Saint Alphonsus Liguori
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Born into a noble family in Naples, Alphonsus earned doctorates in civil and canon law by the age of sixteen and became one of the most accomplished lawyers of his time. Despite his success, he grew increasingly troubled by how legal and social systems failed people who were poor, marginalized, or without access to opportunity. This realization led him to leave the practice of law and dedicate his life to service, education, and moral leadership.
Alphonsus went on to found the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists, a global religious congregation of missionaries known for their preaching, teaching, and service in underserved communities around the world. The Redemptorists focused on meeting people where they were and communicating ideas in ways that were practical, accessible, and rooted in real life.
One of Alphonsus’s most enduring legacies was his writing. He authored 111 books, which have been published in 73 languages and in more than 20,000 editions. Throughout his work, Alphonsus emphasized the inherent dignity of every person, teaching that each individual has worth simply because they are loved by a God who, in his theology, was madly in love with humanity. This belief shaped his approach to leadership and education: people grow not through fear or exclusion, but through love, truth, and opportunity.
A reflection often attributed to Alphonsus captures this spirit in a way that resonates beyond religious boundaries:
“People change more through love than through fear.”
Saint Alphonsus became widely admired because he reminded people of their value and their potential. Throughout his life, he suffered from an extreme case of arthritis that left him physically bent forward and unable to lift his head above his chest. Despite intense pain and limitation, he continued to write, teach, and guide others, reinforcing his belief that dignity is not dependent on strength, success, or perfection.
On August 1, people around the world commemorate Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s feast day through cultural and religious observances such as processions, novenas, and community gatherings, reflecting the global reach and lasting influence of his life and teachings.
While Saint Alphonsus Liguori is a Catholic saint, Liguori Academy is not affiliated with any religious denomination. We do not provide religious instruction or require adherence to any faith tradition. Instead, we follow in the footsteps of Saint Alphonsus Liguori by drawing inspiration from his values, his approach to education, and his unwavering belief in the dignity and potential of every person.
Characteristics of a Liguorian Education
Based on the life, teachings, and charism of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, a Liguorian Education embodies characteristics that are distinctly unique to Liguori Academy and guide how our faculty and staff teach with intention.
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The foundational principle of a Liguorian Education, it is what builds and motivates all members of the community to know that they are loved regardless of imperfection and provides one with boundless opportunities.
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Recognizing that all human beings possess a special value intrinsic to their humanity and as such are worthy of respect simply because they are human beings.
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The focus of meeting students at a promise and providing them with opportunities for individualized success.
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The ability to successfully adapt to the ever-changing world and day to day adversities that face members of our community so they can emerge stronger and ready to embrace boundless opportunities.
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Enriching one’s life by recognizing another who is in need so that the Liguori Community can flourish and provide an environment that is rooted in the characteristics of a Liguorian Education.
Our Mission
Inspired by the life of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, our mission is to prepare our future leaders through individualized learning, in a community that offers boundless opportunities.
Our Vision
Liguori Academy offers a transformative experience based on boundless love that ensures every graduate is prepared for postsecondary success, in order to have an accomplished and meaningful life.
Core Values
AMBITION
We promote the practice of goal setting to drive student success and provide a sense of direction to motivate students to reach their finish line.
CURIOSITY
We encourage our students to be inquisitive and question topics, explore areas of interest, and challenge ideas to foster a desire for lifelong learning.
INDIVIDUALITY
We believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to education and tailor our curriculum by embracing each students' unique needs and strengths.
INTEGRITY
We value the practice of being honest, and the ability to make decisions in a way that is compassionate, equitable and responsible.
RESILIENCE
We value a students’ ability to overcome and empower our students to view setbacks and barriers as opportunities for growth as opposed to a reason to give up.
COMMUNITY
We celebrate the unique individuality of each student within a supportive and inclusive community that values collaboration, empathy, and respect, empowering students to excel both independently and collectively.