St. Thomas Elementary School

My son has attended Pre-K since September 2006. I can only say great things about this school! He has been growing not only academically but socially. His awareness of Godly principles has dramatically increased. It is such a relief to have a school that includes God in the daily lessons. As a pre-k student, my son has Spanish and music lessons and goes on educational field trips. He loves his teachers and they are so patient and kind. The administration is always welcoming. If you approach a student in the hallway, he or she is always smiling. My son thinks of the people at this school as his second family. Parental involvement is high. There are optional violin lessons from Pre-K on. I have been involved in several preschools in the past with other children; St. Thomas is by far the best.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a new parent to St. Thomas, my child is attending kindergarten. I am very pleased with my experience so far. My daughter comes home everyday excited about the lessons she has learned. There are only 12 students in her class, and her teacher has the time to give individualized attention to her students. I have found the current principal to very involved, demonstrating concern and attention to the smallest detail. He goes so far as to stand outside of the main entrance of the building to greet each student with a handshake as they enter. ANY SCHOOL IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT WHICH SUPPORTS IT. I have found the level of parental support to be very high. I have found the parent teacher group , PTG, to be an extremely effective tool. I intend to enroll my son when he is ready for kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Thomas is an excellent, ethnically diverse school (K-8). Our two boys have been studying there since kindergarten. The school has an outstanding academic program including an independent learning center for students who need to progress at an accelerated rate or need to spend more time on reading or math. It has a brand new library, computer & science labs, and beautiful, clean classrooms. The teachers are extremely dedicated and have several years of experience. They really care about the academic, emotional and spiritual well being of the students. The curriculum (science, math, spanish etc.) is challenging and the teachers and principal go the extra mile to see that no one is left out. The students are also taught accountability, discipline and respect for each other. The after school program and the cameraderie of the parents are icing on the cake. The fees are very reasonable for such an outstanding environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at St. Thomas for three years and loves it. At first he spoke mostly Spanish as he had just immigrated form Guatemala. St. Thomas taught Spanish to all students. During first grade he received individualized attention for reading in the state-of-the-art learning center. In second grade, he s reading above grade level. His teachers have been absolutely wonderful very responsive, dedicated, and invested in each of their students development and education. All of his teachers had extensive experience in elementary education and, importantly, are passionate about it. The school s music program is fantastic and the optional after school string program is a bonus. The computer, library, and art programs are excellent. The flexible before and after school programs are well-supervised and fun. I appreciate the atmosphere of mutual respect, empathy, service, community, integrity, and faith integrated into the top-notch educational mission. I have been very impressed!
—Submitted by E. Petty, a parent

Good school, excellent kindergarten teachers! very responsive principal.
—Submitted by a parent

St. Thomas is an excellent school that provides and fosters a safe and friendly environment and takes its academic mission seriously. My daughter loves going there and has a great relationship to all the teachers. The teachers are very good and they also teach spelling (see review from September 2005)! Spanish is taught from pre-k on (not true for AA public schools, which do not have foreign language instruction in elementary school). Kindergarten is all day instead of half day as in the AA public schools (although half day is an option). The facilities are outstanding. Art and music are important components of the education. The tuition is very reasonable.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't waste you're tuition, this school scrapes the bottom of the barrel for teachers. Plus overall education is inferior to that of A2 public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 students at St. Thomas. The environment makes it the best place in the area for a well rounded education. The school has just undergone a total renovation making it the most modern school in the area. The advanced learning center helps the high achievers excell and student that need a little extra help.
—Submitted by Tom Booms, a parent