St. Thomas More Cathedral School

Our child is thriving now that he has left STM. The environment at STM is not friendly and the administration is standoffish.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children currently enrolled in this school and have been sending my children here for years. The teachers are absolutly terrific, continually going the extra mile for our kids. The school community has embraced the current adminstration's desire to ensure that the technology available to the students is second to none. The school recently renovated their computer lab, installed wifi in the entire school, added technology and numerous books to its library, while still maintaining a strong commitment to art and PE. The school's pre-k and K programs are notoriously good. The school has teacher sponsored after school book clubs in the upper grades and competes annually in the battle of the books. The school has groups competing in an underwater robotics program developed by MIT - SeaPearch - and has partnered with NASA to have an experiment launched as part of an upcoming satelite - CubeSat. The school has an award winning band program open to all students beginning in the fourth grade and about half the students participate. Students at all levels perform well on standardized tests and are often awarded scholarships to attend private high schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Based on my experience, my kids have grown to embrace and enjoy learning and believe a significant factor is the environment that STM fosters. STM provides a great community and positive environment thanks to the quality of teachers and staff. It is truly a special place for kids to learn from an academic and social perspective.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been sending our child to STM for years and we are 100% happy with the school. We give STM high marks on quality of education, quality of teachers and administration, parent involvement, responsiveness, kindness of students, communication, safety and future direction of the school. We have many wonderful options for places to send our child to school. We send our child (and will send our other children) to STM because, year after year, we continue to be thoroughly pleased with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has been at STM since pre-K. We are thoroughly pleased with the direction of the school both academically and spiritually. His teachers have shown a true dedication to his education and development. We could send our child to any school we like, however, we chose STM because of the administration and teaching staff. I have never found the staff to be unresponsive, in fact, I feel they do an excellent job keeping parents updated on happenings within the school. Our child will remain at STM through the 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal has not been impressive, but most of the teachers we have had have been good. It's a nice community and the kids are kind. The band program has been a real plus for us.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to agree with the previous two posts. Our child attended this school from Pre-K through 3rd grade. Some teachers are great, especially the new ones, but the administration stifles parent involvement, is indecisive, and not committed to improving the quality of the education or the experience for the children. The predominant attitude from the administration is "we have a waiting list to attend." The administration is riding on the merits of the previous administration and the blue ribbon rating... the whole attitude of the school changed with the current administration.
—Submitted by a parent

With a few exceptions, teachers are dedicated. The few that aren't will remain, because the principal does not listen to parents when they express real concerns and documented evidence of poor teaching. We have been a long time family here, and are looking for a new school. I agree with the poster below, the focus is on numbers of children enrolled, school expansion, and rigidity when it comes to rules. The current principal lacks leadership, and compassion for parents or for kids. We are sad to leave, but feel there is no alternative.
—Submitted by a parent

My youngest child continues to thrive at this terrific school. His outstanding standardized test scores objectively illustrate what a great job the teachers are doing. The students are happy and respectful and graduates do well in high school and college. The parents are friendly and very active. It is a great community!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm an alum of the school and currently have my son enrolled at STM. He began here in PreK and loves it. He's had a wonderful experience as have we. The teachers are very professional and approachable. He's come a long way the last few years and truly enjoys going to school. His progress ties directly to the attention he has received from his teachers. We are pleased that he's in such good hands. We clearly made the right decision with St. Thomas More.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alum of the school and received a excellent education. I decided to send my child here from K through 8th grade and recommend this school to others. My son now attends a highly competitive University and majors in International Business. He has commented that the study and note-taking skills learned at the elementary grade level from St. Thomas More teachers helped him in high school and now at University.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school! Updated computer lab with touch screens, caring staff & terrific faculty, many with Master degrees. Students go on to excellent high schools and have received acceptances to Johns Hopkins, Brown, University of Virginia, William & Mary.
—Submitted by a parent

The diversity... we have dozens of ethnic groups from all of the continents. The teachers unconditionally love our children. The administrators are doers... and open to change for growing.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding school, great teachers, superb academics. Best in the area!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our daughter's first year at STM More, and while our daughter came to STM with a solid foundation in reading and math, she has truly blossomed both academically and socially. The teaching staff, parents and children are absolutely wonderful. The diverse student body, academics and strong Christian values speaks volumes as to what STM is about. We look forward to our younger daughter attending STM.
—Submitted by a parent

We transitioned to the Fairfax County Schools from STM. We were advised by the public school that both our kids were behind in math and, because STM courses don't follow the SOLs, we missed some material all together. One of our kids was two grades behind in reading when we arrived in the Fairfax schools, but tested average on the standardized testing that went into the Blue Ribbon designation. I don't think you are getting what you think you are getting.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a new family to St. Thomas More in Sept., 2007. One of the things that attracted our family to this school was the fact that it was awarded a Blue Ribbon School by the Dep't of Education in 2006. In addition, it has a wonderfully diverse student body. Well, two months in, and we are just thrilled. Our kids love the school. The kids are challenged, yet love to go to school each day. The spiritual and moral dimension of the school set it apart. Our kids were in Arlington County schools previously, and yes, they had excellent teachers....but when it comes to the seriousness of learning, the moral and religious values that my children are taught each day - well there is no comparison. I feel as if this school is an undiscovered jewel, in terms of the staff, the caring and love that our family experiences daily.
—Submitted by a parent

We have attended STM for the last two years and absolutely love everything about the school. The teachers are involved with the parents and there is a open communication with them. My son really enjoys his teachers and the other children in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his third year at Saint Thomas More, and I am very satisfied with the experience. The teachers are terrific, the acedimics are of a high quality, and the parents have plenty of opportunities to get involved. My son has enjoyed playing on soccer and basketball teams with his classmates, and has other options for extracurricular activities should he choose to participate. I was surprised to read the earlier poor reviews of the school and the principal. I have always been impressed with the principal's leadership and especially with her concern for student safety. Saint Thomas More is a well run school, with excellent teachers, and a superior acedemic program. It is hard to imagine that this would happen without the leadership of a good principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of three kids; two of which have attended this school. Never again will I make the mistake of sending my youngest to this school as I did with his two siblings. This school has lost its ethical foundation and can no longer claim to be a school promoting moral beliefs. This year is the last year that any of my children shall attend.
—Submitted by a parent