Boston College High School Announces Anthony Docanto ’15 as New Principal
BOSTON, Mass. — President Grace Cotter Regan, P’12, President of Boston College High School today announced the appointment of Anthony Docanto ’15 as its next Principal. A proud alumnus, educator, coach, and administrator, Docanto will assume leadership of the school’s academic and student life programs at a pivotal and promising moment in BC High’s history.
Docanto, who currently serves as Vice Principal of Student Life, brings to the role a deep understanding of BC High’s mission and community, shaped by his experience as a student, teacher, Head of House, coach, and senior administrator. Throughout his time at BC High, he has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to Jesuit, Catholic education and to the school’s mission of forming young men of competence, conscience, and compassion.
“Anthony understands, at the deepest level, what makes a BC High education transformative,” said Grace Cotter Regan, P’12, President of Boston College High School. “He deeply believes in the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis — care for the whole person and he puts it into practice each day with his interactions with students. He knows that our goal is for every student to be known and loved, to engage in meaningful learning, to develop solid character, and to know God. Anthony’s experience, credibility, and love for this community make him exceptionally well prepared to guide BC High’s academic life and student formation into the future.”
Cotter Regan continued, “Throughout this process, we sought a principal who is collaborative, strategic, student-centered, pastoral, and present. We want that person to foster a positive culture while upholding BC High’s Jesuit, Catholic values and academic standards across all disciplines. Anthony embodies those qualities in every respect, and we are thrilled to welcome him into this role.”
As Principal, Docanto will oversee internal operations, academic matters, and student development, while serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet. He will lead the Principal’s Leadership Team and help advance BC High’s strategic vision to nurture and transform young men of diverse backgrounds into exceptional, reflective leaders of character, compassion, and spiritual and intellectual depth, committed to building a more just and inclusive world. Central to this work is his deep commitment to the faculty and to leading colleagues who are themselves profoundly dedicated to Jesuit values. By prioritizing an understanding of their needs, he is committed to ensuring he serves as a positive voice and a source of unwavering support for such a talented community of educators.
“Anthony Docanto is the kind of leader this moment calls for — deeply rooted in Ignatian spirituality, committed to academic excellence, and profoundly dedicated to the care and formation of our students,” said Paul Donato ’95, Chair of the Board of Trustees.
A member of the BC High faculty and leadership team since 2021, Docanto has served in several impactful roles, including Social Studies Teacher, Head of Pro House, and now Vice Principal of Student Life. In his current position, he oversees student experience, pastoral care, discipline, and formation for students in grades 7–12, while collaborating closely with counselors, academic leaders, and families to support the whole student. Earlier in his career, he taught at Nativity Preparatory School of Boston, another institution rooted in Jesuit values.
Docanto is a graduate of Boston College, where he earned both his bachelor’s degree and Master of Education from the Lynch School of Education. He is also completing his Doctor of Education at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, where his research explores technology in the classroom, including the appropriate and inappropriate use of AI in schools.
In accepting the appointment, Docanto reflected on the school that helped shape his own life and vocation.
“BC High changed my life, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy to serve this institution in a new way as Principal,” said Anthony Docanto ’15. “This community formed me as a student and has continued to form me in each role I’ve held. I love this school, I believe deeply in its mission, and I believe wholeheartedly in our boys. Every day, I have the privilege of seeing their talent, humor, resilience, and goodness up close. It is an incredible honor to walk with them, alongside our incredible faculty and staff, and committed families, as we help them grow into men of faith, purpose, and service. I am excited to lead with energy, humility, and love as we begin this next chapter together.”