Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

I attended this school but ended up transferring to a public school. Although my parents were unsure about the decision, we've realized it was the right one. I now attend the #1 university in Florida (#38 nationally) on an academic scholarship. I am succeeding in school and doing as well, if not better, academically and socially compared with my peers who attended STA and other private high schools. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON STA. SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR COLLEGE. School is what YOU make of it, you don't need to pay $13,000/yr to receive a good education. All STA cares about is their reputation and football team. Guidance is terrible, Theology classes are ridiculous, there are limited options for classes and electives, majority of the classrooms are outdated, ACADEMICS ARE OVERRATED. I received a more thorough, well-rounded education with more AP and elective options at a public school 10 minutes away from STA. I was proud to be a Raider, but it's definitely not worth the money or dealing with stuck up, spoiled, snobs everyday. 16 year olds shouldn't be driving new BMWs and Audis; the majority of students at STA need a serious reality check and would be lost in the real world.
--Submitted by a student

Although I'm still a freshman, I really like this school. The academics are good, there's a bit too much emphasis on athletics in my opinion, but I don't mind it too much seeing as the other students are generally laid back. One thing that I really don't like about this school is the music program. I want to do something in that area, but I don't want to be in band, so basically, if you're not into sports, don't expect to find a club too easily. Still, that's about it, and at the end of the day I'd still recommend coming/sending your kid here ok cool
--Submitted by a student

I am currently a student at STA. The academics are amazing and even though it can be really difficult at times, it prepares you for college. Unfortunately this school is too focused on it's football team to not focus on the other sports that they offer. Most of the other teams success is forgotten because of the football team. Everybody considers the theology department as a joke and the drama department does not receive enough support from the school directors. Drug use is also a problem and even though the school tries to deal with it by bringing security dogs on random days to check for drugs, that's not fixing the problem. The school needs improvement on it's campus because it's not fit to handle the heat in florida and the humidity. Academically it's amazing, and it prepares you for college but the other factors really diminish this school.
--Submitted by a student

Four children in my family have graduated from STA. Some were athletes some not but all are amazing young people. Also, they were as well prepared for college and life as any mother could want which is why there was no other choice when deciding where to send my own daughters. I can only hope the results will be as amazing! What a wonderful environment for any high school student, regardless of their interests.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically, this is an excellent school. The campus is showing its age, and the neighborhood is rough. One of the few options in South Florida.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at STA. Unless you're a star athelete, your basically a nobody. This school is full of eliteist snobs who only care about status. If your just a normal student like me, you will have a hard time fitting in. As a student, this school hasn't done anything for me. I feel that my parents are wasting their money because I can take the same classes for free at public school and actually enjoy going to school. The theology program at this school is a joke. Your grade in their class is based on how much they like you. Also, the guidance department is terrible. I'm bored in the classes i'm in and they won't let me move up to more advanced classes and they say well what do you want? You have a good GPA. I am really considering transferring to public school.
--Submitted by a student

I love St. Thomas Aquinas High School because my child is so motivated and happy there.
--Submitted by a parent

We are so freaking amazing at football and we have a 99% collage gradss (:
--Submitted by a student

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend St. Thomas Aquinas High School my freshman year before transferring for economic reasons. STA's environment is motivating, welcoming, and proactive. I immedietely fell in love with the atmosphere, the rigor, and the tradition that runs deep in the school.
--Submitted by a student

I looked at all catholic schools in the Fort Lauderdale area and thought STA was the best for my child (even thought the campus is old and decrepit). I do not think STA is the best now. It is ok. The athletics are top notch, but I have misgivings about the academics. When registering for freshman year the counselor was hurried and demonstrated complete disregard with our need for guidance. Her decision was based only on the admission test. Those were the fastest 5 minutes I ever spend in that school. My child is doing very well with an outstanding GPA but comes home complaining how bored she is with her classes. When I approached the counselors to discussed changes for next year I found them to be condescending and inconsistent in their decisions. All they had to say was what to do you want, she has a great GPA .
--Submitted by a parent