Conway, SC – Atlantic Collegiate Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Patrick S. Hartnett as its new principal, bringing with him more than two decades of distinguished leadership in education, a deep commitment to student-centered learning, and a proven record of building high-performing school communities.
 
Dr. Hartnett joins ACA from Yarmouth High School in Maine, where he has served as principal since 2022. Under his leadership, the school has remained one of the state's top-performing public high schools, marked by strong academic achievement, a culture of continuous improvement, and a commitment to both excellence and belonging. At Yarmouth, he led a 550-student, 60-faculty school, overseeing all aspects of instruction, staff development, scheduling, and budgeting while fostering a collaborative and high-expectation environment.
 
Throughout his career, Dr. Hartnett has demonstrated a passion for innovation and preparing students for success beyond high school—values that closely align with Atlantic Collegiate Academy's mission. He has championed expanded dual-enrollment opportunities, strengthened college- and career-readiness pathways, and cultivated meaningful partnerships between schools and their communities.
 
"I was particularly drawn to Atlantic Collegiate Academy because of its innovative model, commitment to personalized learning, and focus on preparing students for success beyond high school," Dr. Hartnett shared. "I value environments where students are challenged, supported, and empowered to shape their own pathways."
 
Prior to his time at Yarmouth, Dr. Hartnett served as Assistant Superintendent in the Oxford Hills School District, where he was part of an executive leadership team overseeing a 3,400-student district. In that role, he provided leadership coaching for principals, coordinated the recruitment and development of more than 600 staff members, and played a key role in strategic planning, budgeting, and district-wide initiatives.
 
He also brings extensive experience as a high school principal, having led Leavitt High School from 2004 to 2010. There, he implemented a Professional Learning Community model to strengthen collaboration, expanded Advanced Placement offerings, and worked to increase access to rigorous coursework for all students. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant principal in the same district, building a strong foundation in instructional leadership and student support.
 
In addition to his K-12 leadership roles, Dr. Hartnett has contributed to higher education as an Assistant Professor in the Educational Leadership Department at the University of Southern Maine, where he taught graduate-level courses in curriculum development, leadership, organizational behavior, and supervision.
 
Dr. Hartnett holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine, along with a master's degree in educational leadership and a bachelor's degree in political science. His professional accomplishments include being named Maine Principal of the Year in 2009, as well as presenting at national conferences on topics such as teacher evaluation, equity in advanced coursework, and collaborative school improvement.
 
Known for his relational leadership style, Dr. Hartnett emphasizes trust, collaboration, and strong connections with students, faculty, families, and community partners.
 
"Relationships are at the heart of my leadership," he said. "I work intentionally to create trust and ensure that the school environment is not only academically rigorous, but also connected and empowering for every student."
 
Atlantic Collegiate Academy looks forward to the leadership, vision, and experience Dr. Hartnett will bring as the school continues to grow and expand opportunities for its students.
 
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Patrick Hartnett to the ACA community.
 
About Atlantic Collegiate Academy: Atlantic Collegiate Academy (ACA), located in Conway, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while also earning up to two years of college credit. ACA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades. Learn more about ACA by visiting our website at AtlanticCollegiate.Academy and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X.