An Interview with Principal Pat Cortright, M.Ed of Divine Savior Academy in Sienna

Patrick Cortright has served as principal of Divine Savior Academy for two years.  Previously he was a principal in Spokane, WA, during which he earned his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Whitworth University.

Over the past 14 years in the education field, he has enjoyed nine of those years in the principal role. What he most loves about leading a school is the personal connection he can make with every student and school family, and the opportunity to share his passion for Christian education with the community.

Tell me a little bit about Divine Savior Academy. 

Divine Savior’s campus in Sienna serves students in preschool (three-and four-year-olds) through eighth grade. Our campus is known for its personalized attention, a loving supportive staff and teachers, and small student to teacher ratios. Our mission is to serve our students and their families with college-prep academics, a Christian environment, and supportive teachers in order to share Christ’s love with our community.

What’s special about Divine Savior Academy? 

I think DSA’s Philosophy of Education is what makes it a special place (watch it here on YouTube). My favorite line is, “We believe that every child should know the love of Christ. Sharing His love is the reason we exist.” This drives us as we prepare our kids for their next phase in life.

What kind of education can parents expect from DSA? 

Parents can expect a complete education, one that addresses the needs of the whole child. My two children attend Divine Savior Academy. Although I love the rigorous education that they receive, what’s most important to me as a parent is that it is a well-rounded education. My children are growing spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

I also believe that our school strikes the right balance of what children need. We teach our children to work independently, but also give them personalized guidance. We challenge them with rigorous academics but give them the space they need to be kids. And we give them boundaries, while also giving them the chance to explore.

What’s the school culture like at Divine Savior? 

I can boil that down into a few words: the Divine Savior Family. It takes a village to raise kids. We need people to lean on. Family and friends and teachers and administrators and pastors all help support the efforts we make every day to give our children everything they need to grow, succeed, and feel loved. This group exists at Divine Savior, and when we work together, our students not only feel loved, supported, and safe; they thrive.

What’s the history of Divine Savior-Sienna?

Divine Savior Academy operates a network of schools that serves students in preschool, elementary, middle, and high school on its four campuses in South Florida and Texas. DSA’s network is part of one of the largest private school systems in the United States, one that has operated highly-regarded schools for over 150 years.

Our school campus joined the Divine Savior family a year and a half ago, after previously operating independently for 5 years as Sienna Lutheran Academy. We did a complete renovation of the school in the summer of 2018 and added classrooms last summer. It’s a beautiful campus with a full-size gym.

How can I learn more about DSA? 

Come visit us at our school! One of the things I love to do is give tours to prospective families. I enjoy listening to parents’ questions and requests. At DSA, we are always looking for ways we can better serve our community.

You can also schedule a private tour online at DivineSaviorAcademy.com/SiennaPlantation, and our Admissions Coordinator, Kristen Cortright, would be happy to show you around as well.

Do you have any Open Houses coming up?

Yes! We have an Open House Experience coming up on Friday, November 8th, at 8:30 am. We would love for you to see our classrooms in action. Please RSVP online at www.DivineSaviorAcademy.com/SiennaOpenHouse