“If you want to understand what boys need, you have to be where they are,” says the newly appointed Principal of Boston College High School Anthony Docanto, B.A. ’19 (Applied Psychology and Human Development), M.Ed. ’21 (Secondary Education).
Anthony Docanto
At BC High, an all-male, Jesuit, Catholic college-preparatory day school, Docanto spends his days in the hallways, cafeterias, and classrooms, making sure students feel recognized and encouraged. That work goes beyond academics: it means guiding young men as they navigate identity, relationships, and a rapidly changing world.
Drawing on his Jesuit education at both Nativity Preparatory School and BC High, Docanto’s approach focuses on cura personalis, or care for the whole person, a Jesuit value instilled in him during his time at the Lynch School. Now in a leadership role, he ensures that educators and administrators are upholding that same value, supporting boys academically, socially, and emotionally.
“Teaching is both a science and an art. Lynch [School] gives you the science: the learning theories, the research, the pedagogy. But it also helps you find your voice.”
Throughout his time at Boston College, he learned to connect theory and practice. Today, he focuses on creative applications. The field of education is continually evolving due to social media, artificial intelligence, and ongoing political and social change. These factors influence how students understand themselves and the world around them.
Docanto shared that “School isn’t just about academics. [Students] come in with their full context. We have a responsibility to acknowledge that and care for them accordingly.”
At an all-boys school, that responsibility includes helping students build emotional awareness alongside academic skills. The students are more engaged when they feel known and supported by the adults around them. Strong relationships improve learning, but for Docanto, the goal extends even further. His focus is on helping students grow into thoughtful, grounded young men.
Before stepping into an administrative role, Docanto taught Social Studies while pursuing his graduate studies at the Lynch School, where he applied classroom theories directly to his teaching. Docanto credits one course specifically, "Family, School, and Society," for deeply influencing how he views the power of students’ unique backgrounds and how they shape their learning experiences.
As an educator, Docanto tested the theories and pedagogies with his students. Now, as an administrator, he shares these refined teaching approaches with the community so they all can better meet his students’ needs. He makes time for his students throughout the school day, whether that means checking in between classes or supporting them at their extracurricular events. His goal is to be present and visible to students throughout the school day—a practice he sees as essential to the formation of young men.
As he continues to grow professionally, Docanto sees his role as helping students navigate the world, rather than shielding them from it. He emphasizes the intelligence of his students today and how he can play a role in their lives. “Our job is to help them clarify who they want to become and how they want to shape the world," he expressed.
“When I slow down and really listen to them—their questions, their ideas—that gives me hope.”
—Anthony Docanto
B.A. ’19, M.Ed. ’21
His unique approach and sense of purpose, influenced by his time at Boston College, continue to guide him. Today, his dedication extends beyond the responsibility of supporting boys’ emotional and academic development. Stepping into the role as Principal, his leadership is defined by an ongoing commitment to fostering relationships with his community.