Nazareth Prep taps former Vincentian Academy principal as new head of school

Nazareth Prep, a Catholic high school in Emsworth, named Rita Canton as executive director and head of school. According to a news release from the school, Canton brings more than 20 years of teaching and school leadership to her new role.

Canton spent four years as principal and head of school at Vincentian Academy, and prior to that, six years as principal at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy, which she helped to open in 2010. Canton has 15 years of elementary and secondary teaching experience, having worked as a mathematics teacher and campus minister at North Catholic High School.

Canton has a master’s degree in science education and secondary mathematics certification from Chatham University, a master of theology degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and a certification in educational administration from the University of Scranton. Her studies in pastoral theology at Xavier University focused on Black spirituality and social justice issues such as ethnic and racial disparities in education, racism, gender equality, classism and poverty in light of faith and the teachings of the Catholic church.

“I am blessed to join Nazareth Prep, a school whose commitment to social justice and to cultivating the whole student – academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually – aligns with my own,” said Canton.