The St. Thomas mission of educating the whole scholar in the Basilian tradition of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge is as relevant now to the demands of an ever-changing society as at its inception in 1900.
In a culture of learning with passion and living with purpose, relationships are king and are at the forefront when St. Thomas welcomes prospective families during its annual Open House December 8.
Innovative and progressive interactions will share the totality of the intellectual experience passionately told by academic stakeholders, and most importantly, the young St. Thomas men preparing to serve God, each other, and their greater communities.
Principal Dr. Aaron Dominguez ‘96 is in his third year as chief academic officer. “A St. Thomas scholar is not one dimensional, driven only by superior academic achievement. Our students are seeking a broader exposure with an eye on discovery, complimenting demanding academics and ambitious college pursuits with community service. There’s no better endorsement to our commitment than to have parents see and hear from our scholars and say, ‘That’s who I want my son to be in four-five years.’ And to have our future students say, ‘That’s who I want to be in four-five years.’”
Many middle schoolers and their families attending have had their interest sparked by a previous St. Thomas introduction through a personal or class tour, athletic events, or drama production, and now are returning to gain a deeper understanding.
Others are visiting to reaffirm their decision to enroll in the next upcoming academic year.
[CLICK HERE Why We Chose St. Thomas || Nikhil Shah Class of 2023]
For those enjoying their first St. Thomas exposure, the Open House is a prime opportunity to meet with acclaimed faculty, department deans, and learning enrichment specialists to discuss the depths of the rigorous curriculum. Also on display are an array of extensive co-curricular activities including speech and debate, vocal ensemble, theater, band, and orchestra, plus community-based volunteer programs that encourage scholars to become conscientious and compassionate contributors.
Coaches representing the 12 varsity sports of Eagle Athletics will provide background to the premier private school athletic program in Texas – home of 103 state champions in its rich history and 17 since 2008 – four in rugby (2009, 2011-13), four in baseball (2010, ‘11, ‘14 and ‘17), three in wrestling (2011-13), two in basketball (2008 and 2011), two in track and field (2016 and ‘19), plus 2012 golf and 2019 swimming.
“The emphasis of our Open House is presenting our experience and having scholars visualize their future,” Dominguez says. “What St. Thomas does best is not confined to a one-time showcase but the other 250 or so days of the academic year when students are not only challenged but nurtured intellectually, physically, and spiritually. Our core values have been instilled for generations. I want our guests to leave at the end of the night and say ‘Wow!’ And for a school in its 120th year and still igniting that ‘wow’ reaction, that’s an achievement. And that’s our goal.”
[CLICK HERE for Veterans Day Salute to Andrew Locke ’03 || Exemplary Service and Sacrifice]
[CLICK HERE for Arturo Chavez ’85 || Grand Designs Inspired by Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge]
Catholic. Basilian. Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.
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