academics
We offer a rigorous, faith-based curriculum to elementary school students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Our innovative approach to education prepares students for academic success and meaningful lives guided by faith and service to others.
At St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School, we weave Catholic values into every aspect of learning, nurturing students’ spiritual growth alongside academic excellence.
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PRE-K
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School’s faith-based preschool program nurtures young learners through hands-on discovery, creative play, and early academics. In a loving, supportive environment, children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for future success.
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KINDERGARTEN - 5th GRADE
Our Kindergarten-5th grade program offers a strong, faith-based foundation where students grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Our cohesive curriculum is designed to build progressively from grade to grade, reinforcing key skills and concepts while encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and confidence.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
In middle school, students find their voice, sharpen their skills, and prepare for what’s next. With a curriculum designed to challenge and support, we’re also changing how we teach, focusing on real-world learning, collaboration, and student-centered approaches that keep our classrooms active and engaging.
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St. Thomas isn’t just a center for academic achievement; it is a unique community where shared values help students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Opportunities for spiritual growth are abundant at St. Thomas the Apostle, including:
Catholic Faith Instruction
Religion is a core academic subject at St. Thomas the Apostle. Daily classes are based on the religious education curriculum developed by the Archdiocese of Chicago. While students do not have to be Catholic to attend, they are expected to participate in religion class.
Prayer
STA students are guided to memorize specific prayers and scripture quotes according to their grade level. Spontaneous prayer and meditative prayer are also encouraged. The entire school community participates in daily prayer at school, in the classroom, and in prayers led for the whole student body at the beginning and end of each day.
Liturgy
Students attend an all-school Mass once weekly and on Holy Days of Obligation. They also participate in other traditional prayers and devotions according to the seasons of the Church calendar, such as the Stations of the Cross and May Crowning. K-8 students are required to attend weekly Mass on Tuesdays at 8:30 am. Family members are encouraged to join us for these spiritually enriching services.
Family Mass
School Family Masses are scheduled at the 8:30 am Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. There are between four and five family masses each year. STA students actively participate in Family Masses as choir members, altar servers, readers, greeters, and offertory gift bearers. All families are invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments in the Parish Hall after Mass.
Service
All students, no matter what grade level, are nurtured to recognize service as a way of life for followers of Christ. In the spirit of the Gospel, students learn to choose to reach out to others in need. Many opportunities for service are available throughout the year at school, in the parish, and the community.
Seventh and eighth-grade students must complete at least 12 service hours, which may include projects organized by the St. Thomas Youth Group.
Sacramental Preparation
Catholic students enrolled at St. Thomas the Apostle are continually prepared for the reception of Reconciliation, Holy Eucharist, or Confirmation during daily religion classes. To participate in the parish sacramental preparation program, students must attend religious education classes in addition to the school program. More detailed information is available by contacting the Principal or the Parish Office.
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STA values the education of the whole child, and we are proud to offer its students a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum.
Pre-K through 5th-grade classes follow the Second Step curriculum to learn about learning skills, empathy, problem-solving, and emotional management.
Middle school students use a curriculum that the Big Shoulders Fund developed that meets the CASEL standards.
The lessons students learn through the SEL curriculum are carried over into all core subject areas throughout the school day and beyond the classroom.
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STA students participate in special classes every week:
Art
Music
Spanish Language
Physical Education
Yoga for Pre-K