Principal Francesca Cerabino is new to the St. James Regional Catholic Elementary School this school year. She joined our school community as principal this past fall. 

Principal Cerabino was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She attended Catholic elementary school from 5th to 8th grade, and continued a Catholic education and an all-girls Catholic high school. She received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Brooklyn College, as well as a M.A. in Applied Educational Psychology: Reading Specialist from Teachers College, Columbia University. 

This is her first year as the principal of a school. She previously served 16 years an educator: classroom teacher, reading teacher, literacy coach, mentor, supervisor and manager. 

Principal Cerabino would best describe herself as goal-oriented, dedicated and compassionate. These traits fall in line with her key values as an educator, which she states are, “that literacy is a right of all children; as educators we must ensure we provide academic experiences for our students that are rigorous, relevant, and help them build relationships while making real-world connections; that we all lead by example; and that fostering relationships with students, teachers, families and community members are a necessary building block for the growth and sustainability of a school.”

In her personal time, Principal Cerabino watches her favorite show Chopped on the Food Network. She hopes one day to travel to Spain.

Her favorite thing about St. James are the students.

“When they arrive each morning and I see their smiling faces, they reignite my why.”