Edward Bernot, President, Saint John Paul II Academy

Edward Bernot, president of Saint John Paul II Academy, spoke with Invest: about the school’s college preparatory mission. “We help students discover their unique strengths and natural talents, while equipping them with the training they need to confidently pursue the next level of their education and career journey,” said Bernot.

What changes over the past year have had the biggest impact on Saint John Paul II Academy, and in what ways?

At Saint John Paul II Academy, we embrace three guiding principles: respect, responsibility, and rigor. As a co-educational Catholic high school serving students in grades 9–12, we are proud to be part of the Lasallian tradition, rooted in the mission of the Brothers of the Christian Schools—an international religious community present in 80 countries.

We are one of 54 Lasallian high schools in the United States. In Florida, expanded access to educational funding has made it possible for more families to choose a Catholic education, and we have welcomed steady growth in our enrollment as a result. This growth affirms the strength of our mission and the enduring value of a faith-based, student-centered approach. We remain committed to continuous improvement, always striving to serve our students and community even more effectively.

What is your overview of the education landscape in Palm Beach and South Florida at the moment?

As I begin my tenth year at the Academy, I’ve witnessed tremendous change in the educational landscape. Families today have more options than ever before, and we see this as an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen our mission. At Saint John Paul II Academy, we are committed to preparing young people not just for college, but for purposeful lives grounded in faith, service, and excellence.

As part of our strategic vision, we are equipping students from the moment they enter ninth grade with the tools to explore their interests and gifts. Through comprehensive career assessments and personal inventories, students gain a deeper understanding of their natural strengths and potential career paths. While we remain a proud college preparatory school, we also recognize that the world of work is evolving, and we are committed to preparing our students for the full range of post-secondary opportunities.

The emergence of AI is one of the many ways the future of education is changing. We are embracing its benefits while also teaching students how to engage with this technology ethically and responsibly. Our mission is to help students grow into thoughtful, well-prepared leaders for tomorrow’s world—academically, professionally, and spiritually.

What should be the value proposition of high school education today?

In today’s dynamic educational landscape, families are seeking schools that offer both excellence and value. At Saint John Paul II Academy, we provide a high-quality, college preparatory education that remains accessible and mission-driven. What truly sets us apart is our holistic approach to student formation.

As a Catholic and Lasallian school, we are deeply committed to nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. While not every family may initially prioritize the spiritual dimension of our program, our graduate surveys consistently reveal that many students come to value this aspect most. The unexpected spiritual growth they experience becomes a meaningful part of their journey and a lasting impact of their time at the Academy.

As a faith-based institution, how do you instill Catholic values among your students, and how does it prepare them to become well-rounded individuals?

Our holistic approach to education is woven into every aspect of school life. Each class begins with prayer, fostering a daily awareness of God’s presence and encouraging students to see their learning through the lens of faith. Our theology curriculum spans all four years, with credits that hold equal weight to those in other academic disciplines—affirming our commitment to intellectual and spiritual formation.

Beyond the classroom, our students live out their faith through meaningful service. Each student is required to complete 25 hours of service annually, but many go well beyond that. Last year, one of our graduates logged over 1,000 hours of service—a powerful testament to the generosity and commitment we see growing in our students each year.

How are you constructing and updating your curriculum to align with changing student needs?

Each year, we thoughtfully review our curriculum to ensure it remains relevant, rigorous, and aligned with the evolving needs of our students. Through our counseling department, we maintain an ongoing dialogue with college representatives and other educational partners to understand the skills and courses that best prepare students for success in higher education and beyond.

While we remain mindful of offerings at other local schools, our priority is to provide programs that reflect both our mission and the demands of a changing world. For example, robotics is currently offered as an extracurricular activity, and we are actively working to integrate it into our academic curriculum. By listening to outside experts and adapting strategically, we ensure that our college preparatory program continues to meet the expectations of today’s colleges and universities—while staying rooted in our Catholic, Lasallian identity.

How is Saint John Paul II Academy attracting new students to drive growth?

Over the past decade, our enrollment has nearly doubled—a reflection of sustained growth through several key phases, especially in the years following COVID. During that time, our enrollment consistently increased by nearly 50 students annually, a testament to the strength of our community and the value of our educational model.

As one of three Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Palm Beach, we responded to the challenges of the pandemic with resilience and adaptability, maintaining continuity of learning and support with minimal disruption. That experience affirmed our commitment to putting students first, and it did not go unnoticed. Our reputation has grown steadily, and more families are discovering that something truly special is happening here at Saint John Paul II Academy.

How is Saint John Paul II Academy leveraging technology in preparing students for the future academic environment and workforce?

Over the past two years, the rapid emergence of new technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—has prompted understandable concern within traditional educational settings. Yet at Saint John Paul II Academy, that initial uncertainty has begun to give way to curiosity and openness. Our educators are increasingly exploring how to integrate AI and other innovations responsibly, always with the goal of preserving the integrity and rigor of our academic program.

It is our goal to develop a clear and consistent protocol for the use of AI while preparing students for a world where these tools will be part of their reality. This summer, we welcomed our new principal, Mrs. Carissa Karakaedos, whose extensive experience in secondary education will provide exceptional leadership as we continue to shape standards that reflect both innovation and our enduring educational mission.

What are the primary challenges facing the education industry, and how is Saint John Paul II Academy working to address these challenges?

With an increasing number of educational options—including non-traditional models—families today have both the freedom and the financial means to explore a wide range of schools. In this environment, it’s essential that we offer a compelling educational experience while remaining true to who we are. Our identity as a traditional, Catholic, Lasallian college preparatory school defines our mission. We are not trying to mirror what others are doing—we aim to offer something distinct, rooted in faith, academic excellence, and whole-person formation.

One of our greatest strengths has been faculty and staff retention. We are deeply committed to supporting our employees—both through a competitive salary structure and by fostering a healthy work-life balance. With just 80 employees, we truly function as a family, and we prioritize a work culture built on respect, support, and shared mission.

At the same time, we remain attentive to the evolving needs of our students, particularly in the area of mental health. We recognize that a young person’s well-being is shaped by many influences, and we are committed to partnering with families to provide support, resources, and understanding. Nurturing the mind, heart, and spirit of each student is central to the work we do every day.

What is your outlook for your school over the next two to three years?

This year marks the launch of the De La Salle Scholars Program, an exciting new initiative designed for sophomores who exhibit strong academic promise and a desire to grow as lifelong learners. In addition to their core coursework, these students will engage in the AP Seminar and AP Capstone programs during their junior and senior years. Through this advanced academic track, scholars will complete a comprehensive Capstone project in a field of personal interest, guided by a community mentor with real-world expertise.

Athletics also play a vital role in the holistic formation of our students. Our teams foster discipline, leadership, and school spirit—values that extend far beyond the playing field. To support the continued growth of our athletic program, we are in the early stages of a capital campaign to build a new artificial turf field and a modern athletic field house, ensuring that our facilities reflect the excellence we strive for in all areas of student life.