About Us
Mission
Our mission is to provide all students a challenging academic curriculum within a program where Christian values reflecting God's love are taught, practiced, and ever-present
Philosophy
St. Monica Catholic School is committed to excellence in its educational ministry through the objectives of a rigorous academic program, personal spirituality, social and physical growth, and community service in accordance with the policies of the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
The St. Monica community embraces students of all faiths and is enriched by their presence. As declared by the Second Vatican Council, “While belonging primarily to the family, the task of imparting education requires the help of society as a whole.”
St. Monica School faculty and staff encourage students to strive for academic excellence. Instruction is based on the belief that students will progress to the best of their ability and make responsible choices. We believe the education and guidance our students receive today will help them become extraordinary citizens of tomorrow.
1960 St. Monica School founded by Father George Stuebben. School was built in two surplus military barracks purchased from Ft. Sam Houston for grades 1 to 8.
Sister Michael Ann, our first principal, ran the school assisted by Sisters Damian and Florence from the Sisters of the Missionary Servants of St. Anthony.
1966-1971 Franciscan sisters taught at St. Monica’s prior to returning to their community.
1971 School scaled down to Kinder and 1st Grade by School Board, Mr. William Sparks, Mrs. Ellie Opdycke and Mr. James Hickey to keep the school open. Over the next ten years, the school would experience moderate growth.
1983 Mr. James Mollicone and Father Patrick Flanagan assumed responsibility for the school program including Preschool to 4th grade. A small daycare and summer activity program developed.
1986 Enrollment increased by 60%, extended day care increased by 300% and summer program quadrupled.
1988 New School Building added, Rev. Patrick J. Flanagan Educational Center, approved by Archbishop Flores.
1995 School Annex developed to support increasing student population.
1997 Opdycke Administrative building was erected to better serve the students and their families.
2000 Resource and Technology Center was added to provide its students the means to become proficient and compete in an ever-changing technological world.
2006 A new middle school building was constructed for grades 6, 7, and 8
2007 Mrs. JoAnn Wood became principal.
2010 Northeast Herald voted SMCS Best of the Best, Best Church School
2012 JoAnn Wood was recognized as an “Outstanding Leader in Catholic Education.” The school developed a competitive athletic program and strong early childhood development.
2014 St. Monica Catholic School was recognized as one of ten schools in the San Antonio Archdiocese with record high enrollment.
2017 Mrs. Kristy Geyer became principal supporting the school through transition and strengthening parish relationships.
2018 Ms. Abigail Salazar became principal in partnership with our new Pastor, Fr. Thumma. St. Monica will continue to be a school with a commitment to academic excellence and Catholic values daring greatly in faith, academics and service.
2019 Ms. Abigail Salazar continued to do a fabulous job as principal of Saint Monica. She created a more TEAM atmosphere, involved parents and open up great lines of communication to teachers, parents and the community.
2020 Ms. Laura Ortiz joined the Saint Monica community with open arms as our Vice Principal. Her loving spirit and jolly attitude gives all the support she needs.
2020-2021 Mrs. Sara Martinez joined the St. Monica family as an Interim Administrator in December and finished off the COVID year for our St. Monica dragons.
2021 Mrs. Sara Martinez has agreed to continue with the St. Monica family as Principal, we wish her all the best in what's to come. Praying for her.
2022 Mrs Karmen Chavez became our new School Principal.
Location
We are conveniently located in Converse, TX, just 2 miles west of Randolph AFB, off F.M. 78.
Phone: (210) 658-6701 (office) (7:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Fax: (210) 658-6945
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: 515 North Street
Converse, TX 78109
Dear St. Monica Family,
Welcome to St. Monica Catholic School, home of the mighty Dragons! It is an honor to join SMCS in our over 60-year legacy in Converse, TX.
This school year we are daring greatly in faith, academics and service preparing our students for a rapidly changing society. We believe in teaching our students to fall in love with problem- solving and to embrace learning from our mistakes. Since we believe that parents and guardians are the primary educators of our students, we collaborate to educate the whole child by providing an excellent education rooted in Gospel values.
Our school crest is evidence of our commitment to academic excellence. Our crest pictures a book in our quest for knowledge, the flames of the Holy Spirit which guides us, the praying hands of our model, St. Monica, and the Dragon, our fearless mascot.
What is academic excellence at St. Monica?
- Positioning all students for success in college and beyond in a global society
- Religious instruction coupled with rigorous, data-based methodology to meet individual needs of our students
- Diverse learning environment
- Commitment to serving others in our community
- Making God known, loved and served
Our Patroness, St. Monica, prayed without ceasing for her son St. Augustine. Her model of perseverance guides our community and sustains our mission. We ask for her prayers and yours as we seek each day to witness the promise of the Resurrection.