TAMPA - After a nationwide search by the Diocese of St. Petersburg, St. Peter Claver Catholic School has a new principal. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. LaTonya White is four months into her new role as the head of Florida's oldest historically black grade school

  • Private institutions like St. Peter Claver Catholic that rely on donations have been feeling the financial pinch over the last 18 months

  • Many of the students currently attending the school are below the poverty line and rely on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship to help with tuition

  • More Education headlines

Dr. LaTonya White is four months into her new role as the head of Florida's oldest historically black grade school. 

According to Dr. White and with the help of the diocese, the school is in the middle of expanding to make Catholic education more accessible. 

"Rebuilding was necessary," she said. "We knew we had to do something different." 

St. Peter Claver Catholic School first opened in 1894 to serve the African-American community. 

Today the average enrollment numbers are just over 100 students annually. 

"We're raising student achievement as well as building culture and rebuilding our school community," said Dr. White.

Private institutions like St. Peter Claver Catholic that rely on donations have been feeling the financial pinch over the last 18 months. 

"It was tough," Dr. White adds. "Catholic education went through a phase of a drought. Because of those benefactors who understand the mission of Catholic education, many people sacrificed to ensure that we could continue." 

Dr. White hopes to keep the momentum of growth going. 

Five new staff members were hired including a social worker who specializes in mental heath. 

"Socio-emotional learning is so pivotal right now especially in the time of COVID," Dr. White said. 

The school is also expanding its athletic program -- first with a volleyball team. 

Many of the students currently attending the school are below the poverty line and rely on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship to help with tuition. 

"To really be able to afford a private catholic education, it does require great financial commitment from parents," added Dr. White, who says that commitment is more than just financial. 

Her goal is to continue to encourage engagement among parents and re-establish community partnerships. 

"That is what we have developed to ensure they [students] are in a supportive learning environment," said Dr. White. 

After being canceled last year -- The St. Peter Claver Catholic School Annual Fall Gala will return on October 29.