Mr. Michael Deely, Head of School

Michael Deely has served as Head of School at St. Pius X School since July 2022, bringing more than three decades of experience in Catholic education as a teacher, campus minister, coach, principal, and school leader.

Mr. Deely began his career at University of San Diego High School, where he served from 1994 to 2001. He became principal of St. Charles Borromeo Academy in 2001 before joining Cathedral Catholic High School in the Diocese of San Diego in 2006.

During his nine years at Cathedral Catholic, Mr. Deely led innovative academic and technology initiatives that helped the school earn recognition as an Apple Distinguished School. He also established dual-enrollment partnerships with the University of California San Diego, San Diego Mesa College, and Point Loma Nazarene University.

Before coming to St. Pius X, Mr. Deely served as Head of School at Pope John Paul II Preparatory School in Nashville, Tennessee. Under his leadership, the school expanded its academic offerings, strengthened its STEM programming, established a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, increased Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment opportunities, and introduced new courses in dance, media, marketing, and graphic design. Mr. Deely has also served as an international speaker and leadership trainer for the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has been recognized for his work integrating technology into education.

Leadership at St. Pius X

Under Mr. Deely’s leadership, St. Pius X has experienced significant growth while remaining firmly rooted in its Catholic identity and tradition of academic excellence.

Enrollment has grown from approximately 850 students during the 2024–2025 school year to 930 students in 2025–2026. St. Pius X welcomed approximately 1,030 students in Fall 2026, marking the school’s largest enrollment in more than 15 years.

A major part of that growth has been the establishment of the St. Pius X Middle School. The Middle School opened in 2023 with an inaugural eighth-grade class, expanded to include sixth and seventh grades in Fall 2024, and now serves more than 415 students in grades 6–8.

Campus improvements have also helped create new spaces for faith, fellowship, and student life. A new chapel opened in Assumption Hall in August 2024, followed by the opening of Alumni Plaza in March 2025. The school has also opened a state-of-the-art STREAM classroom and AI Lab, giving students new opportunities to explore science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and emerging technology. St. Pius X is now preparing to break ground on a new athletic stadium as part of a $4.5 million capital campaign, with the stadium scheduled to open in Summer 2027.

Community support has grown alongside the school. Annual giving exceeded $1 million during both the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 school years, providing critical resources to strengthen programs, improve the campus, and expand opportunities for students.

St. Pius X athletics continues its tradition of excellence while creating additional opportunities for participation. The school has added boys volleyball and girls flag football while continuing to expand athletic opportunities throughout its growing Middle School program. Students can also participate in Christian leadership, fine arts, campus ministry, media, clubs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

As St. Pius X begins the 2026–2027 school year, Mr. Deely continues to guide a growing school community committed to developing the individual gifts and talents of every student.

Rooted in its mission, Saint Pius X School serves God in communion with the Roman Catholic Church by fostering moral, social, and intellectual growth within a college-preparatory setting to teach young people to be ethical leaders in service to others.