The English program at Saint Thomas Academy provides students with the opportunity to develop increasing mastery of skills in reading, writing, speaking, focusing on student-centered approaches. Grade six stresses general language skills. Grades seven and eight emphasize language skills necessary for successful study in high school and at the college level. Grade nine emphasizes language skills necessary for successful study at the Academy while courses in grades ten through twelve increasingly prepare students for successful study at the college level. The department believes that individuals who understand and can use language effectively will enjoy more fulfilling lives.

The English Department gives all students the tools to:

• Read with understanding and critical insight.
• Express ideas clearly in a variety of written forms.
• Develop skills necessary for effective oral communication.
• Analyze and evaluate the significance of ideas.
• Conduct and present scholarly research
• Hone critical thinking skills

See all English courses here

Our language program is designed to challenge students with classes in Spanish, Chinese, and French. We offer Honors, CIS, and AP for many of these courses.

The goals of our department are to teach effective communication, language proficiency, and cultural understanding. To successfully communicate in a world language, it is important to understand the relevance of diversity and culture, and to have a true appreciation of the global society in which we live. At Saint Thomas Academy, our teachers are dedicated to creating high-quality, student-centered learning environments that prepare our boys to excel in college.

THROUGH THE STUDY OF WORLD LANGUAGES, STUDENTS WILL:

• Gain skills that enable them to communicate orally and in writing with speakers of another language.
• Develop a greater understanding about people across national boundaries by giving them insight into the ways of life and ways of thinking of the people who speak the language they are learning.
• Expand their understanding of how language functions, including their own language.
• Learn to read with comprehension so that they may keep up with current writing, research, and information in the studied language.
• Develop critical thinking skills by understanding perspectives, exchanging opinions, and presenting ideas.
• Be prepared to think and interact in a global community.
• Be inspired and prepared to study a world language and culture in college.

See all world language courses here

The mission of Saint Thomas Academy is to create Christian leaders. The Theology Department is an integral element in this educational process.  By stressing the moral dimension of leadership, we strive to help young men be capable, just, compassionate, and forthright citizens. In assisting students in their faith formation, we seek to develop a spirituality which encourages young men to desire personal holiness as well as to become servant leaders who welcome and care for each other. It is our hope that each student will come to know the mystery of God’s abiding presence and the depth of God’s love for all. Our goal is to develop educated and informed Catholics who seek to be knowledgeable in their faith, who are willing to embrace the challenges of Christianity in the new millennium, and who are ready to work for the Church’s social mission and justice and peace.  The student will:

• Demonstrate basic Biblical interpretation skills, reverence, and appreciation of Sacred Scripture.
• Understand the basic teachings of the Church as articulated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (i.e. sacraments, creed, Ten Commandments, beatitudes, virtues, precepts of the Church, etc.)
• Understand their obligation to act morally and ethically as responsible Christians with well-informed and formed consciences.
• Have a basic understanding and appreciation of the history and theology of the Church, diversity of religious traditions, and of contemporary spiritual leaders.
• Understand liturgy and prayer and their movement towards service.
• Explore Christ’s invitation to discipleship and personal holiness by exploring those lifestyles compatible with the Christian vocation.
• Know the key principles of Catholic social teaching, especially principles regarding respect for life and sexual morality.
• Develop reflective, critical thinking skills; moral, creative imaging skills and prayer and dialogical skills which allow the students to research and identify, assess and evaluate, discern, judge and determine action in light of Gospel values and Church teaching.

See all theology courses here

The Social Studies Department at Saint Thomas Academy designs its courses to provide a challenging learning environment that promotes academic excellence and recognizes the unique abilities of each student. The Social Studies Department expects each student to:

• Develop the ability to connect the past and the present by applying methods of historical research; use a variety of sources to demonstrate cause and affect relationships in history.
• Acquire geographical skills and understand and apply the main themes of geographic analysis.
• Acquire economic literacy and apply it to U.S. and world economic institutions in order to be an effective citizen and to enhance personal economic decision-making.
• Acquire political literacy in order to be able to participate effectively in the U.S. democratic process.
• Be able to evaluate controversial issues and apply this knowledge through debates and other methods of presentation (both written and verbal).
• Develop a multicultural awareness and sensitivity, recognizing that judgments about people of different cultures are usually shaped and influenced by the standards and values of the culture in which one lives.
• Develop the competency to acquire, organize, evaluate, and report information for the purposes of solving problems and clarifying issues

See all social studies courses here

SAGE Dining Services® is a premier provider of dining services and gourmet catering to private schools, colleges and corporations in the United States. Serving nutritional, tasty foods for hungry Saint Thomas Academy cadets is the goal.

We provide talented managers and chefs as well as creative menus and well-trained staff to transform your on-site food service into a memorable dining experience. Since our creation in 1990, we have grown by providing our clients with personal attention, superior service, and unbelievable food.

See more about lunch here

The science program at Saint Thomas Academy prepares students for college science courses. We offer sequences for students who are interested in science or engineering programs in college and for those who may not intend to take advanced science courses in college. Students study fundamental scientific principles, theories, and mathematical relationships, and learn scientific reasoning across all grade levels through STEAM related applications and through inquiry-based laboratory investigations. In addition, it is our intent that students will:

• Understand the role of science and technology in their lives.
• Use scientific methods to analyze and solve problems.
• Make valid and ethical decisions about scientific issues.
• Become sensitive to the global implications of life-style choices.
• Evaluate their potential for careers in science.

See all science courses here

The mission of the Saint Thomas Academy (Military Institute) Leadership program is to develop life skills through participation as a cadet in the Saint Thomas Academy (MI) Corps of Cadets structure and military program. These skills include:

• Development and study of leadership skills
• Cadet planned and executed events/activities
• The importance of teamwork
• Learning to be a good follower
• Decision-making
• Problem analysis
• Goal Setting
• Mentorship/Counseling
• Speaking/Personal projection
• Self discipline
• Punctuality
• Appearance
• Standards
• Selfless-Service
• Respect for Authority
• Character/Integrity
• Citizenship and Patriotism
• Gentlemanship

Note: All freshmen are expected to take Rifle Marksmanship and Weapons Safety. Cadets may enhance their leadership skills in several military led co-curriculars. These include: Crack Drill Squad, Honor Guard/Color Guard, Ranger Challenge, Rifle Team and the Clay Target Team.

The mathematics program at Saint Thomas Academy is designed to challenge students with an enriched curriculum and to make appropriate courses available to all students. It is our objective that the students will:

• Become proficient at basic arithmetic, algebra, and analytical thinking skills.
• Develop the ability to solve both routine and non-routine problems using a variety of strategies.
• Become familiar with the use of mathematical tools, such as compasses, protractors, calculators, and mathematical computer software.

See all math courses here

Saint Thomas Academy offers 35 athletic sports and teams, plus over 78 clubs and activities.  See the full list here.  If you don't see what you are looking for, it can always be added!

To learn more, apply, or visit in-person contact Mrs. Francie Reding, Director of Admissions.