Students are placed in different levels of coursework in a variety of ways. At St. Thomas, we individualize the curriculum based on the individual student. Our goal is to place the student in the level of coursework that will allow him to be challenged academically but also in a position to succeed. Freshman students are placed in English and World Geography classes based on the middle school records, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and ISEE scores. Student are placed in Math (Algebra 1, Advanced Algebra 1, Advanced Geometry, or Algebra II/Trigonometry), Biology, and a World Language (French, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish) based on placement tests taken in the spring of their 8th-grade year.

No matter where students are placed their freshman year, they are reevaluated each year to determine academic placement. Each student has the ability to be placed in advanced-level courses or AP classes as he progresses through St. Thomas. Being placed in an advanced placement or advanced-level course is determined individually, based upon the course’s prerequisites and the student’s performance in previous courses. Generally, a student must excel in his coursework and receive a recommendation from his current teacher in order to qualify for these classes.