LOWER MERION — The Waldron Mercy Academy Board of Trustees has announced that Dr. Jacqueline P. Coccia, Ed.D. has been ratified by the Mercy Education Board of Directors and will serve as the school’s 12th Principal effective July 1, 2023.
Dr. Coccia has served as Head of School for Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, a co-ed independent Catholic high school in Pennsauken, New Jersey, since 2019. With a career start in elementary school teaching 25 years ago, Coccia served for six years as principal for two different PK-8 Catholic schools, including St. Denis in Havertown where she witnessed firsthand the Mercy spirit of hospitality and welcome.
Coccia then joined the Office of Catholic Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for four years where she supported over 120 schools, first as
Director of Elementary Education Services and later as Superintendent of Elementary Schools and Schools for Special Education. While completing her doctoral studies, Coccia served for five years as Principal of the middle school and high school divisions at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, an all-girls independent Catholic school in Villanova, Waldron Mercy said in a statement.
Coccia earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Drexel University, and also holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary & Early Childhood Education from Cabrini University. Her certifications include PA and NJ K-12 Principal and School Administration, in addition to PA Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
Led by Lambert and Associates and a school Principal Search Committee, an extensive search was conducted for the next Principal and identified a pool of highly qualified candidates. The Board of Trustees is grateful to many members of the Waldron Mercy community, who participated in the search process. In addition, the Board extends its thanks to the members of the Principal Search Committee and, in particular, co-chairs Sister Elizabeth Marley and Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, for their time and dedication to this important work.
“I am honored and delighted to be joining the Waldron Mercy Academy family during this exciting time as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of Mercy education,” said Coccia.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring that the Mercy qualities of welcome, hospitality, inclusivity, compassion, and service to those in need remain vibrant hallmarks of the Waldron Mercy Academy community,” she said.
Dr. Coccia’s strong foundation in PK-8 education and experience leading Catholic, mission-focused independent schools make her a wonderful fit for the role of Waldron Mercy’s Principal, the school said.
“The Board was particularly drawn to Jacqui’s personal philosophy on educational leadership which focuses on four pillars — promoting open and honest communication, being personally accountable to those served, cultivating collaborative relationships, and showing empathy and compassion in decision making. How beautifully this reflects the Mercy charism,” said Board Chair Joan Barone.
Coccia was born and raised in the Philadelphia area, where she attended St. Katharine of Siena School and Archbishop Carroll High School. She is grateful for the sacrifices her parents made to provide a quality Catholic education, and she wanted the same strong foundation for her daughter Emily, who attended St. Norbert School, Villa Maria Academy, and Georgetown University.
Coccia currently resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania, with her husband Chris and dog Larry, and she is a member of St. Norbert Parish. As a senior educational administrator who has dedicated her 25-year career to PK-12 Catholic education in parish, regional, and independent schools, Coccia was the ideal candidate to guide Waldron Mercy Academy into our next century of excellence. A devout Catholic and servant leader, Coccia looks forward to the opportunity to serve as Waldron Mercy’s next Principal and spiritual leader.
Coccia will succeed Ann Marie Braca, who has served as the Principal of Waldron Mercy Academy for 6 years. In advocating for the mission and vision of Waldron Mercy, Braca has worked faithfully and diligently during her time as principal, and the school thanks her for her dedication to the position and to our school. The Board is particularly appreciative for her work in several significant areas including achieving the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School award; formulating a strategic plan around upholding our Mercy Core Values; and increasing focus on cultural competency and diversity, equity and inclusion within the community. She also effectively steered the school through the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,
including the move to online learning and a safe return to in-person classes.
Waldron Mercy Academy is a Catholic, co-educational, private elementary school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Waldron has been recognized thrice as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information visit www.waldronmercy.org.
