Vincentian Academy

At Vincentian Academy, approximately 80 percent of all juniors and seniors took some IB courses.[6] Overall, 84 percent of all those students taking IB exams pass.

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.[8] 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.[8]

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.[8] 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.[8] 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.[8]

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, and it does not determine a president for the school as before. The split became effective on June 30, 2010.[7]

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 ten-year period. Academy principal Sister 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".[9] Duquesne University president Charles J. Dougherty likewise noted that "our partnership agreement for administrative services is concluding with a stronger Vincentian Academy".[9]

When the formal partnership ended, it was stated that some of the benefits that Duquesne University afforded to students, including use of the university's library and science facilities, would continue.[9]

On March 11, 2016, Vincentian Academy principal Edward Bernot resigned to become the principal of Saint John Paul II Academy in Boca Raton, Florida. His term ended on June 2, 2016. His successor as principal of Vincentian Academy was former elementary school principal Rita Canton.

On November 1, 2016 the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth announced that Vincentian Academy would not be running under the "president–principal model" as of that day. It was announced that John Fedko, who formerly served as president of the Academy, would 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 five years and the SCN and the family of Vincentian Academy thank him for his assistance in this part of Vincentian's time of change." John Fedko's term as President lasted from July 1, 2011 to November 1, 2016.