Every parish and school in the Archdiocese of San Antonio has unique features, including academic programs and special events. Saint Mary Magdalen School is unique among Catholic schools in San Antonio for offering dual language education. and hel.
Saint Mary Magdalen School serves students in grades PK3–8. The school was founded in 1942 and is located just northwest of downtown San Antonio. As the city has grown and changed around the campus, the school has evolved to help prepare its students for the world ahead, while staying true to Catholic values, according to Principal William Daily, a school choice supporter and a strong advocate for Catholic education.
Academically, the dual language program at Saint Mary Magdalen School sets it apart from other Catholic schools—and many private schools—in San Antonio. Students learn in both English and Spanish, across multiple subjects. They build practical language skills that will serve them in their careers and lives, and the flexibility of working in both languages will build their creativity and executive function skills. Learning to be bilingual and bicultural helps bring together students who come from diverse countries of origin and economic backgrounds. They may speak different languages at home, but on campus they can converse in both English and Spanish, and build bridges across neighborhoods and around the world.
Faith is integral at St. Mary Magdalen and supports the overall well being of students. Principal William Daily explained that, when facing the gravity of events like the pandemic, students can turn to their faith as a source of resilience. They are better able to make sense of events and face challenges. Nevertheless, the school has adapted to modern technology and distance learning. Even before the pandemic, they offered 1:1 technology, issuing devices and hotspots to every student.
The culture at Saint Mary Magdalen School is built on events that build community, including athletics. Students attend mass regularly and experience traditions like Matachines to honor La Virgen de Guadalupe.
Families who want to learn more about Saint Mary Magdalen School can contact the campus to set up a tour, either in person or virtual. Principal Daily invites parents to reach out to him, by phone at 210-735-1381 or by email at william.daily@stmmsa.org, so he can tell them more about the school and how they are keeping students safe and learning.
Charter Moms Chats
Watch William Daily, Principal of Saint Mary Magdalen School, speak with Inga Cotton on Charter Moms Chats on January 19, 2021 at 4:00 PM Central live on Facebook and YouTube.
William Daily is the principal of Saint Mary Magdalen School. He has a BA from Boston College, an MA in International Political Science from Marquette University, an MA in Education from Mount Mary University, and a JD from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He completed the Emmaus Series for Catholic School Leaders at Boston College in the spring of 2016. He has been an educator since 2001.
Read More About Saint Mary Magdalen School and Catholic Education
- “Guide to Enrolling in Catholic Schools in San Antonio for 2023–24,” San Antonio Charter Moms, November 17, 2022
- “Brianna Byars Shares Her Student Story from Incarnate Word High School,” Brianna Byars, San Antonio Charter Moms, March 2, 2022
- “Carolina Barrios, Virtual Student at Incarnate Word High School,” Carolina Barrios, San Antonio Charter Moms, January 3, 2022
- “Incarnate Word Virtual High School Offers Catholic Online School for Girls,” Anne Schaefer-Salinas, San Antonio Charter Moms, August 18, 2021
- “Catholic Preschools in San Antonio,” San Antonio Charter Moms, June 16, 2021
- “St. Anthony Catholic School: A Fresh Look at Catholic Education,” Patricia L. Ramirez, San Antonio Charter Moms, March 30, 2021
