Princeton Day School’s Paul Stellato to retire in ’23
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Paul J. Stellato, head of school of Princeton Day School since 2008, will step down in June 2023 at the conclusion of his 15th year, the board of trustees announced.
During Stellato’s tenure, the school has enjoyed success on multiple fronts. Its enrollment, numbers of applicants and selectivity are at historic highs. Its commitment to need-based financial assistance has more than doubled, and its endowment has tripled, standing today at nearly $93 million.
“Paul’s leadership of Princeton Day School has been inspiring,” said Rebecca Bushnell ’70, chair of the board of trustees and former dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. “Spanning a period that began with the Great Recession of 2008 and running through the COVID-19 pandemic, Princeton Day School has flourished through his careful, thoughtful stewardship. Focused always on the quality of the student experience, Paul has fulfilled his commitment to them and to the school’s mission.”
“With a deep appreciation and love of our school, Paul has proved to be a visionary educator, expanding cross-divisional programs and leadership opportunities,” Bushnell said. “More than a decade ago, he committed significant resources to serve the social and emotional needs of the school’s students by creating and endowing a pre-k through 12th grade health and wellness program. With the founding of the Miss Fine’s Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, he sought to broaden the academic program and provide robust support for faculty professional development. And through a nationally-recognized sustainability program and the Betty Wold Johnson STEAM Initiative, the school engages its students in innovative and challenging ways at every level.”
In September 2020, the school opened the 30,000-square-foot, LEED-certified Princeton Day School Athletic Center, one of the key components of its $58.6 million Thrive! Campaign, the largest in the school’s history. Adding more than 106,000 square feet of new and enhanced facilities, the campaign provided significant support and new endowment for the academic program, faculty professional development, and need-based financial aid.
The board of trustees has engaged the firm of Spencer Stuart to conduct the search for Stellato’s replacement.
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