St. Anthony Catholic School

Jenna McIntosh

Jenna McIntosh is a seasoned education leader with experience in advancing student-centered learning and school leadership at St. Anthony Catholic School. She began her journey as a middle school math teacher, bringing firsthand classroom experience before transitioning into leadership roles. Since becoming the principal of St. Anthony in 2022, McIntosh has established herself as a trusted voice in fostering academic excellence, faith-based leadership and community engagement.

A respected educator and mentor, McIntosh shares perspectives shaped by her classroom experience, influential principals and a deep commitment to Catholic education.

The Transition from Teaching to School Leadership

McIntosh’s journey at St. Anthony began in December 2014, at a time when she was exploring opportunities beyond the classroom while pursuing a master’s degree in organizational learning and leadership. When the school reached out, she accepted it as a short-term arrangement. However, then-principal Terry Maus became an important mentor who encouraged her to stay. Within a year, St. Anthony had reignited her passion for education and deepened her commitment to Catholic schooling.

Following this period, McIntosh served as STREAM coordinator and curriculum coordinator. In 2017, the school became the first in the Archdiocese of Miami to earn STREAM certification, integrating science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math into a balanced curriculum. She collaborated closely with the principal to achieve this accreditation.

"World-class school leadership begins with seeing every teacher and student as a complete individual and caring for them deeply."

McIntosh then transitioned to assistant principal under Brenda Cummings’s mentorship. She contributed to St. Anthony’s recognition as an Apple Distinguished School, a distinction it continues to maintain. Upon Cummings’s departure to the Archdiocese of Miami in 2022, McIntosh assumed the role of principal.

Leading Broward County’s oldest Catholic school carries profound responsibility. The journey has strengthened McIntosh’s faith and reinforced her belief that leadership in Catholic education is both a calling and a stewardship. She continues to draw inspiration from Elaine Patterson, St. Anthony’s first lay principal, whose legacy of faith, academic rigor and community-building guides her leadership to this day.

Building a Supportive and Motivating Culture

McIntosh’s leadership is grounded in faith, integrity, and collaboration. She leads with transparency and consistency, ensuring compassion and care for both teachers and students. Her belief that teachers who feel supported and trusted are empowered to grow translates directly into classroom excellence, where students benefit from the same nurturing environment.

Faith remains central to St. Anthony’s identity, guiding service, community engagement and academic achievement. All students gain admission to their high school of choice, with many earning scholarships. Respect and kindness underpin every interaction, shaping a culture of mutual support and shared purpose.

Collaboration is a defining strength of the school’s environment. Through shared leadership with the assistant principal, teachers work across teams and disciplines, engaging in cross-curricular and project-based learning. This collaborative culture enhances both teaching quality and student outcomes.

The sense of community at St. Anthony ensures that every member contributes meaningfully to the school’s mission. Grounded in innovation, service and faith, this mission informs leadership practices, instructional approaches, and the overall student learning experience.

Unwavering Commitment to Excellence in Teaching and Student Safety

Teaching excellence forms the foundation of St. Anthony Catholic School. Its educators are among the most talented in Broward County and beyond, supported by a high retention rate that ensures continuity and sustainable growth. Instruction remains student-centered and data-informed, upholding the highest standards of quality.

Teachers benefit from structured support systems, including curriculum specialists and weekly professional learning communities. These frameworks foster collaboration across grade levels, refinement of instructional strategies, and ongoing professional growth through coaching and observation. Continuous improvement defines the school’s culture, with educators consistently seeking ways to elevate their practice each year.

A secure environment is also essential for learning. In partnership with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, St. Anthony has implemented comprehensive safety measures—including ninety-six new security cameras—reflecting proactive planning and preparedness.

This solid foundation ensures that students are cared for, learning continues uninterrupted and the school community remains secure and resilient, even in times of crisis.

Nurturing the Whole Child through Faith and Learning Support

At St. Anthony, student well-being begins with meaningful relationships. Social-emotional learning is embedded within the curriculum, complemented by teacher-led community circles that offer students safe spaces to connect and be heard. These practices ensure students are supported not only as learners but as individuals with unique needs.

Daily interactions further reinforce belonging. Consistent communication with families allows educators to identify when additional support is needed, creating a seamless partnership between school and home that safeguards student well-being.

McIntosh emphasizes that world-class school leadership balances academic rigor with an understanding of the whole child. Effective leaders prioritize social-emotional growth, faith and kindness, fostering environments where students thrive both academically and personally.

Academic excellence at St. Anthony is integrated with human-centered skills such as critical thinking and collaboration, alongside STREAM initiatives and faith-based development. A strong curriculum, collaborative teacher planning, professional learning communities and extracurricular programs cultivate well-rounded students.

The school’s robotics team, for instance, competes at high-school level competitions, having secured first place regionally and advanced to the state level. Graduates consistently leave St. Anthony prepared for high school and beyond, and are recognized for their academic strength, leadership and character. These outcomes reflect the lasting impact of an educational model that unites faith and excellence for whole-child development.

Turning Leadership Insights into Operational Impact

For McIntosh, effective leadership begins with supporting teachers, who serve on the front lines of education. Recognizing educators as individuals with responsibilities beyond the classroom is essential to creating a culture where they feel valued and trusted.

Equally important is modeling authenticity and self-care. She believes that leadership influence is built on integrity, consistency, and transparency. The most successful leaders, she notes, guide change through both compassion and evidence, cultivating collaboration and community. When teachers feel empowered and respected, they bring their best selves to their students.

By building relationships, fostering trust, and balancing empathy with accountability, McIntosh continues to demonstrate how education leaders can create a sustainable impact that resonates across classrooms and throughout the wider community.