About us
Rooted in faith, growing in knowledge, guided by Christ
Your children can excel at School of the Madeleine
At School of the Madeleine, students are inspired to reach their full potential through a rigorous, student-centered academic program rooted in Catholic values. With strong teacher support, faith formation, and enrichment opportunities, every child is challenged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
Pastor
Rev. Edward P. McNulty
“Saint John the Evangelist preached, ‘Our love is not to be just words or mere talk, but something real and active’ (1 John 3:18). This good news is at the very heart of Catholic education. I am profoundly proud of our students, faculty, and staff, whose dedication and joy shine through each day. We give thanks for the friendships formed, the laughter shared, the acts of service offered, and all the moments that make our community a true family in Christ.”
Principal
Dana Davalos
“We strive to embody the Holy See’s vision of a school ‘animated by communion and community.’ Our campus reflects the warm, intimate atmosphere of family life, where bonds are formed and shared experiences help shape a true family in faith. It is an honor to witness this community come to life each day.”
“Our Love is not to be Just Words or Mere Talk, but Something Real and Active.”
– 1 John: 3:18
Mission Statement
Students at School of the Madeleine learn and practice their Roman Catholic faith, discover their strengths, and grow in mind, body, and spirit.
The School of the Madeleine community:
Encourages faith, respect, love, and service in our school, parish, local, and world communities
Creates a learning experience focused on success
Supports a healthy lifestyle
Promotes Christ-centered decision making
OUR HISTORY
The Past that Shapes Our Present
1957 — School Opening
The First School Year
In September 1957, School of the Madeleine opened its doors to 300 students in grades one through six. The school was staffed by the Sisters of Saint Francis.
1958–1960 — Grade Expansion
Growing into a Full School
Between 1958 and 1960, an additional upper grade and teacher were added each school year. The school eventually included 17 classrooms, offering education from kindergarten through grade eight in one main building.
1985 — Early Childhood Program Expansion
Enhancing Kindergarten Education
In 1985, the kindergarten program was expanded into a developmental program with two kindergarten classrooms and a pre-first class located in the former convent building.
1992–1993 — Preschool Begins
Welcoming the Youngest Learners
During the 1992–1993 school year, the school added two preschool classrooms: one for three-year-olds and another for four-year-olds.
2000 — New Multi-Purpose Building
A Modern Learning Environment
In March 2000, a new multi-purpose building was completed, including a library, computer lab, tutoring room, project classroom, faculty lounge and workroom, janitor’s room, storage room, and bathrooms.
Today
A Full Program from Preschool to Grade 8
Currently, School of the Madeleine offers a complete educational program that includes:
3 preschool classrooms
2 kindergarten classrooms
1 pre-first classroom
2 classes per grade from grade one to grade eight
Our Parish
Church of St. Mary Magdelene
St. Mary Magdalene parish was established in 1953. Rev. Daniel O’Donoghue was the founding Pastor. Like most parishes it had no buildings, so the first Masses were celebrated in private homes. The Parish began with 14 families.
As the Parish grew, the Masses were moved to larger quarters, Red Sparks Plumbing Shop in Bay Park.
It wasn’t long before the grading was begun and the auditorium slab was poured. The foundation for the Rectory was also put in at this time. There were a number of houses on the hill along Milton Street as building began.
The Rectory construction did not include the conference room until late 1956 or early 1957.
Huge pieces of steel were raised on the property to be attached to studs and footings. Steel was hauled from the port in San Diego to the church site.
The first Mass took place in the auditorium once the roof was on.
The altar was on the stage with an open back toward Cecelia Terrace.
The Church and school buildings were begun around November, 1956.
Both were finished about the same time. Mass began in the Church the middle of summer, 1957.
The dedication for the school took place in September, 1957, and the church dedication was October 1957.
The convent was also finished in 1957, thus having the total building project completed within a five year period.
The church was completely paid for in a few years.
In the course of 22 years (1953-1975) the Parish family increased in number to approximately 1000 parishioners.
Increases over the years have brought the number of registered families to todays figure (November, 2024) of 1480 registered families.
The Pastor following Fr. O’Donoghue was Rev. Msgr. William Bolger who was Pastor of the Parish for twenty years.
After Msgr. Bolger retired in 1995, Msgr. Jophn A. Dickie took the reins.
In September of 2005, pastor, Rev. Stephen McCall took the reins followed by the current pastor, Rev. Ed McNulty in 2021.
The most recent renovation on the Church began in 1995 and the first Mass took place on Palm Sunday of 1996.
The current staff’s mission is that through the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, with the help of the Holy Spirit, our members will be motivated to share Jesus with others.
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