President's Welcome
-
Welcome to John Paul II Catholic School
About Me: I am a graduate of Providence College with a B.A. in Secondary Education and an M.A. in Educational Leadership. I furthered my studies through a Ph.D. program in Leadership in Schooling at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA., completing all but the dissertation. Prior to coming to John Paul II Catholic School, I spent 15 years as a middle/high school history teacher, assistant principal and coach, 11 years as a principal across three high schools, and finished my career as a school superintendent for eight years in two Massachusetts districts. My leadership positions included serving five years as the principal of Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington, VT, a diocesan Catholic school of approximately 500 students. I retired, or so I thought, to Beaufort in 2017, but God had other plans for me.
Why JPII: While retired, I was looking for a way to use my educational leadership experience in giving back to my new community. I was not necessarily looking for employment, however, through the power of prayer, I was led to JPII. I began my “second career” in July of 2019 and promised to lead the school through at least the next five years as it emerges as the premier school of choice for families of the Lowcountry seeking an exceptional educational experience in a faith-based school environment.
What I Love About JPII: It’s an amazing school culture, where students accept and support one another, where faculty challenge and care deeply about each of their students, and where our parents and supporters sacrifice to make this all happen. In many ways, it is a traditional Catholic school environment – being servants of Christ, demanding in academics and personal responsibility - but it is not your ordinary school experience. For those who get to experience this JPII community, your life will be forever changed. I know mine has been.
Mr. John McCarthy, President
- john.mccarthy@johnpaul2school.org
- Phone: (843) 645-3838
JPII Mission Statement
John Paul II Catholic School educates students of all faiths in a caring, Christ-centered environment. We prepare students to be scholars with a soul in accordance with the traditions of the Catholic faith and through the intentional commitment to our core values of service, high expectations, innovation, excellence, leadership, and discipleship.