“Our faculty, staff and families are firmly committed to excellence, and I think that people are aware that St Pete Catholic is a school of excellence and a school of achievement,” said Bubolz explaining the positive enrollment trends at his school. 

During his tenure, the school community has worked together to enhance academics, athletics, and spirituality, according to Bubolz. For example, the school has a 100% pass rate for its Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma Program.

The school’s approach to excellence has earned them public accolades. For example, the Tampa Bay Times has awarded St. Petersburg Catholic High School its top award in their “Best of the Best” competition. For the last three years in a row, St. Petersburg Catholic High School has been named the top private high school in the Tampa Bay area. 

St. Petersburg Catholic High School was also recently recognized as an Advanced Placement Gold School, which means they are one of the top scoring schools in Pinellas County, public or private. They have recently started offering more AP courses and provided more opportunities for teacher development. 

“We've poured a lot of intentional funds and professional development into the AP program,” said Bubolz.

The school was also recently named a Project Lead the Way Distinguished High School, a national recognition for schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to STEM education.

When it comes to developing students spiritually, St. Petersburg Catholic High School is blessed to have a full-time Chaplain, Father Ralph D’Elia and a full-time Campus Minister, Hannah Wiand. 

“I think what attracts a lot of families is that we offer daily Mass, frequent confessions, and monthly Adoration,” said Bubolz. 

The school has a strong Catholic identity and incorporates faith into all aspects of student life, including athletics.  They recently started a Team Chaplain program that empowers student leaders to support players through faith development.

“This is another student leadership opportunity for them to grow, not only in their own faith, but lead others to grow in faith,” said Keith Galley, who is starting his second year as principal. 

Galley has a daughter who attends St. Petersburg Catholic High School. He knew the school would be a perfect fit for his daughter, even before he was appointed to serve as principal there. While touring the campus, it all felt right. 

“The campus environment was so welcoming. It felt like home. It felt like this is where she belonged,” said Galley. Forty-one percent of the school's faculty and staff are either alumni of the school, or parents of alumni.

Interesting to Note:

Keith Galley is married to Erin (Halloran) Galley, principal of St. Patrick Catholic School, Largo. They have served the Tampa Bay community for nearly 40 years (collectively) in Catholic education, and they both attended Catholic elementary and high schools in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. They are devoted to educating and inspiring students to use their talents and gifts to meet the challenges of today and the future.