Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

I moved my son from S. Plantation public schools to St. Thomas Aquinas and it's been the best decision I ever made. Public schools are too focused on FCATs and the kids don't learn anything, while at St. Thomas the teachers actually cover the curriculum. The administration and staff at St. Thomas are enthusiastic and have high expectations for the kids, something lacking in the public schools since accountability and high stakes testing derailed actual academic teaching. All staff, from janitors to teachers to administrators are the friendliest I have ever seen in a school. Students regularly are accepted at top universities nationwide. My older son graduated from public school and is now at the University of Florida. However, he was not at all prepared for his classes. I already see that my younger son will be much better prepared for college. Guidance help is virtually non-existent in public school, but counselors are always available at STA. The counselors do a much better job of leading kids through the college application process than the public school counselors who are overwhelmed with FCAT administration. STA tuition is the best deal in town.
—Submitted by a parent

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Theology classes are ridiculous, there are limited options for classes and electives, majority of the classrooms are outdated, ACADEMICS ARE OVERRATED.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

I am very happy with STA. It is my son's first year and we were worried sending him here as he had no friends from middle scholl attending. He has adjusted very well and is very happy. The academics have been an adjustment coming from public school especially in english and world history. We definetely made the right choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Im currently a freshman at sta and so far it has been good. I would highly recommend you send your child her for a good education. I have to say that there can be a lot of homework and it can get tough, but if you don't work hard to be there it's not going to be fun. Overally it has great academics and sports, and they will most definetly make sure you get the chance to succeed during your 4 year high school experience. Most of all try your best on the entrance exam it's the most important. It determines your placement of classes and whether you get in. Honestly if you go to a catholic school during eighth you should have no problem with getting accepted.
—Submitted by a student

Excellence in academics and community support in its environment. Faulty that is committed to bringing the best out in our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I'd like to acknowledge the people that are giving this school a bad review. St thomas is a great school and makes the challenges of a normal highschool a lot easier. Yes you may be over looked because your not the top football player or the richest, but that's how it is at every school and at least at St Thomas people care. Most public school teachers go home and leave their teaching lives at school, but at St Thomas the teachers are constantly supporting you and staying after school or coming in early to help out. I can't find anything wrong with this school
—Submitted by a student

This is an unbelievable school. There is a place for everyone. Academics are fit to an individual's strengths and weaknesses, and the athletic program is top-notch.
—Submitted by a student

The best overall high school experience in Broward County if not all of Florida. Outstanding academics (about 75% of their students qualify for Bright Futures scholarships) and athletics (#3 program in the US and #1 in Florida for last 20 years). I have 2 children who graduated STA, one at Boston College on a full academic scholarship and one at U Virginia, and also a current sophomore. They all love the school and their teachers generally love teaching at STA and it shows. Nothing is perfect, but this is as close as it gets.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a graduate of this school, and believe I received a great education. The social atmosphere at the school is very competitive, though and the students divided into cliques of 'jocks,' 'princesses,' 'nerds,' and 'basketcases,' all of which teaching students to imbibe the Chrisitan ethic of love very challenging. For academics and athletics, there are few schools in S. Florida that rival it.
—Submitted by a former student

st thomas aquinas high school is a great school. It is strong academically and it has probaly the best athletic program in south florida.
—Submitted by a parent

I couldn't have asked for a better high school experience. My two older brothers attended public high schools, while my twin brother and I spent our years at St. Thomas. Honestly, its the best schooling in Ft.Lauderdale: education standards far above par, a fantastic staff/genuine and caring teachers, a college prep system that completely prepared for my college experience, and an awesome extra-cirricular program. STA also worked with my family on payment plans, etc. Overall, St. Thomas is definately the most well-rounded and truly supportive high school in the Ft. Lauderdale area!
—Submitted by Lauren, a former student