Most people say that when they retire, they are starting a "new chapter."
That's especially true for Kathy Lanza.
The head of St. Peter's Episcopal School plans her retirement this year.
Her love and hard work have helped build one of the most respected elementary schools in Chattanooga.
"It started out as a small pre-school. Then we added grades, and buildings, and amazing new programs like Trailwise, and Go Healthy Go Green. It's all been a collaborative effort with the teachers, the parents, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, and, of course, the students."
Lanza led the effort for St. Peter's to become a Core Knowledge school, the only one in the area.
Core Knowledge is a program that provides an overarching educational theme to the primary school experience.
Teachers enjoy plenty of freedom within the curriculum, and guidelines help give them ideas of how to connect theory, practice and experience through every subject.
Dr. Herb Barks, former president of Baylor School, has worked with St. Peter's for the past three years as consultant.
"St. Peter's is a hidden jewel in this community," he says.
"Kathy Lanza, whom I've known since my time with her late husband at Baylor, has created a remarkable learning community. Not only is the school a place of acceptance and loving care, it is academically outstanding. The students who leave here in the fifth grade to attend other independent schools in this community have amazing academic records. Kathy will be deeply missed."
