FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Admissions Office is available to help you navigate the journey to becoming a St. Thomas High School Eagle. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about the admissions process.
Filter through the categories below to explore our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions you can contact the Admissions Office at 713-864-6348 ext. 175 or Admissions@sths.org.
- Academics
- Academic Support
- Admissions
- Affordability
- Athletics
- Campus Activities
- Campus Ministry
- College Planning
- Fine Arts
- Quick Facts
- Student Life
St. Thomas High School’s tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $25,550. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help families afford a St. Thomas education.
- Tuition: $25,550
- Registration Fee at Enrollment: $600
- Camp Aquinas Fee: $600
- Books: $300-$450
- Laptop & Technology: Free
- Athletics/Clubs/Organizations: Fees for athletic equipment and club dues vary.
Navigating the college application process begins in the summer of our students’ freshman year. Our counselors are committed to providing students and parents with the resources they need to navigate the college application process successfully. Our four-year college planning process ensures that students have the tools and knowledge to make educated decisions about their future and are prepared to be successful at the college or university of their choice.
Whether it’s helping students discover the right college or university, find possible career paths, or ensure they take the correct courses for their college or university requirements—our goal is not only to help students get into college but to assist them in finding the best fit for their future success.
We also specialize in:
- University, major, and career exploration
- Personality assessments
- Alumni career mentoring
- Entrepreneur and leadership development
Families who seek a faith-based education for their sons can find an environment at St. Thomas where spiritual faith is nourished alongside academics, athletics, and student life. The campus ministry program is designed to develop strong moral and ethical thinkers who grow into servant leaders and impact the world.
Through our campus ministry, your son can explore and grow in his faith. We offer service projects, retreats, and daily faith formation opportunities, which will help him develop the knowledge, skills, and character to be a good and moral individual.
FRESHMAN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
TRANSFER APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Once all required information has been received, the Admissions Committee will holistically review all application materials for evidence indicating an applicant’s potential for academic success in a rigorous college-preparatory program.
Please Note: St. Thomas High School’s open admissions and financial aid policies do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, disability, or similar factors.
A well-rounded high school experience should include the ability to participate in sports. If your son is looking to excel in the classroom and on the field of competition, he will find that opportunity at St. Thomas High School. We provide an environment where our student-athletes learn the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance through our college preparatory curriculum and our 12 competitive team sports. On both the field of competition or in the classroom, our student-athletes are pushed to be the best they can be.
Key Highlights of the athletic program:
- Students can play on three varsity teams
- ⅔ of students compete in athletics
- 105 state titles
In keeping with the Basilian tradition, the highly trained specialists in the Learning Enrichment Center, or LEC, extend the work the teachers do in the classrooms so St. Thomas students become more proficient, versatile, and confident in their studies. Through collaboration with teachers and counselors, the LEC staff ensures academic support for students is aligned and applicable to their coursework. Students may meet with specialists before or after school, during their study halls, and during lunch. Through one-on-one consultations with students, the specialists provide support in the following areas:
- Academic support in all core content areas
- Organization
- Time management
- Study skills
- Test-taking strategies
- Self-advocacy
- Executive Functioning
The LEC staff also coordinates the Academic Intervention Mentors (AIM) program, which allows students to receive support from St. Thomas National Honor Society members once a week during study hall in all core content areas.
Additionally, the staff of the LEC facilitates the implementation of classroom accommodations and interventions outside of the classroom. The Director and Accommodations Coordinator work with school leaders and teachers to share instructional best practices to support students with learning differences.
The majority of the LEC staff is available all day every day to assist students. The exception is that the Science and World Language specialists are available three days a week.
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.
St. Thomas High School has a long tradition of providing a Basilian Catholic education to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The Basilian Fathers remain committed to assisting those families who may not be able to pay full tuition to attend St. Thomas High School. The Financial Assistance Program offers the following key features:
- Over one-third of students receive a scholarship or financial assistance
- The average individual award ranges from 10% – 90% of the tuition
- $2,700,000+ is dedicated to scholarships and financial aid each year
If you would like to learn more about our program, please visit click here.
We have a 1:135 counselor-to-student ratio and students are assigned one counselor for their entire four years. This means your son will visit with his counselor individually at least 2 to 3 times a semester while at St. Thomas. Our counselors are trained to provide our students support in three areas: course selection, college and university planning, and social and emotional support. Through these three areas, our counselors are able to individually support our students from their first days in freshman classes through graduation. In addition, they provide group sessions on how to evaluate colleges, develop resumes and essays for college, and improve mental and physical well-being.
9th Grade
- Work with counselor to identify and employ effective strategies for peak academic performance
- Take the PSAT
- Map Testing
- Introduction to Naviance: Learning Styles, Resume, and Goal Setting
- Explore colleges through our College Visits
- Ray Dass
10th Grade
- Track your continued academic growth using your GPA
- Take the PSAT
- Map Testing
- Explore career options using different assessment inventories like YouScience
- Expand your college knowledge and build your college list
- Ray Dass
11th Grade
- Take the PSAT for National Merit Scholarship Qualification
- Prepare for and take the SAT and ACT
- Work with your counselor to develop a college application plan and finalize college list based on match / fit factors
- Request letters of recommendation from your teachers
- Ray Dass
12th Grade
- Ensure your GPA, SAT and/or ACT are college ready
- Apply to college with the support of your counselor using groundwork from previous years
- Receive support on scholarships and financial aid applications
- Ensure that all matriculation tasks are completed for a smooth transition to college
At St. Thomas High School, we take pride in our wide range of sports teams, offering 12 different sports at various levels, including varsity, junior varsity, and freshman. We have 10 teams that compete in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial School (TAPPS) and participate in the 6A – Division 1 level. Our school has a long history of athletic success, having secured over 105 state titles. Furthermore, every sport has produced numerous graduates who have participated and excelled at the collegiate level.
Fall Sports
Winter Sports
We offer a wide variety of faith formation opportunities with the goal of helping our students to grow closer to God. Programming includes weekly Adoration, Mass, Confession, and Young Life. In addition, we offer all-school mass on Holy Days of Obligation.
AUGUST 1, 2024
Incoming Freshman Application goes Live
NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) Testing
St. Thomas School Code is #571055
JANUARY 11, 2025
Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) Testing
St. Thomas School Code is #571055
JANUARY 15, 2025
Freshman Application Deadline
We will accept supporting documentation until the end of the month (Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation, Resume, and Student Statement).
JANUARY 15, 2025
Complete Blackbaud Financial Management Application and have the “verified” status.
JANUARY 31, 2025
All supporting documents must be submitted.
MARCH 7, 2025
Admissions Decision Day
MID-MARCH 2025
Financial Aid and Scholarship Award notifications sent to admitted families.
MARCH 25, 2025
New Eagle Welcome
MARCH 26, 2025
Common Reply Day (Registration Night)
APRIL 2, 2025
Registration Night
- English 9, English I, Advanced English I (1.0 credit)
- World Geography and Culture or Advanced World Geography (1.0 credit)
- Algebra 9, Algebra I, Advanced Algebra I, Advanced Geometry, or Advanced Algebra II (1.0 credit)
- Biology or Advanced Biology (1.0 credit)
- World Languages (1.0 credit)
- Mandarin I or Mandarin II
- French I or French II
- Spanish I or Spanish II
- Latin I or Latin II
- Theology I (1.0 credit)
- P.E. with Health (0.5 credit)
- Elective courses that fulfill a graduation requirement (0.5 credit)
- Speech
- Forensics/Debate
- Drawing I
- String Ensemble
- Theatre I
- Computer Applications
- Music History
- Beginning Band
- Choir
- Study Hall
Students have many opportunities during the traditional school day to study. They may use their study hall periods, community time, and part of the 50-minute lunch on block days.
It is important to note that students also have the opportunity to request passes during their study halls to work in the LEC or visit one of the specialists. During community time, they also have the opportunity to receive help from their teachers or go to the LEC to study; in addition, the LEC is open before and after school.
St. Thomas High School provides the following accommodations to students with documented learning differences:
- Assisted note-taking
- 50% Extended time
- Preferential seating
- Computer use for essay portions of tests
- Learning Ally use for audio books
For more information about the documentation required upon enrollment to secure accommodations, please click here. If you have further questions, please contact the LEC Director, Caroline McRoberts, at Caroline.McRoberts@sths.org or 713-864-6348 Ext. 161.
Yes, St. Thomas does award merit-based academic scholarships. These scholarships are awarded annually to the top-performing students in each grade level. For incoming freshmen, merit scholarships are awarded for the first year based on a student’s score(s) on the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). In subsequent years, these academic scholarships are based on academic standing, attendance, and discipline.
Click here to view more information on scholarships.
We support our students by helping them reach their goals of enrolling in one of their top choice schools. Overall, our students will enroll in a wide variety of colleges and universities. Here are some quick facts about where our students enroll:
*Note: Swipe to the right on your smartphone to view the entire table.
| Location | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT: % of the class attending | 5% | 5% | 3% | 5% |
| A&M: % of the class attending | 16% | 10% | 19% | 11% |
| Out-of-State: | 41% | 40% | 40% | 27% |
| In State: | 57% | 58% | 59% | 65% |
| Private: | 24% | 23% | 25% | 21% |
| Public: | 72% | 67% | 74% | 73% |
Yes, students have the opportunity to join up to three sports in a single school year, as long as they do not occur in the same season. Roughly two-thirds of our student body participates in at least one varsity sport each season. To accommodate various skill levels, we offer Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams for all available sports so everyone can have the opportunity to participate.
- Fall: Cross Country & Football
- Winter: Basketball, Soccer, Wrestling, Swimming
- Spring: Baseball, Track, Lacrosse, Rugby, Tennis, Golf
The House System at St. Thomas High School seeks to enrich school culture, enhance school spirit, provide opportunities for student leadership, promote fellowship, and facilitate pastoral care for all students. The eight smaller communities are designed to cultivate strong bonds of brotherhood and support between students, faculty, and staff while exemplifying goodness, discipline, and knowledge.
The holistic review process involves various factors, including academic performance verified by transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, resumes, and student statements. When making decisions, the admission committee evaluates the applicant’s unique qualities, such as academic, leadership, teamwork skills, creativity, and special talents.
At St. Thomas, we understand that no two students are alike, and our admissions process reflects that. We strive to admit and enroll a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive student body. Our overall goal is to enroll students who are enthusiastic learners that will become active participants in the St. Thomas community while reaching their full potential.
Graduation Credit Requirements (28 Total Credits)
- English: 4.0
- Social Studies: 4.0
- Mathematics: 4.0
- Science: 4.0
- World Languages: 2.0
- Theology: 4.0
- P.E. with Health: 1.0
- Fine Arts: 1.0
- Speech: 0.5
- Technology: 1.0
- Electives: 2.5
We offer support in Math, Science, World Languages, and Writing.
Below is a list of schools our students have enrolled in from 2020 – 2023.
Antelope Valley College
Arizona State University-Tempe
Auburn University
Austin Community College District
Babson College
Baylor University
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont University
Beloit College
Benedictine College
Bentley University
Blinn College
Boston College
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Bend College
College of Charleston
Collin County Community College
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Creighton University
Drake University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida State University
Fordham University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franklin and Marshall College
Galveston College
Gonzaga University
Hampton University
Harvard Univerity
Houston Community College
Howard University
Indiana University-Bloomington
James Madison University
Kingwood College
Lamar University
Lehigh University
Lone Star College System
Louisiana State University
Louisiana Tech University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University
Mississippi State University
Montana State University
Morgan State University
Navarro College
New York University
Nicholls State University
Ohio State University
Oklahoma State University
Old Dominion University
Oregon State University
Ouachita Baptist University
Pittsburg State University
Prep School: Basketball
Purdue University
Rhodes College
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Saint Edward’s University
Saint Joseph’s University
Sam Houston State University
San Jacinto Community College
Schreiner University
Seton Hall University
Skidmore College
South Plains College
Southern Arkansas University Tech
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern University
Spring Hill College
St. John’s University-New York
St. Mary’s University
Stephen F Austin State University
Suffolk University
SUNY Maritime College
Syracuse University
Tarleton State University
Texas A & M University-College Station
Texas A&M University-Galveston
Texas Christian University
Texas Lutheran University
Texas State Technical College
Texas State University
The Catholic University of America
The University of Alabama
The University of Montana
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Trinity University
Tulane University
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
Universidad de Navarra
University of Akron
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of Calgary
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Dallas
University of Denver
University of Houston
University of Houston-Downtown
University of Idaho
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Louisville
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of North Dakota
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of San Diego
University of St. Thomas (TX)
University of Tulsa
University of Wyoming
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Washington University in St Louis
Wentworth Institute of Technology
West Texas A & M University
Wharton County Junior College
Yale University
Antelope Valley College
Arizona State University-Tempe
Auburn University
Austin Community College District
Babson College
Baylor University
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont University
Beloit College
Benedictine College
Bentley University
Blinn College
Boston College
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Clemson University
Coastal Bend College
College of Charleston
Collin County Community College
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Creighton University
Drake University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida State University
Fordham University
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franklin and Marshall College
Galveston College
Gonzaga University
Hampton University
Harvard Univerity
Houston Community College
Howard University
Indiana University-Bloomington
James Madison University
Kingwood College
Lamar University
Lehigh University
Lone Star College System
Louisiana State University
Louisiana Tech University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University
Mississippi State University
Montana State University
Morgan State University
Navarro College
New York University
Nicholls State University
Ohio State University
Oklahoma State University
Old Dominion University
Oregon State University
Ouachita Baptist University
Pittsburg State University
Prep School: Basketball
Purdue University
Rhodes College
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Saint Edward’s University
Saint Joseph’s University
Sam Houston State University
San Jacinto Community College
Schreiner University
Seton Hall University
Skidmore College
South Plains College
Southern Arkansas University Tech
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern University
Spring Hill College
St. John’s University-New York
St. Mary’s University
Stephen F Austin State University
Suffolk University
SUNY Maritime College
Syracuse University
Tarleton State University
Texas A & M University-College Station
Texas A&M University-Galveston
Texas Christian University
Texas Lutheran University
Texas State Technical College
Texas State University
The Catholic University of America
The University of Alabama
The University of Montana
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Trinity University
Tulane University
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
Universidad de Navarra
University of Akron
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of Calgary
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Dallas
University of Denver
University of Houston
University of Houston-Downtown
University of Idaho
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Louisville
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of North Dakota
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of San Diego
University of St. Thomas (TX)
University of Tulsa
University of Wyoming
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Washington University in St Louis
Wentworth Institute of Technology
West Texas A & M University
Wharton County Junior College
Yale University
Yes, we do accept transfer students. St. Thomas considers 10, 11, and 12-grade transfer students. To be placed in the Priority Transfer application pool, a transfer student must complete an application and submit the required application documents by January 31. Interviews will be scheduled once all documentation has been submitted and reviewed by the Admission Committee.
Complete applications submitted after January 31, 2025, will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 1, 2025.
Within the overall structure of the House System, the STH community meets weekly in Communio. Communio builds on the genuine mentorship and community established at Camp Aquinas. During Communio, our students are supported academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, which allows them to reach their God-given potential inside and outside the classroom.
Yes and no. Scholarship renewal is determined by a combination of the renewal criteria set forth by the scholarship and the student’s core curriculum cumulative GPA in the fall semester. The renewable scholarships are the Principal’s Scholarship, the Aquinas Scholarship, the Goodness, Discipline, & Knowledge Scholarship, the Basilian Fathers Scholarship, and the Gable Scholarship.
After freshman year, students can become eligible for three specific scholarships based on their GPA. These are the Principal’s Scholarship (requiring a 5.0 GPA), the Aquinas Scholarship (requiring a GPA between 4.75 and 4.99), and the Goodness, Discipline, & Knowledge Scholarship (requiring a GPA between 4.5 and 4.74). The corresponding scholarship will be automatically awarded if a student’s GPA falls within one of these ranges. It is important to note that students who do not receive a scholarship entering their freshman year can still earn a scholarship later if they meet the GPA requirements.
Yes! Students have the opportunity to place into advanced level courses each year. In addition to advanced level courses in 9th and 10th grades, we offer 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 4 dual credit courses for students ready for the challenge of college-level curriculum. Through Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, students gain college-level skills and knowledge and, in many cases, earn college credits.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
- English Language
- English Literature
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Chemistry
- Physics I, II
- Calculus AB
- Calculus BC
- Statistics
- Latin
- French Language
- Spanish Language
- World History
- U.S. History
- U.S. Government
- Music Theory
- Computer Science A
- Computer Science Principles
- Seminar
Dual Credit (University of St. Thomas)
- Advanced Texas State & Local Government
- Advanced Scripture
- Advanced Philosophy
- Advanced Mandarin
A traditional day for a student athlete will vary depending on the sport the student participates in. Teams will choose to practice before or after school or offer a combination of both before and after school. Regardless of the sport a student plays, our students will be in class from 7:50 a.m.-3:10 p.m. We do not have designated athletic periods during the school day, so practices will be scheduled outside of regular school hours. However, we provide a weightlifting class as an alternative to a typical physical education course.
We offer executive functioning support. Through individualized executive functioning coaching, students receive support with planning, organization, and time management skills. Students also explore strategies to increase their ability to focus, efficiently prepare for and complete tests, and manage test anxiety.
No, St. Thomas High School does not offer work study programs to reduce tuition. However, we do offer a healthy financial aid program that we feel offsets the need for a work-study program.
No, students are not ranked. However, we do have an agreement with certain state schools that allows us to report the top 6% and 10% of the class based on GPA. Not ranking our students creates an opportunity for a holistic review, which creates an advantage for our students in the college application process.
Yes, we do have a few cut sports at St. Thomas. The cut sports are Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, and Soccer.
Transfer application requirements are very similar to the freshman application requirements. However, there are a few differences. First, we only require the student’s high school transcript. Second, we will accept a PSAT or ISEE score for the entrance exam requirements. Finally, we require a family interview. A student must complete and submit all application documents before scheduling the family interview.
St. Thomas offers five mandatory retreats with the sole purpose of helping young men discover who it is that God created them to be. Each retreat is unique in its own right and offers different activities that challenge students to think about their relationships with their neighbors and God. We also make it a priority to offer the Eucharist and time for confession on each retreat.
- Freshman Retreat: Camp Aquinas
- Sophomore Retreat: Pick Up Your Cross
- Junior Retreat: Father-Son Fall or Spring
- Junior Retreat: Leadership Retreat
- Senior Retreat: The Great Commission
Student well-being has always been an important element of life at St. Thomas. In recent years, the school has initiated programs and protocols to put an even greater emphasis on the social and emotional health of our students. The school trains teachers and staff to be alert to signs that students may be confronting issues that cause them distress or anxiety. The school initiated a referral system last school year that puts the administration in a position to respond quickly to any concerns, whether social/emotional or academic, expressed by faculty or staff. The Dean’s Office is responsible for student support on social/emotional issues; the assistant principal is responsible for academic concerns. The Dean’s Office personnel include a full-time wellness counselor whose primary responsibility is addressing emergent concerns surrounding student mental health and well-being.
Yes, St. Thomas offers a $2,000 reduction in tuition for every sibling after the first sibling is enrolled.
Yes. Our service program is designed to serve as a catalyst for our young men to grow into caring, spiritually healthy adults. The details of our program are reviewed with each enrolled student at the start of every school year.
Each student is asked to take part in six different service experiences per year of enrollment. An experience consists of an event or series of connected events meant to achieve a specific result to benefit our community and those who are marginalized. It must be organized and overseen by adults with a vested interest. A specific number of hours is intentionally not defined, as we prefer to focus on the quality of the experiences.
St. Thomas does not accept high school credits earned in middle school; however, we offer placement tests in Math and World Languages. If students demonstrate mastery of the course material for the entry level class, they will be placed in the next level course.
St. Thomas is a college preparatory school, so every course a student takes at St. Thomas is designed to prepare them for the next academic level.
Advanced level courses are designed to prepare students for the rigors of our AP or dual credit courses. They move at a faster pace, dive deeper into the content, and use additional resources within the curriculum.
AP courses are classes that are developed and created by the College Board. The goal for these classes is to prepare the students to pass the end-of-year AP test for possible college credit.
Every student in grades 9-11 participates in the Ray Dass SARA™ program. Ray Dass partners with schools nationwide to help students improve their college-readiness and increase their achievement test scores, which will increase their acceptances to their top college choices and opportunities for scholarships. SARA™ is a content-based online program that is aligned to the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. It is designed to support and add to our already rigorous curriculum with instructional modules in the areas of reading, writing, and math. SARA™ teaches the students content and provides opportunities for practice so that students become more comfortable with the materials and questions they will see in school and on the standardized exams. Students are expected to spend approximately 60 minutes each week to work on and master the skills in the modules. To help support our students in this endeavor, their first part of each block study hall period is dedicated to their work on SARA™.
Your most recent tax return information is required for the financial aid application.
The service year begins June 1 and ends May 1. Service performed in that timeframe will count toward a student’s required experiences for the grade he will enter in August of that year. Incoming freshmen are welcome to complete service in the summer prior to starting school in August, just like our returning students.
Transfer students’ grades from their previous high schools are listed on their transcripts but are not used to calculate their cumulative grade point average. In all cases calculation begins with grades in courses taken at St. Thomas.
Yes, we offer Advanced Placement courses and dual credit classes. Advanced Placement courses are offered to students beginning Sophomore year. We offer 20 AP courses in total. In order to potentially earn college credit, students must take the AP end-of-year exam and score a 3 or more on the exam. These exams are scored on a 1-5 scale.
We also offer dual credit classes, which are university-level courses offered through The University of St. Thomas (UST). When a student enrolls in one of these courses and earns a passing grade, he will receive college-level credit through UST. This credit can be transferred to other universities.
St. Thomas High School’s counseling department offers three exciting programs that introduce students to career fields and majors beyond our regular curriculum.
Urban Plan
Students are led through a two-week seminar on leadership development & urban planning. In partnership with the Houston chapter of the Urban Land Institute, students form urban plan development teams tasked with revitalizing a fictional town. Students will take on 1 of 5 roles: Financial Analyst, Marketing Director, Neighborhood Liaison, Environment/Equity Director, or Site Planner. ULI volunteers and STH alumni serve as facilitators, guest speakers, and mock city council members. All students who participate earn a certificate for their resume, acknowledging their participation in STH leadership development.
Eagle Shark Tank
Students are led through a two-week seminar on leadership development, design thinking, and entrepreneurship. They work together in teams to design a business plan and prepare a professional business pitch for STH sharks. Along the way, they hear from STH alums involved in the world of business and entrepreneurship. All students who participate earn a certificate for their resume, acknowledging their participation in the STH leadership development program.
Alumni Mentorship Program
The STH Mentorship Program pairs students with STH community members to learn about the mentors’ college and career journeys and gain advice to plan their own next steps. Students meet with their mentor regularly and get the opportunity for an in-depth look at their profession. At the end of the program, the students create personalized presentations showcasing the lessons they took away from their time with their mentors.
Applying for assistance is not restricted by income limits, and the evaluation of eligibility is based on each family’s individual financial circumstances.
Our counselor are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and/or Texas Counselor Certified.
We maintain a list of approved opportunities here, and we will always be willing to approve any other eligible experiences as requested by students. To be eligible, the experience must benefit a non-profit organization with a mission to serve the call to community and solidarity and/or the call to those who are poor or vulnerable. When uncertain, we use the Seven Catholic Social Justice Teachings to discern eligibility.
Transfer students’ course placement will be based on current transcripts and grades as well as optional placement tests.
We offer a 4.0 GPA scale that is weighted based on advanced level courses, which adds an additional point per grade, i.e. 5.0 GPA
*Note: Swipe to the right on your smartphone to view the entire table.
| Grade | Percentage | GPA Regular | GPA Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93 – 100 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| A- | 90 – 92 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| B+ | 87 – 89 | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| B | 83 – 86 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| B- | 80 – 82 | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| C+ | 79 | 2.3 | 3.3 |
| C | 77 – 78 | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| C- | 75 – 76 | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| D+ | 74 | 1.3 | 2.3 |
| D | 71 – 73 | 1.0 | 2.0 |
| D- | 70 | 1.0 | 2.0 |
| F | 0 – 69 | 0 | 0 |
Yes, transfer students are eligible to apply for and receive financial assistance if they meet the requirements for aid.
With our growing student body, it’s essential for students to take ownership of coordinating their own service work. We do offer a list of common service opportunities, so that students have some reliable ways to earn service. The Houston Food Bank is an excellent example of an organization that will always need help, year-round.
All qualified students are welcome at St. Thomas regardless of religious affiliation. Because we are a Catholic school, all students must take Catholic Theology classes, attend class retreats and worship with the St. Thomas community at liturgies and prayer services. Regardless of your family’s or son’s religious affiliation, we believe that every young man should grow in his own faith while at St. Thomas.
Optimally, service will be performed when the best opportunities for growth are available for each individual student. We hope to avoid trivializing service as a mere task. However, we understand the summer season begets many interesting opportunities, like camp counseling, mission trips, summer church programs, and more. Therefore, the timing of service is a decision we ultimately feel is the student’s own, provided it happens before the May 1 deadline yearly.
We encourage everyone to experience the vibrant and welcoming community of St. Thomas High School! We offer a wide variety of opportunities for you and your family to learn, explore, and connect with St. Thomas.
We host individual and group guided tours year-round. During these tours, you and your family will have the chance to explore different areas of the campus, learn about the school’s history and mission, and ask any questions you may have about St. Thomas High School. You can attend our Open House, which takes place the first Sunday in December. We also offer specific events geared towards specific student interests, such as the End Zone Rally, STEAM Night, and so much more.
Click here for more information on how to visit St. Thomas.
We offer a nationally-recognized award called the Presidential Volunteer Service Award; STH is one of few local Certifying Organizations qualified to evaluate and award those who achieve the required metrics, defined here. Recipients will differentiate themselves when pursuing scholarships, internships, college admissions, and much more. The annual STH award application phase is in late spring; the awards themselves – consisting of a commemorative award, an official certificate, and a signed letter from the President of the United States – are provided by St. Thomas as an exclusive benefit for our students.
Questions about this award are gladly fielded by Mrs. Looper.
The Admissions Committee does not rely solely on the ISEE entrance exam when making their decision. They carefully review all admission application materials to ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of each student’s qualifications. The Committee takes into consideration that the ISEE entrance exam only reflects a single day in a student’s life when making admissions decisions.
Students at St. Thomas High School are encouraged to excel academically and cultivate their interests beyond the classroom. Our student activities provide a space for students to think creatively and nurture critical thinking and leadership skills while pursuing their passions.
Student activities allow students to participate in their choice of various groups and clubs, including academic teams, service clubs, and cultural organizations. Our program aims to foster community spirit while allowing students to build lifelong connections with peers with similar interests.
Yes! Our comprehensive Fine Arts program gives our young men the tools and opportunities to explore and express their artistic abilities. Our emphasis on artistic and cultural enrichment ensures our young men graduate as curious, lifelong learners with opportunities for growth in all areas of life.
Our program provides students with a wide range of experiences in:
- Visual Arts
- Sculpture
- Instrumental Music
- Choir
- Theater
Absolutely not! We welcome everyone to participate in our choir, band, or theater programs, regardless of previous experience. Our programs cater to students of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned performers. Our experienced teachers are committed to nurturing students’ talents and helping them grow.
St. Thomas is proud to offer over 30 student clubs and organizations, and we will continue to step in cadence with our students’ interests. Student organizations provide much-needed outlets to develop life skills and leadership opportunities while offsetting the intensity of academic life. When given the opportunity to participate in co-curricular organizations, research proves students will have better educational outcomes and many other invaluable benefits for life.
We always hope to grow our offerings of clubs, and through a straightforward process, any student can propose and establish a club that is not currently offered. For details and a club application, please contact our Student Activities team.
Yes! We offer an annual Clubs Fair at the start of fall semester. This takes place during our block lunch period, and every student can browse and ask questions about our Clubs. Eagles can join then and there, or make plans to go to a meeting to find out more. Click here to view a current list of our student clubs and organizations.
St. Thomas is a single-gender school for young men. However, there are many opportunities for our students to interact with young women. St. Thomas offers diverse extracurricular clubs that sponsor events for our students and our sister schools: St. Agnes Academy (SAA), Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (DASH), and Incarnate Word Academy (IWA). In turn, St. Thomas students are also invited to activities those schools sponsor, which makes for a busy social calendar! Furthermore, St. Thomas and its sister schools host a variety of dances throughout the year. Other co-ed opportunities include:
Athletics
- Sporting Events
- Pep Rallies
- Sports Medicine
- Shared Athletic Spaces
- Swimming
- Cheerleading
- Track
Fine Arts
- Theater
- Band
- Choir
Student Organizations
- Welcome Back Dance
- Homecoming
- Prom
- Sister School Dances
- Spirit Clubs
Theology
- Faith Organizations
- Young Life
- Service Projects
Diversity is an essential aspect of any community; nowhere is this more apparent than at St. Thomas High School. The Basilian Fathers were established with the principles of community and believed an authentic Catholic Education is based on a diverse student community. To truly appreciate and learn from the community, St. Thomas has strived to educate a diverse student population, whether ethnic, socioeconomic, or geographical living area. Exposing students to a diverse student population allows students to develop new perspectives and experiences they might not otherwise encounter. This will enable them to grow as individuals in their education and personal and spiritual lives. A diverse community is essential to creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment that benefits everyone involved.
Student Demographics
- White – 60%
- Hispanic – 20%
- Black – 6%
- Asian – 3%
- Other – 11%
Religions
- Catholic – 67%
- Protestant – 28%
- Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Islam, Agnostic – 5%
Socioeconomic Diversity
- ⅓ of student population receives financial assistance
Current Student Matriculation
- 72% non-public school
- 28% public school
Zip Codes
- 120
Our average classroom will have about 18 students. We will also always cap our course sections at 22 students. Some of our specialized or advanced level courses will have as few as 4 students.
2024-2025 Academic School Year:
- Grade 9 – 206
- Grade 10 – 198
- Grade 11 -161
- Grade 12 – 150
St. Thomas High School’s currently faculty to student ratio is 1:9.
With Advanced Degrees: 85%
With Doctorate Degrees: 15%
Average Tenure: 10 years
Gender Percentages: 60% male, 40% female
- 20 Acres
- 14,000 sq. ft. of STEM space
- 2,400 sq. ft. of student activity space
- Chapel on campus
- New Baseball Field
- Parking garage
- 2 gyms
- New athletics complex: 6 lockers rooms, weight room, training room, and wrestling room
- Best/most up-to-date technology in the city
- Security fence, key codes on doors, and resource officers on campus
School starts at 7:50 and ends at 3:10 each day. Overall we provide our students with a modified block schedule. On most days we have a block schedule. Students will have four academic classes, which are an hour and twenty minutes.
Students will have either communio (advisory) or community (Free time to join a club, study, receive academic support, or take a moment of rest) time, which is 35 minutes. Students will also be given a 55 minute lunch break.
Click here to view our current bell schedules.
Yes, Sage Dining is our dining service, which is optional for our students. Sage Dining does a great job of rotating menu items for our students. They serve breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
Traditional Day
- Collared shirt
- Khaki Pants
- Dress shoes, loafers, or boots with leather soles
- Leather Belt
- Sweatshirts/hoodies with minimal logos
Dress Day
- Same pants, shoes, and belt as above
- White button up
- Red tie
- Blue blazer
St. Thomas High School is committed to ensuring students have the technological resources needed for success. Through our 1:1 laptop program (Lenovo ThinkPad Yogas) and extensive teacher training opportunities, we are equipping each student with access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge of up-to-date instructional practices.
Lenovo Yoga Laptop
- Built into tuition
- Use varies across classrooms
- Stream beam to connect laptops
- Strict firewalls
- Audited at any time
- Blackbaud – parent portal
- Teachers use various learning platforms to deliver content
We have an on-premise firewall that is CIPA compliant and updates its definitions daily. We also provide AV and Endpoint firewalls on each student laptop that performs additional filtering while off campus.
School safety is a paramount priority at St. Thomas High School. Several years ago, the school instituted a long-term plan to address the issue in a comprehensive manner. Daily efforts to protect the community include the presence of security officers and perimeter security. In addition, the school’s emergency management plan includes systematic protocols and contingencies for urgent situations. St. Thomas conducts regular training in various scenarios with faculty, staff, and students. The safety and security of our community has been, and will remain, our highest priority.
We offer our students CarpooltoSchool. CarpooltoSchool allows our students to connect with fellow classmates and families to create safe and efficient carpools to school. This program is only open to St. Thomas High School students.
Your son may drive to school when he has a valid drivers license.
Yes, plenty. There is a fee and specific permitting required.
Students are supervised from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm but can be on campus outside of those hours.
St. Thomas High School is a vibrant community that exists because of our dedicated and loyal parents, whose selfless commitment to our school advances our sacred mission. There are many ways parents can give their time and talent to the St. Thomas community, such as through the following clubs and guilds below:
- Mothers’ Club
- Booster Club
- Music Guild
- Drama Guild
- Forensics Guild
- Eagle House
Click here to view more information on Parent Organizations at St. Thomas.
