About Saint Peter Catholic School
St. Peter Catholic School is seeking a dynamic, faith-filled Principal to lead its vibrant, Christ-centered community beginning July 2026, with potential for an earlier start. Rooted in the Catholic tradition and the mission of the Diocese of Orlando, St. Peter forms disciples through rigorous academics, daily lived faith, and a warm community of students, families, faculty, staff, and parish.
Located in historic DeLand, Florida, St. Peter offers VPK (4-year-old) and K–8 programs that integrate Catholic faith and virtue with strong core academics, technology, arts, and student life. The school’s mission is to “form disciples, rooted in the teachings of the Catholic faith, through a curriculum of academic excellence within a safe and caring environment.”
Students grow through rich sacramental life and traditions (e.g., Reconciliation, All Saints Day, Living Rosary, Stations of the Cross), robust service opportunities, and a supportive culture that values character and leadership.
At a Glance
- Grades: VPK (4-year-old) and K–8.
- Catholic Identity: Parish-connected school with active liturgical life, devotions, and faith formation across the curriculum.
- Academics: Recent TerraNova average at the 66th percentile (above national NP50); Honors Program participation in middle school.
- Student Life: 14+ clubs and organizations including Student Council, NJHS, STEM, Drama, Music, Art, and more.
- Athletics: 14 sports teams in soccer, volleyball, track, and flag football (with recent county championship in Girls Varsity Volleyball).
- Service: Students completed 850+ volunteer hours through initiatives like drives, tutoring, and outreach.
- High School Pathway: Close connection with Father Lopez Catholic High School in the Diocese of Orlando.
To learn more about the school, visit the St. Peter Catholic School website.
The Opportunity
The next Principal will serve as the school’s instructional and spiritual leader, advancing Catholic identity, nurturing a joyful culture of belonging, and championing academic excellence. In collaboration with the Pastor, parish leadership, faculty, staff, and families, the Principal will form students spiritually, intellectually, and morally—while stewarding resources and planning for strategic growth.
Grounded in the Diocese of Orlando’s four core values—Authenticity, Respect, Courage, and Commitment—the Principal leads a program that promotes Catholic faith formation and education, ethical decision-making, social justice, and Catholic leadership. Key areas of impact include:
- Catholic Identity: Model Gospel living; integrate faith across the curriculum; strengthen sacramental life and the parish–school relationship.
- Educational Leadership: Lead a rigorous, values-infused curriculum; champion data-informed improvement and research-based practices; ensure 21st-century learning tools are effectively used; direct guidance and student discipline with care.
- Faculty Growth & Supervision: Recruit mission-aligned educators; provide ongoing coaching and evaluation; promote professional formation and catechetical development.
- Operational & Financial Stewardship: Oversee budgeting and fiscal health; manage facilities and safety; ensure efficient operations, records, and scheduling aligned to mission priorities.
- Community Engagement: Build strong, transparent communication with parents; foster positive teacher–family relationships; welcome visitors and partners as ambassadors of the mission.
The ideal candidate will be a practicing Catholic and mission-driven leader who joyfully models the faith and partners closely with the Pastor to integrate Catholic identity throughout the school. With demonstrated experience in curriculum design, instruction, and assessment, the next Principal will inspire academic excellence and use data to support continuous improvement. This individual will be an effective communicator and relationship builder, fostering collaboration among faculty, parents, students, and parish partners. A prudent and strategic steward of resources, the Principal will ensure operational efficiency, manage tuition-dependent finances responsibly, and promote a safe and nurturing environment that reflects Gospel values and the mission of St. Peter Catholic School.
While the search prospectus is being created, interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to Shana Rossi.
The search committee is on a fast-track to identify and secure the next Principal. All inquiries and applications will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality and with the greatest respect. Candidates are expected to be available to assume the responsibilities of the position in July 2025 or sooner.
