This course is the third in a series of enrichment courses for middle school students sponsored by St. Thomas High School.  The first two are Step Up Study Skills and Preparation for the High School Entrance Exams. In Pathways to Independent Learning, students are given tools and strategies to take charge of the learning [...]

Starting high school is a significant milestone for every student. It involves navigating a new environment with many unknowns, including teachers, classmates, classrooms, and lunch lines. When students confidently enter a new environment and feel a sense of belonging, they have a better chance of a successful freshman year. When students develop a strong [...]

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Lao Tzu When should you start thinking about High School for your son?.....The simple answer is anytime during middle school. There is a level of attention you should apply when looking at a high school for your son; unfortunately, time often moves quickly [...]

Fine arts are important for a holistic education in today's educational environment. A strong fine arts program can bring many benefits, especially in an all-boys school. A comprehensive fine arts program can help students academically, support their emotional development, and create a strong community. When families understand the benefits of the arts, they can [...]

A strong retreat program provides significant benefits for high school students. Retreats emphasize spiritual growth and personal development, preparing students to become good, moral, and ethical individuals. When exploring educational options, you may come across schools that offer retreat programs. These programs provide added benefits for your student's high school experience. What are these benefits? [...]

Benefits Beyond Academics When choosing a private high school, prospective students and their families should take a good look at extracurricular offerings – including sports, clubs, activities, performing arts and more – that both complement the academic experience and contribute to students' personal growth and overall well-being.  Remember: Because they are independent, private schools are [...]

Students Should Focus on Both During their crucial high school years, students should prioritize community service alongside their studies, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles within the school. Service to others offers a wide array of benefits for high schoolers, from personal growth to academic improvement, social development, and even career exploration and community engagement. [...]

A Systematic Approach to Academic Goal-Setting Today, students and their families are realizing the importance of individual academic planning throughout the high school years when charting a course toward a preferred college. Academic planning not only helps students navigate their educational journey, but also allows them to maximize their school experience by choosing their preferred [...]

Get Started on Good Habits Now The jump from the expectations in 8th grade to the expectations and workload in 9th grade is a significant transition in a student’s life, especially if they’re attending a college prep institution. Suddenly, proactive life skills like time management, goal-setting, effective study habits and remaining organized are not [...]