Welcome from Regional Director

Kate Brandley
Kate Brandley Regional Director

C.A.G.S.  Educational Leadership, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth

M.Ed., Guidance and Counseling, Providence College
BA, Psychology, College of the Holy Cross

Kate Brandley has served as Regional Director of Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy (SJPIICA) since July of 2016. The promotion was a recognition of her excellent work as the principal of the Neponset Campus of the Academy from 2006 to 2016.  Kate has spent her entire career in Catholic education. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at College of the Holy Cross, she received her Master of Education in guidance and counseling from Providence College.  She received her principal licensure from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth.  Kate is also a graduate of the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College. Kate’s experience prior to SJPIICA includes serving as vice principal of student life, guidance counselor and director of admissions at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, MA.

Welcome to our pursuit of excellence.

Here at Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, our students are known, loved and called to excellence each day. With three campuses, 78 teachers, and an abundance of support staff, our scholars are surrounded by a supportive team to help them achieve their personal and educational goals. We are an educational institution, but we are also a tight knit family.

Our students become leaders with faith and values just like the staff who surround them. During weekly masses, students are encouraged by parish priests to ask questions and explore ways live out their faith. They sing Christmas Carols to patients at the local hospital, food for church pantries, letters to soldiers over seas, quilt blankets for the homeless and create fairy doors to encourage the community to explore their own neighborhoods. And it is always a treat to see an eighth grade scholar read to one of our preschool students or help a first grade student with a math problem.

Students from age 2.9 to grade 8 are met with outstanding academic opportunities delivered by caring and well trained staff. Did you know 93% of our early childhood students tested at or above proficiency in kindergarten? In the classroom, lessons are age specific and designed to meet the students needs where they are while they are on the path to where we all want them to be. Our teachers are certified and receive ongoing professional development. We have nurses, guidance counselors and tutors at each campus to support all students and staff. Our students succeed — 100% of our students move on to the private, catholic or exam school of their choice.

At the academy, students thrive in a safe and diverse community. When you visit our kindergarten classroom, do not be surprised when a four year old child tells you all about the work of Ruby Bridges. You will also often find local police and fire officials in our classrooms educating students about their own safety. Our three campuses area supported by the resources of partnerships of the Academy – which set them apart from other private and public schools in the area.

In my 4th year as Regional Director, I could not be more proud of the work of my staff and the success of our students. If you are currently a member of our Academy family, thank you. We are so honored you chose us to educate your child. If you are looking for the perfect place for your child to learn and grow, look no further, and visit us today for a tour.

God Bless,


Catherine Brandley
Regional Director
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy