Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas — United Day School proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Myrtha Villarreal as its new Head of School, effective February 2, 2026. Her leadership marks an exciting chapter as the school continues to build upon its strong foundation of academic excellence, character development, and community partnership.
Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Villarreal shared her vision for the school community. “Excellence at United Day School is a shared journey between our dedicated educators, our talented students, and you – our families. As Head of School, I am dedicated to upholding our tradition of high standards while nurturing a vibrant community where curiosity is celebrated and every child is inspired to achieve their personal best.”
Founded in 1953, United Day School is guided by its mission to remain a culturally diverse community dedicated to academic excellence that motivates all students to attain their highest levels of achievement supported by family, ethical and spiritual value.
Dr. Villarreal brings a distinguished career spanning 33 years in education, making her a cornerstone of the academic community in Laredo, Texas. For 25 of those years, she has served as a Principal within the United Independent School District (UISD), where her visionary leadership has shaped the lives of countless students, educators, and families.
Her educational philosophy is rooted in excellence, paired with a hands-on, student-centered approach. Dr. Villarreal is widely respected for her passion for working alongside children and teachers to cultivate high-achieving, supportive learning environments where both students and educators can thrive.
Throughout her career, Dr. Villarreal has been recognized at both the local and state levels for her leadership, expertise, and advocacy for bilingual education, including:
• H-E-B Excellence in Education – Principal of the Year (2017): One of the most prestigious honors in Texas education, recognizing her leadership, dedication to student success, and community involvement.
• Bilingual Educator of the Year – (Texas A&M International University): Honoring her commitment to bilingual education and her belief that language should serve as a bridge to opportunity for every student.
Mr. Cliffe Killam, President of the United Day School Board of Directors, shared his enthusiasm for Dr. Villarreal’s appointment. “We are excited that Dr. Myrtha Villarreal, who is a well-respected administrator within the Laredo community and recognized for excellence on a state level, is leading United Day School. United Day School continues to be the premier private school for academic excellence from PP3 to 8th grade, and Dr. Villarreal’s leadership will only strengthen this tradition and culture of excellence.”
Dr. Villarreal succeeds Ms. Rita Peters, who has served United Day School with dedication and distinction. Reflecting on the transition, Ms. Peters stated, “it has been a privilege to serve United Day School, and I am pleased to pass the leadership to Dr. Myrtha Villarreal. Her impressive experience and genuine, approachable style make her a wonderful fit for our United Day School community, and I am confident the school will thrive under her leadership.”
As a veteran administrator, Dr. Villarreal has led multiple campuses, including San Isidro Elementary School and Colonel Santos Benavides Elementary School, with a focus on fostering cultures of respect, continuous improvement, and academic rigor. She is also known as a mentor to fellow administrators and a strong advocate for classroom teachers, working to ensure they have the tools and support needed to inspire the next generation.
As Dr. Villarreal begins her tenure on February 2, 2026, United Day School looks ahead with confidence, furthering its legacy of excellence while preparing students for the future.
United Day School offers a comprehensive and well-rounded educational experience, including strong academics, STEM education, fine arts, athletics, and the Character Counts program, all within a nurturing environment that emphasizes ethical values, responsibility, and respect.
Families interested in learning more about United Day School or beginning the registration process are encouraged to visit www.unitedday.org.
About United Day School: Established in 1953, United Day School is a culturally diverse, independent school serving students from PP3 through 8th grade. The school is dedicated to academic excellence, character development, and fostering a values-based partnership with families.
