Thank you for visiting the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School website! We hope you enjoy exploring our website to find out exactly why St. Thomas School is a great place to learn and grow. The entire St. Thomas School community is dedicated to fulfilling our mission: “Teach Truth, Build Character, and Inspire Service.” Our strong Catholic identity is present and alive as we gather together for our all school masses, prayer services, and daily learning. I hope that your “virtual visit” provides you with information and insight into our mission and philosophy, as well as our programs.
As we continue through our strategic planning process, we have recognized areas needing focus within our school community. Our ultimate goal is to work in partnership with our parents to create a progressive curriculum emphasizing the on-going changes in rigorous writing programs and technology. In an ever-changing society, it is vital that we meet the needs of our children socially, emotionally, and academically. Striking a needed balance between our Advisory Program and Explorer classes at the 5th-8th grade levels, combined with an anti-bullying/respect program at the 3rd-4th grade levels provides our students a core foundation which gives them the confidence and skill set to become productive and morally-minded young men or women.
All learners are unique individuals who learn and grow at their own pace. Two full time resource/gifted teachers allow us the ability to offer such programs as our target groups and the C.O.M.E.T. group. Using our MAP testing results as a guide, we offer at every grade level, reinforcement with essential math concepts providing additional support beyond the classroom setting. In addition, we provide a gifted program called C.O.M.E.T: Challenge Our Minds, Expand Thinking. This, as well, is offered twice a week at every grade level. The main emphasis is in the area of math, particularly stressing problem solving and working together as a team to solve concepts.
Our hope at St. Thomas the Apostle is to equip our graduates to become successful individuals and leaders in our local community and beyond. Our graduates are recognized for their service, leadership, and participation in respective high schools. We pride ourselves in providing well-rounded experiences in fine arts: art, Spanish, music, full band, drama, and speech. Striking a balance between club offerings, student council opportunities, after school programs, community service, and traditional athletic programs makes St. Thomas the Apostle a great choice!
Faculty and staff at St. Thomas the Apostle constantly strive for the advancement, safety, and well-being of each and every child. They choose to be teachers in a Catholic school because they consider their profession to be a mission and not just a job. Over 30% of our teachers hold master’s degrees and all are Illinois state certified. I encourage you to schedule a visit with me to learn more about STS and take a tour of our school and classrooms. We also offer shadowing visits for students. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Blessings,
Maureen Bentley
Principal