ATLANTA—Holy Spirit Preparatory School has announced the appointment of Peter Schultz to the position of Lower School principal. He will begin July 1.

For the last 15 years, Schultz has served as principal in both private and public schools, most recently as principal of Sts. John and Paul School, a K-8 Catholic school in Larchmont, N.Y. While overseeing Sts. John and Paul, he nurtured the school’s Catholic identity, implemented curricular programs complementary to the classical model used by Holy Spirit Prep, developed and advanced programs congruent with the STEM curriculum, and spearheaded the school’s strategic planning and fundraising.

Schultz served previously as headmaster of St. John Academy, a pre-K-8 Catholic school in McLean, Va., where he established the school’s athletic program, increased enrollment and oversaw the integration of new technology. During his tenure the school earned the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award.

Over the course of his career as a committed Catholic educator, Schultz has demonstrated sensitivity and attention to the wide range of spiritual, curricular and operational needs of a Catholic elementary institution.

Holy Spirit Prep’s head of school, Kyle Pietrantonio, said, “Our interview team was impressed with what Peter has done as an educator and as a principal. He clearly demonstrates that he possesses the experience and talents to strengthen our outstanding elementary program and lead our Lower School into its next phase of development. It is evident that Peter’s deep love for the Catholic faith will be integral to his spiritual leadership as Lower School principal.”

Schultz said, “I am very excited to join the Holy Spirit Prep family as the next Lower School principal. My recent visit to HSP left me inspired and excited. I met teachers, staff members, parents, administrators and board members committed to HSP and to the authentic education of the whole child in mind, body, and spirit. I consider it a privilege and a blessing to be joining a school of excellence truly committed to the formation of the whole child.”

Peter Schultz

The current Lower School principal, Andrea Cruz, who next year will serve as HSP’s director of teaching and learning, added, “Peter’s many years of experience leading Catholic schools and his deep personal commitment to the faith are incredible gifts he brings to Holy Spirit Prep. I am excited about the future of the Lower School and the success of our students, knowing Peter will be at the helm.”

Schultz holds a certificate of advanced studies in administration from the State University of New York at Oswego, a master of science in education from the State University of New York at Cortland, and a bachelor of arts in political science from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y.

The second oldest of 13 children, Schultz grew up in a traditional, close-knit Catholic family in New York. No stranger to Georgia, he lived in Covington for two years while growing up, and one of his sisters currently serves the St. Catherine of Siena school community in Kennesaw as a Dominican sister. Peter and his wife, Kristen, are the parents of eight children, ranging in ages from five months to 15 years (six daughters and two sons), some of whom will join the Holy Spirit Prep community for the 2014-15 school year.