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GreatSchools Rating

St. Thomas Aquinas School

Private | K-8 | 223 students

Our school is best known for valuing each and every student as an individual.

Student diversity

Looks like we have no information about the race or ethnicity of the student body.

 
 

Living in Indianapolis

Situated in an urban neighborhood. The median home value is $155,500. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $740.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 6 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
No new ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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12 reviews of this school


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Posted March 19, 2013

Although no school will be able to please every kid or parents, for that matter, the community of St. Thomas has been wonderful, and the education fantastic. My kids were at another catholic school in their early grades, but there wasn't much direction at the time, so we transferred here. Now one is at the Township HS with High Honors, and the other is about to decide where he will go. The education prepares the kids as good as any other school, but a lot of this has to do with the parental involvement. Also, if you don't want the school or parish to 'hound" you while fundraising, go public, you are already paying for that as well as everyone else.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 18, 2012

I am very impressed with the new principal, and I am confident she is going to take St. Thomas from being a great school to an even better one. We have been pleased with the strong and caring teaching staff and the wonderful community there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2012

After averaging 1 review a year, I find these recent glowing reviews suspicious. We have been very disappointed with the new principal and staff. It has been very chaotic and communication is lacking. The community and families are very welcoming and friendly and the kids are great.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 1, 2012

We love it! St. Thomas is a small neighborhood school where everyone knows each other and looks out for each other. It is a place where people of all races, religions, and economic backgrounds are welcome. The school is very strong academically and has an excellent differentiated learning program. We are so happy that we found St. Thomas for our children.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 13, 2012

We have been thrilled with St. Thomas. Very positive environment, teaches kids about community and important life skills as well as having a strong curriculum and good teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 11, 2012

This is a very welcoming school. There is great communication among parents, teachers and administration. The curriculum is comprehensive and the children learn important life skills.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 9, 2012

This school offers a safe and caring environment for learning and growing into young adults who are resourceful, bright, thoughtful and compassionate learners. We couldn't be happier!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 15, 2011

The sixth grade teacher is horrible and the school won't do anything about it despite concerns raised by parents. Looking for a different school for our children for the sixth grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 14, 2010

Academically, St. Thomas Aquinas is one of the best in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. And, the community aspect is great.


Posted December 12, 2009

One of the best catholic grade schools in Indianapolis. Friendly atmospere, and great opportunities to expand in academics.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 26, 2009

Simply one of the worst schools my child ever attended. Classes offered do not cover even the basic necessities for entering high school. Constantly badgered about fund raising regardless of high tuition.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 16, 2007

Transferred 2 daughters to this school last year to grades 1 and 5. Very strong academics and sports program.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 85% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
88%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 82% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
92%
Math

The state average for Math was 79% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
88%
Science

The state average for Science was 78% in 2012.

26 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
88%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
93%
Math

The state average for Math was 86% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
100%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 67% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 78% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
91%
Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
86%
Science

The state average for Science was 64% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
82%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 75% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
95%
Math

The state average for Math was 78% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
86%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 71% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
88%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
86%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

English/Language Arts

The state average for English/Language Arts was 73% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
79%
Math

The state average for Math was 80% in 2012.

25 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
80%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
89%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English/language arts and math, grades 4 and 6 in science, and in grades 5 and 7 in social studies. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Indiana. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 70% in 2012.

18 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
85%
Scale: % passing

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Indiana used the End-of-Course (ECA) assessment to test students in middle and high school in Algebra I, Biology I, and English 10. The ECA is a criterion-referenced assessment developed specifically for students completing their instruction in Algebra I, Biology I, or English 10. The goal is for all students to score at the passing level on the test.

See Indiana's state standards

Source: Indiana Department of Education

GreatSchools Rating

What makes up this rating?

Academic rating
9 / 10
Climate rating
Not available

This school's GreatSchools Rating is based on academics (90%) and climate (10%). The academic rating measures students' test scores, academic growth and college readiness. The climate rating measures safety, cleanliness, parent involvement and more.

Learn more about our methodology

What is the new GreatSchools Rating?

Rating legend
Below
average
Average
Above
average

Our rating (from 1 to 10) reflects a school's overall performance. The higher the rating, the more likely the school will prepare your child for the future, so choose an above-average school (8-10) if possible. For average schools (4-7), do careful research and look for evidence that the school has high-quality programs. For below-average schools (1-3), take caution; a low-performing school may not provide the instruction or environment your child needs to learn, and you may need to supplement classroom lessons at home.

Academic rating

The academic rating is made up of equally-weighted parts: students' test scores, their academic growth (for elementary and middle schools) and their readiness for college (for high schools). The graphs below compare this school's results in each area to other schools in the city and state. Growth and college readiness ratings are coming soon, pending publication of 2012 data.
Overall academic rating

9

Above average

Test score rating 2012*
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Learn more about this school's test scores »

Student growth rating 2012**
This school
City
State
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
This school
Reading growth
Above average
Math growth
Above average

*Test scores are based on 2012 ISTEP and ECA results from the state of Indiana.

**The academic growth rating measures how schools affect student test score improvement over time in reading and math. Data is from the 2012 school year and is provided by the Indiana Department of Education.

Climate ratings

Climate rating for this school is not yet available.

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Special education 14%N/AN/A
English learners 0%N/AN/A
Students participating in free or reduced-price lunch program 12%N/AN/A
Source: Manually entered by school official

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 13N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Teacher resources

Special staff resources available to students Assistant principal(s)
Art teacher(s)
Computer specialist(s)
Gifted specialist(s)
Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
Librarian/media specialist(s)
Music teacher(s)
PE instructor(s)
Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
Reading specialist(s)
School social worker/counselors(s)
Special education coordinator
Speech and language therapist(s)
Teacher aid/assistant teacher
Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by school staff Spanish
Read more about programs at this school
Source: Manually entered by a school official.

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Cognitive disability
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Extra learning resources offered
  • Differentiated learning programs
Staff resources available to students
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Technology
Staff resources available to students
  • Computer specialist(s)
School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Science club

Arts & music

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Arts (all)
Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
Performing and written arts
  • Drama
Clubs
  • Art club
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Staff resources available to students
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Clubs
  • Foreign language club: Spanish, Latin, Greek

Health & athletics

Staff resources available to students
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • PE instructor(s)
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
  • Kitchen

Gifted & talented

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
Staff resources available to students
  • Gifted specialist(s)
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:50 am
School end time
  • 3:00 pm
Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school: ends at 6:00 p.m.
School Leader's name
  • Mrs. Cara Swinefurth
Best ways for parents to contact the school
  • Email
  • Phone
Gender
  • Coed
Boarding options
  • Day school
Is there an application process?
  • Yes
Affiliation
  • Roman Catholic
Associations
  • NCEA
Fax number
  • (317) 255-6106

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Direct instruction
  • Individually guided instruction
  • Standards-based
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Arts (all)
  • Religious
  • Social justice
  • Special education
  • Technology
Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Intensive - the school offers a full program for many needs and/or offers at least one very comprehensive program for very challenging needs such as autism or complete visual impairment
Specialized programs for specific types of special education students
  • Cognitive disability
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Speech and language impairments
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Staff resources available to students
  • Art teacher(s)
  • Assistant principal(s)
  • Computer specialist(s)
  • Gifted specialist(s)
  • Instructional aide(s)/coach(es)
  • Librarian/media specialist(s)
  • Music teacher(s)
  • PE instructor(s)
  • Priest, pastor, or other religious personnel
  • Reading specialist(s)
  • School social worker/counselors(s)
  • Special education coordinator
  • Speech and language therapist(s)
  • Teacher aid/assistant teacher
  • Tutor(s)
Foreign languages spoken by staff
  • Spanish
Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Differentiated learning programs
  • Remediation
  • Tutoring
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • Safe Routes to School
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Audiovisual aids
  • Chapel/spiritual reflection center
  • Computer lab
  • Garden/Greenhouse
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Kitchen
  • Library
  • Music room
  • Playground
  • Science lab
Partnerships with local resources and organizations
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Wrestling
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Kickball
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Ceramics
  • Design
  • Drawing / sketching
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
Music
  • Band
Performing arts
  • Drama

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Art club
  • Boy scouts
  • Cub scouts
  • Foreign language club: Spanish, Latin, Greek
  • Future Problem Solvers
  • Girl scouts
  • Homework help/study buddy club
  • Science club
  • Speech
  • Student council/government
  • Student newspaper
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
Bullying policy
  • This school has a bullying and/or cyber bullying policy in place.
Parent involvement
  • Attend parent nights
  • Chaperone school trips
  • Coach sports teams or extracurricular activities
  • Join PTO/PTA
  • Monitor the playground
  • Organize cultural events
  • Organize fundraising events (school auction, bake sales, etc.)
  • Present special topics during curricular units
  • Serve on school improvement team or governance council
  • Volunteer in the classroom
  • Volunteer time after school
School colors
  • blue, gold
School mascot
  • tiger
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

This school accepts applications on a

rolling basis

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?

Students accepted for the 2012-2013 school year
40
Students typically come from these schools
Fairview Early Childhood Program

What does it cost?

Tuition range for the 2012-2013 school year
$5000 - $7000
Vouchers accepted
Yes
Financial aid offered
Yes.
School-based aid
Outside scholarships
Tax credits
Application fee
Yes. $350.
No fee waivers available

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
Bishop Chatard
Brebeuf Jesuit
Cathedral
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

4600 N Illinois St
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Website: Click here
Phone: (317) 255-6244

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