Atlantic Collegiate Academy

Dr. Patrick S. Hartnett joined Atlantic Collegiate Academy as the new principal for the 2026-27 school year, 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 joined ACA from Yarmouth High School in Maine, where he served as principal since 2022. Under his leadership, the school 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 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."

Dr. Hartnett received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Maine in 1993. He went on to receive a master's in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine in 2004 and a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Educational Leadership from the same school in 2016.

Dr. Hartnett has multiple publications and presentations, including:

• His Dissertation: Principal Leadership in Improving Rural High Schools in Maine, 2015
• Maine's State-wide Collaboration for Homeless Children, NAEHCY Conference in Orlando, FL in 2016.
• Collaborative Conversations Linking Evaluation and Teacher Learning at Learning Forward Annual Conference, in Washington, DC in 2015.
• Expanding Advanced Placement at College Board Equity Forum in Atlanta in 2008.

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