Mission Statement

Saint Thomas Academy, founded in 1885 by Archbishop John Ireland, is a Catholic, all-boys, and college preparatory, military day school for students in grades 7-12 of the St. Paul-Minneapolis area. For over a hundred years, the Academy community of students, parents, faculty, and alumni has prepared young men in an environment influenced by the message of Jesus Christ to succeed in college and life. The Academy’s tradition, discipline, and spirit influence the life of a young man long after graduation.

Points of Distinction

• The intellectual potential of each student is developed through a college preparatory curriculum, which fosters a respect for knowledge, critical thinking, creative expression, effective communication, and independent inquiry.
• The spiritual potential of each student is developed through the daily teaching and practice of Catholic doctrine, traditions and values. The Gospel message of Jesus Christ is the basis for encouraging a positive and growing faith.
• The moral potential of each student is developed through instruction and example that incorporates values, fosters and reinforces ethical behavior, and builds respectful relationships.
• The physical potential of each student is developed through a program of athletics, activities and instruction promoting health, safety, fitness, and good sportsmanship. The leadership potential of each student is developed through the Army’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program, focusing on the knowledge and practice of character, leadership, and citizenship.

Campus Life

Dedicated Faculty
Research shows that boys have different learning styles than girls so the faculty members at Saint Thomas Academy design their curriculum toward boys, allowing them to excel in the classroom. Faculty and staff are routinely provided with training, research, and resources geared toward providing the best educational environment for boys, which includes, but is not limited to, keeping an average class size of 17 students and a strong student/teacher ratio of 10:1. Approximately 85% of the teachers hold a Masters or Ph.D. in their field of expertise.

Small Class Size
Saint Thomas Academy has one of the smallest class size average in the Twin Cities. This enables the teachers to know each student and help him achieve his academic and personal goals. More than 70% of the faculty serve as coaches and moderators for the co-curricular programs, enhancing the personal relationships with their students.

High Test Scores
Academy students traditionally score higher than the Minnesota and national averages for SAT and ACT college entrance exams. In addition, last year 140 students took 308 AP exams and 77% scored high enough to receive college credit (in Minnesota 65% and nationally 60% of AP testers score at this level).

College Prep
The Class of 2011 submitted more than 750 applications to 177 different colleges across the nation, matriculating to 57 different schools across a broad range of selectivity and geography – including selective institutions such as Columbia, Dartmouth, Stanford, Williams, University of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Catholic
We are a Catholic institution and take great pride in that fact. Not only do students study the tenets of religion, Christianity and the Catholic faith, but also they practice it in both word and deed. The incredible service of our students to those in need is inspirational. Approximately 70% of the students are Catholic; all faiths and cultures are welcome at the Academy.

Brotherhood
As the only all-male school serving grades 7-12 in Minnesota, students develop friendships that last well beyond high school and college, often developing into successful business partnerships and associations.

Contact Information

The best way to understand the unique aspects of Saint Thomas Academy is to visit our campus, talk with our teachers, and meet our students. Visits are available through April 27, 2012. To schedule a visit, please contact Peggy at the admissions office at 651.683.1515 or STAadmissions@cadets.com. Or contact the director of admissions, John Kenney at 651.683.1516 if you have any questions.