St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic

Very disappointed with this school. The school says it instills the Catholic faith, however, this is false. The school is full of hypocrite parents who pretend to act like Christians, but truly behave like children. The politics in the school are by far more challenging than the curriculum. An over-abundance of homework is given to students in order for the parents to be able to teach the material at home. 90 percent of children at STA have tutors or their parents sit and help their child. It is a cut-throat environment that is stressful to both child and family. Do not recommend. If you are accepted to STA.... run for the hills!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

St. Thomas the Apostle is a wonderful school with a beautiful campus. Instruction is relevant and challenging. The teachers are dedicated and caring. Questions and concerns are addressed quickly by the Principal and Assistant Principal. The school and church community is made up of a group of people with a common interest ; to serve God and serve one another.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church and School is a beautiful community of parents, teachers, and students. The academic program is challenging, and the teachers are exceptional in differentiating the instruction to accommodate all learners. The administration has adopted the international baccalaureate program, in which the school will be the first archdiocese school in Miami to be authorized both in the primary and middle years. It's amazing to see the change in the students and how they take pride in their projects and in their learning experiences due to the new method of instruction which is more project based. The Catholic identity of the school is prevalent in all activities due to the leadership of the Pastor, Fr. Kubala. The principal, administrators, and several teachers are alumni and parents of students as well. It is a safe, caring, and loving environment with extracurricular activities for all students. My children are happy and truly enjoy their school. God has become the center of their lives.
—Submitted by a parent

like someone said price and all added fees are very disappointing. They do not care if you are parishioner. they will charge over 14K (now in 2012) plus FEES. They care more about your money than you. Beware pls I am not the only one that feels like this. I am taking my child out of this school for good.
—Submitted by a parent

This school, parish, family is a phenomenal environment for any child! I graduated from St. Thomas this previous May from eleven incredible years! First off, academics are implausible because I always felt like I was challenged but at the same time I almost always understood in the way they explained the material. If we ever had a question, the selfless teachers always gave us a hand and took their time after class to explain our matters! Throughout our studies, God always came first and our school subject revolved around Our Lord! The entire school took time every Wednesday to celebrate mass! The sports, music, arts, and drama programs made working hard and keeping up grades worth-while! But aside from incredible academics and extracurricular activities, STA was my family and nothing will ever change that! No matter where I go in life I will always have my friends from this parish to lean back on. I love this school and I hope you allow your children, grandchildren, or family member share the same experience I had!

Very disappointed!!, i decline to PAY for an education where the teacher don't care about the students education and staff is even worse classroom are usually 26 students per class. As a very involve parent, it seen to me that the teacher do not take the time to teach the students about more than half of the students in the class have to go tutoring, you over 12,000 a year and on top of that you have to pay for a tutor. And although you may voice your opinion or ask for help it is ignored. At one point i ask for father Kubala to help me with my family problems " there response was Father Kubala does not get involve in family matters, I was shock when i was told that. no accountability for actions of staff or situations where student favoritism is obvious. Staff is average compared to nearby schools, per ratings based on experience and personal education. in conclusion: totally overrated! All they seen to care about is money and not the children. The atmosphere is tense and surrounded by hypocrisy starting by the principal. One of the biggest mistakes in my life was putting my child in this school, i just throw away more than $45 000.
—Submitted by a parent

STA is a wonderful place for our kids no one should judge a place in general, there is not perfection in life, we have a beautiful and big family ,when you have any problem there is always a hand for you.The kids are happy. ..learning every day be close to God.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had a terrible experience at St. Thomas. The teachers are wonderful, but they are treated terribly by the Pastor and Administration which is why there is such a large turnaround. It is expensive in comparison with other parochial schools, and it goes unjustified. Choose a different school if you are looking for consistency and genuine interest in your child's religious growth. After all, children learn by example and what kind of example is it to treat teachers as if they are replaceable, without consideration. A good school offers a sense of community and St. Thomas doesn't offer that.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Thomas is a wonderful school which has changed tremendously over the years for the better. As a former student and now a parent, it was always important for our family to have a parochial education. St. Thomas really does foster a true parochial school environment, integrating the importance of the religious foundations in the overall school environment. Their are numerous opportunities for students and families to participate in school events which really fosters a great sense of community, and church attendance is expected for families. This may not be for everyone, but it is part of a parochial education and should not necessarily be unexpected. I agree that tuition is higher than other schools and needs to level off, it is clearly invested in the excellent facilities and resources, including tremendous technology for the students and school. Curriculum is advanced and the faculty is wonderful. Overall a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

The tuition at this school has increased dramatically in the past 5 years. Compared to other Catholic schools in the area, the school does not have that much more to offer to justify the increase in tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is very expensive and what we receive as parents is not worth the money. The good teachers are always leaving, there are no extracurricular activties for the children to participate in, and the atmosphere is hostile. I pulled my children out as quickly as I could.
—Submitted by a parent