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Dr. Paul Harrington
Partner & Strategic Partner
Dr. Paul Harrington is a mission-centered Catholic school leader with a lifelong commitment to faith-based education and organizational excellence. A graduate of Fairfield University (B.S., Biology & Economics), his vocation was shaped by a mission trip to Duran, Ecuador and early service as a volunteer teacher and vice principal at Nativity School in South Los Angeles, sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
He continued his Jesuit formation while earning an M.A. in School Administration from Loyola Marymount University and later completed his Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from the University of Southern California while teaching and directing admissions and financial aid.
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Before joining Pope Francis Preparatory School, Dr. Harrington served at Bishop Garcia Diego High School in Santa Barbara, California—first as Vice Principal and Dean of Studies, and later as Head of School—leading academic growth, community engagement, and institutional development.
Since arriving at Pope Francis Prep in 2017, he has guided the school through a period of extraordinary growth and financial strength: 40% enrollment growth, annual giving increasing by 229% to over $1 million, donors rising by 180%, and the endowment doubling from $9 million to $18 million. The annual operating budget grew from $5 million to $7.25 million, while starting teacher salaries rose 46%—all achieved alongside facility expansion and continued mission-centered excellence.
Dr. Harrington also serves on the boards of St. Mary’s Academy and the Western Massachusetts Catholic Foundation. A seasoned strategist and servant leader, he brings to ACELA deep expertise in governance, advancement, enrollment management, fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and operational vitality, helping Catholic schools thrive in both mission and sustainability.
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