History

St. Mary School opened in September 1950 in Escondido, CA, serving grades 1-6, and was staffed by Sisters of the Precious Blood. Bishop Charles Francis Buddy dedicated the school to Mary, Mother of God, in March 1951. The school expanded gradually, adding grades through 8th by 1953 and increasing facilities over the years to accommodate growth. Administration transitioned from the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 1972 to lay leaders, with the charism of Mary and the Sisters remaining central to the school’s identity through traditions like May Crowning and rosaries that honor Mary. Kindergarten was added in 1987, and preschool in 2001.