Announcing our new Head of Lower School

Keystone School proudly announces accomplished educator Mallory Matthews as its new Head of Lower School.

She comes to Keystone from Park City, Utah, where she led the lower and middle schools as Director of Studies at Park City Day School. In this role, she facilitated the adoption of new math and literacy curriculums and oversaw the school’s academic curriculum, social emotional learning program, and outdoor education program. Before supervising both divisions of the PK-8 school, she worked as Middle School Director.

“I am delighted to join a community where there is such a strong commitment to developing conscientious and engaged learners and citizens,” Mrs. Matthews said. “Keystone is a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where students are provided opportunities to explore and stretch themselves each and every day. It was clear how passionate, experienced, and devoted the Keystone teachers are to their students and their craft. I am so excited to partner with them in continuing to grow amazing students who exemplify the Keystone difference.”

Head of School Billy Handmaker said that Mrs. Matthews showed a passion for Keystone’s mission and core values, an impressive background in teaching and learning, and a strong understanding of the importance of relationships in education for students, teachers, parents, and other administrators and staff.

“In all of our conversations it became quickly apparent that Mrs. Matthews appreciated Keystone’s approach to challenging and supporting children so they can be their best selves academically and personally,” Mr. Handmaker said. “Mrs. Matthews will build on the excellent work already being done in the Lower School, and we look forward to welcoming her in person.”

First on her agenda is getting to know the community and building relationships with students, faculty/staff, and families.

Outside of the classroom, she loves to spend time with her family, especially her 9 month-old daughter, Millie.

“I get so much joy from spending quality time with my family. We love to take our dogs on hikes and long walks through the neighborhood. I like to keep active and love the positive energy that flows from a good run or indoor cycle workout,” she said. “I play tennis, enjoy getting lost in a good book, and absolutely love indulging in my sweet tooth.”

Although she grew up in Connecticut, she has longtime ties to Texas, spending summers in Horseshoe Bay and going to Camp Longhorn in Burnet. Now, her family lives in Austin, so she’s only a quick drive away (depending on traffic on I-35).

“I am so excited to be returning to Texas, being closer to them, and look forward to getting to know all that San Antonio has to offer. I cannot wait to enjoy some delicious Tex-Mex, hear ‘y’all’, and get out to the Hill Country.”

Mrs. Matthews began her education career as a classroom teacher, serving as a teacher, coach and advisor at The Kinkaid School in Houston, and as a middle school social studies teacher in Bogotá, Colombia.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated History Education from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and her Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

She will begin working at Keystone in July.