About
Leadership

Director of Schools

Dear SHS Friends & Visitors,

When I began my tenure at Sacred Heart more than 32 years ago, I could not begin to imagine what a profound influence this school community would have on my life. Over the years, I've learned so much from the countless examples of leadership, courage, faith, and commitment of the RSCJ, and their devotion to the mission of school founder St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. Truly, they've led by example, and this legacy daily provides inspiration to me, to our faculty and staff, and to our students and families to make this Sacred Heart campus, its community, and its education of heart and mind an invaluable experience for all.

As a school, we have a fundamental obligation to deliver an education relevant in contemporary times. But as a school of the Sacred Heart, we are equally obligated to deliver something more to our students—to educate the "whole child" toward a life of meaning and purpose, of faith and intellect, of leadership and service. 

This is our sacred mission, entrusted to us by the RSCJ who established this very campus in 1898 and inherited from the first Sacred Heart school in 18th century France. And it is our promise to the families and students enrolled here.

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton is a special place, rich in history and tradition with generations of graduates and past parents who remain connected with our community because of the enduring and impactful experience they found here. For me, after more than a quarter century serving this institution, it's become like home. I cannot imagine a better place to be, and I look forward to sharing our SHS family with yours. Welcome to Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Dioli
Director of Schools
    • Sacred Heart Schools

      Richard A. Dioli, Director of Schools

Richard Dioli began with Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton in 1989, first as dean of students, then principal of the high school. In 2007, Dioli was named the third layman as SHS director of schools, with oversight for both the administrative divisions and academic divisions—Preschool - Grade 8, and Sacred Heart Preparatory. A Bay Area native, Dioli is a graduate of Santa Clara University; prior to SHS, he served as dean of students for a private Catholic secondary school.

Sacred Heart Schools Atherton

Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton

150 Valparaiso Ave
Atherton, CA 94027
650 322 1866
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12