The following account is an abridged history of Aquinas Academy, formerly Saint Philomena School. The name Saint Philomena School was changed to Saint Philomena Academy in 1982 and changed again in 1987 to Aquinas Academy, in honor of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Dominican scholar, philosopher and patron of Catholic schools. Our name reflects the love of truth and the pursuit of knowledge espoused by Saint Thomas.

In 1949, the pastor was advised to build a school for the education of present and future generations of young Catholics. Saint Philomena School opened its doors in 1952 to its first pupils. The setting of the original parish was in the old stone building, which was formerly the Orange Rest Home.

In cooperation with the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, six grades of the school were opened to parish children in the remodeled rest home. There were 274 students enrolled in the initial 1952 semester. Sister Dorette, who was appointed the first principal, served from 1952 to 1956. In 1954, a convent was added to the parish compound.

Sister Mary Dorothy, OP, a school administrator whose reputation was well known and respected, became principal of Saint Philomena School in 1963. Sister Mary Agnes Sullivan, OP, who succeeded Sister Mary Dorothy as principal, was responsible for many of the changes that now exist in the present school structure.

In 1975, Sister Mary John Kearney, OP, was appointed principal of Saint Philomena School. She was responsible for initiating the state-certified preschool for children aged three and four years old. The Archdiocesan Self-Evaluation was undertaken by Sister Mary John and the faculty.

In 1973, Reverend Edward Kavin was appointed administrator of Saint Philomena Parish. He held this position until 1975 when Monsignor William J. Daly was made pastor. A former Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, Monsignor Daly also held the position of Vicar of Education in the Archdiocese.

During the academic year 1980-1981, Sister Patricia Brennan, OP, assumed the administrative leadership of Saint Philomena School. As principal, Sister Patricia instituted the following programs: Day Care, Aftercare and Gifted and Talented. A guidance counselor was also added to the faculty. Efforts continued in the areas of physical plant improvements, academic excellence and enrollment.

In 1981, Sister Lena Picillo, OP, was appointed principal. As principal, Sister Lena was responsible for expanding the following programs: Aftercare, Day Care, and full-day Kindergarten.

In 1987, Sister Patricia Tavis, OP, assumed the responsibilities of principal when Sister Lena was appointed principal of Saint Catherine School in Spring Lake, New Jersey. Sister Patricia initiated a before-care program and offered childcare services during the Parent Guild meetings. In 1989, Aquinas Academy began the initial Middle States Self-Study and was awarded its Certification of Accreditation in April 1992.

In 2006, Sister Lena Picillo, OP, returned to become principal of Aquinas Academy. She began many programs such as the Builders' Club and Principal's Council. She also successfully enhanced the school's technology program. In 2011, Monsignor Kevin Hanbury, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese, was named the administrator, and in July 2012, Monsignor Thomas P. Nydegger was named the parish's ninth pastor.

On September 24, 2013, Aquinas Academy was recognized by the United States Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. According to the United States Department of Education, this award "affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon School flag gracing an entry or flying overhead is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning." (Blue Ribbon Schools Program)

In October 2014, Monsignor Robert Fuhrman became the parish's tenth pastor when Monsignor Nydegger was named Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese.

In July 2020, Ms. Eileen O'Neill was appointed principal.  As the only Catholic elementary school in Livingston, the Academy continues to blend traditional and innovative learning and assist each student in developing his or her fullest potential in an environment that fosters the growth of the whole child.