Mission and Vision

Our Mission  

Dynamic Catholic Education Centered in Christ

Our Vision   

A leading innovative Catholic school that invites students to love and serve Christ and engage culture with a saintly passion.

Trusted

Fearless Faith: Our faith is living, vibrant and permeates all we are and all we do.

Rigorous Academics: We combine classroom and hands-on learning experiences so each child can succeed.

Peaceful Climate: Students are provided a supportive and respectful environment inclusive and accessible for all.

Empowered Community: Parents are the primary educators of their children. We partner with them to ensure a dynamic Christ-centered education.

Intentional Technology: Empowering students to become responsible citizens in our digital world.

Servant Leadership: Educating the whole person while nurturing students in developing strong character.

Proven

Our History – In 1924, 75 families gathered to break ground in a southeast side neighborhood of what was then a growing Grand Rapids. These families placed their faith in God and placed their children in the hands of compassionate faculty and staff who believed in the power of a Catholic education. Today, Grand Rapids is continuing to grow and so are we.

We are Saint Thomas. Walk through the halls and you will sense that “something special” for which we are known.

• You will see it in the hands of our kindergartners folded neatly in prayer and in our 8th graders’ eyes that light up at the opportunity to serve the Lord by helping others. 
• You will hear it in our athletes’ voices as they begin every sporting event, gathered hand-in-hand in prayer.
• You will feel it watching 350+ school children quietly file into chapel to begin each school day, thinking about and reflecting on the presence of God.

We’ve grown a lot since 1924. But the essence of a Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic School education has remained faithful and strong. A Saint Thomas education was, is, and will continue to be a Dynamic Education Centered in Christ.

Excellence

Saint Thomas administers the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Standardized Tests twice each year to students grades 2-8. According to our MAP results, Saint Thomas students:

• Are ready to learn at grade level or above
• Have met or exceeded expected growth
• Perform above the national norm
• Perform above the norms for the Diocese of Grand Rapids

Saint Thomas students participate in:

• Inclusive classes - Preschool- Grade 8
• Theology of the Body - K-Grade 8
• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Preschool-Grade 3
• IXL Math and Language Arts - K-Grade 8
• Intergenerational Programming - children ages 0-5 
• Enrichment - Preschool, Kindergarten and Grades 3-8
• Immerse Program at the Grand Rapids Public Museum - Grades 3-5
• Zoo Lab at John Ball Park - Grades 4-5
• Chinese Virtual Student Exchange Program - Grade 6
• Friday Focus classes - Grades 6-8
• Service Initiative - Preschool-Grade 8