ST. THOMAS SCHOOL PROGRAMS
At STS, students embark on an educational journey from the moment they enter school. At the heart of the program are our Guiding Principles. We believe that a child’s educational journey must be balanced betweeen the academic and affective domains. Within the academic domain, core knowledge, skills and 
understandings are developed across seven primary disciplines. Within the affective domain our focus putting nine core virtues into action.
We believe that certain skills transcend specific disciplines and grade levels. Therefore, five core learning skills are integrated throughout the curriculum: communication, technology, thinking, research, and self-management. Academically, students are expected not only to acquire knowledge and skills, but to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate what they learn. In support of growth of character and spirit, students engage in experiences that call upon them to explore, reflect, choose, act, and lead.
To read more about the research the serves as the foundation for a particular discipline, please read the related “Foundations” documents below. These are being developed as each curricular area is renewed. To read a general overview of a particular discipline or to learn more about the Early Learning Center or the Elementary Center, please follow the links located in the left hand menu.
Foundations of The Early Learning Center
Foundations of Service Learning
CURRICULUM WITH COHERENCE
Enduring Understandings
All children are expected to become proficient and eloquent in the written and spoken word and in the language of mathematics. Students are expected to establish a solid understanding of core knowledge and skills within the various content areas, including language arts (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), mathematics, social studies, science, foreign language, fine arts, technology, and physical education. We organize core subjects within a framework of cross-disciplinary themes, which help students see connections across subjects and relate what they learn to life.
Core Learning Skills
We know that in addition to a solid foundation of essential knowledge and skills within all content areas, students must develop core learning skills in order to be successful as life-long learners and future leaders. We integrate five core learning skills throughout the curriculum: technological, social, thinking, research, and self-management. We integrate five core learning skills throughout the curriculum: communication, technology, thinking, research, and self-management.
Measuring Results
We develop curriculum through a backward design model in which we identify desired results, determine acceptable evidence, and plan learning experiences and instruction. Through the process of curriculum renewal, 
we ensure that learning experiences are connected from year-to-year, gradually building a solid academic foundation and a positive, confident approach to learning.
COMMITMENT TO CHARACTER
Core Attitudes and Virtues
Our Chapel and Character program is unique among other schools. Beginning with our daily gathering in Chapel and then woven into daily school life, we explore world religions, identifying our human commonalities and diverse beliefs, and center on a clear set of core virtues: gratitude, responsibility, respect, courage, integrity, tolerance, compassion, perseverance, and generosity.
We nurture students' character and spiritual intelligence. The goal is to cultivate students' sense of personal and civic responsibility and an understanding of how their choices and ways of thinking are influenced by their peers, teachers, families, and their own inner voices. We strive to promote excellence in living, as well as learning.
Living with a Purpose
Character is taught both by word and deed. Through the curriculum, through school climate, and through service, students are encouraged to apply the lessons of the classroom to the world around them.