A Communion of SAINTS Standing Together on HIGHER GROUND
FAITH EXCELLENCE SERVICE COMMUNITY WWW.STASAINTS.NET/ADMISSIONS
WHY SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS Saint Thomas Aquinas is not like any other high school. There is a welcoming environment for all who spend their high school career here. Regardless of what grade school you come from, Aquinas makes every student feel like part of a second family, allowing them to thrive. There is a perfect balance between faith, academics, community, service, and excellence, giving your child the best high school experience they could imagine. Education here at STA is challenging yet rewarding because of the opportunities in place for assistance and encouragement. With faith being the center of all activities and learning experiences, students at STA grow exponentially in their faith by forming an irreplaceable connection with Christ. Every student who attends STA succeeds in their unique way while growing and learning valuable life lessons that extend through the years beyond high school. Aquinas will make your student feel like they belong to a high school and a family. Mallory Farrar
Nativity Saints Class of 2022
REPUTATION OF EXCELLENCE We are a four-year co-educational, college preparatory, CATHOLIC, Archdiocesan high school community. Anchored in traditions and high expectations, we are Christ-centered. We serve ALL STUDENTS of socio-economic and academic capabilities. Families from all religious backgrounds find our community welcoming.
13:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
100% Graduation Rate
50.7% Male and 49.3% Female Student Ratio
880
Current Enrollment (2021-22)
90% Catholic
FOUR CORE VALUES Our Four Core Values instill in students a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves. Through the infusion of these values, students are led to become academically excellent and faith-filled.
FAITH EXCELLENCE SERVICE COMMUNITY
47
Students in the Class of 2025 come from 47 different elementary schools.
FAITH CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY Emphasis on putting Catholic values and principles in action through words and deeds, in and out of the classroom, on and off the field/stage at all times.
FAITH LEADERS Chaplain - Fr. Ashmore Three Campus Ministers
INDIVIDUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW IN FAITH Daily Morning Mass in the Chapel Daily Afternoon Rosary Morning and Afternoon All-School Prayer Training to be a Eucharistic Minister Weekly Penance Every Friday at Lunch Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent Adoration every STA Period
ALL- SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW IN FAITH Regular All-School Masses Individual Class Liturgies Penance Services All-school Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Class Retreats (Kairos for Seniors) Discipleship Groups Campus Ministry Club Campus Ministry Course Coffee & Big Questions with Fr. Ashmore Mission Trips STA Period Senior Pilgrimage to Rome, Florence, and Assisi
High school is a time of revelations, especially religious ones. And especially in today’s world, it’s essential to grow up with Catholic values. The lessons we learn, the habits we develop today are carried with us for the rest of our lives; we ought to make them good ones. Being in a community that accepts and encourages us to grow in faith is crucial to making this happen. For me, learning history, English, literature, and math, yes, math, from a Catholic perspective, will stick with me for a long time, something that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Thomas Kluck Holy Trinity Saints Class of 2022
EXCELLENCE ACADEMICS HONORS COURSES English 1, 2, 3 &4 Chemistry 1 & 2 Biology/College Biology Anatomy & Physiology Honors Physics 1 & 2 American History Government Economics World History Algebra 1 & 2 Geometry Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry Statistics Calculus 1 & 2 French 3 & 4 German 3 & 4 Spanish 2, 3, 4 & 5
DUAL ENROLLMENT College Algebra with Trigonometry Honors American History Honors Calculus 1 & 2 Honors College Biology Honors English 4 Honors Spanish 3 & 4 Honors Statistics ADVANCED PLACEMENT Students may self select to take AP exams. 150 students took classes in 9 different areas for a total of approximately 1,000 credit hours. STUDENT RESOURCES Writing Lab Math Hub
TYPICAL FRESHMAN SCHEDULE Theology 1 credit Biology 1 credit English 1 credit Math 1 credit Technology ½ credit Speech ½ credit Physical Education ½ credit Fine Art ½ credit Community Service ¼ credit
From the first moment you step into Aquinas, you can sense a feeling of accomplishment. It could be from the classrooms where students work diligently or the gym where the State banners hang. Wherever it may be, there is a feeling that excellence is being achieved. Students are held to a higher standard and given every tool and assistance they need to succeed. They are refusing to settle, as led to astounding achievements in the classroom and on the field. Each day is an opportunity to become the best version of yourself, and I genuinely believe that being at Aquinas has guided me in this. Each day I become more empowered by my classmates, teachers, and the precedent that thousands of outstanding students have set before me. Elizabeth Mark Good Shepherd Saints Class of 2022
At Saint Thomas Aquinas CLASS OF 2021 STATS High School, each Class Size 219 student is encouraged % of Class That Graduated 100% National Merit Finalist 1 and empowered to National Merit 4 strive for excellence in Commended all aspects of their high Number of Students With 26 An ACT Score Over 30 school experience. We Average ACT Score 24 provide students with Recognized KS Scholars 78 tools for unsurpassed Entering the Armed 1 Forces academic achievement 101.24% and the reinforcement and GPA High GPA Low 76.44% continuing formation of Average Cumulative GPA 93% their Catholic faith.
COLLEGE MATRICULATION Total applications submitted by Class
701
Total # of College Acceptances by Class
605
Acceptance rate by Class
89%
Number of unique colleges accepted to by Class
140
Number of States students will be attending
18
4 year institutions
97%
Plan to attend 2-year University
9%
Plan to attend a 4-year University
91%
Plan to attend a Public University
81%
Plan to attend Private institutions
19%
Catholic Colleges
10%
Outside of Kansas
41%
EXCELLENCE STUDENT LIFE
At Saint Thomas Aquinas, excellence doesn’t just mean being the best at everything. Excellence is helping you become the best person you can be and finding ways to do so. In academics, not a single teacher would turn away a student seeking help. Each staff member wants these students to have all of the materials to reach their full potential. In other activities, like athletics, even if you do not know a single thing, the coaches will help guide you in the activity you choose. The focus is not just whether you get straight A’s or win every game. At Aquinas, excellence means reaching the goals you set for yourself and even passing them to help you be excellent at being you. Kristen Strathman Holy Trinity Saints Class of 2022
88%
Students Involved in Clubs and Activities
26
KSHSAA Teams
27 Clubs
118
30 Blue Star Nominations
State Championship Titles
3
Blue Star Award Winners
SERVICE Over 100 students per year achieve the Presidential Service Award. Giving the Basics NHS Christmas Adopt a Family
Canned Food Drive for Catholic Charities National Record of 177,000 Cans Collected Mission Trips Pilgrimage to Rome, Florence & Assisi Purses to Persevere Key Club includes over 150 members, serving more than 12 agencies per year. Our school serves over 800 agencies our school serves. School Supply Drive for Resurrection Grade School
Unbound Sponsorships of Students in Guatemala Ronald McDonald House Team Soccer with Special Needs Students
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM REQUIRED HOURS 9th & 10th - 20 Total Hours 11th & 12th - 30 Total Hours
Giving back to the community is an intrinsic core value of what it takes to be a Saint at STA. The moment students enroll, they have the opportunity to share their gifts and talents with those who need our help. Aquinas also always finds a way to make service hours fun and engaging through games or group events where many students participate, like the annual walk for life or any event found in Key Club. And by representing the entirety of STA, each student holds power to promote the virtues and values taught at our great establishment and let everybody know that Saint Thomas Aquinas is a home for everyone. Nate Tai Ascension Saints Class of 2022
WHERE WE GATHER 500-seat Performing Arts Theatre Two Full-sized Gyms Turf Football and Soccer Stadium Baseball and Softball Fields Practice Fields Chapel of the Immaculate Conception Learning Commons with National Board Certified Librarian Innovation Studio with Designated STREAM Curriculum 8,000 Square Foot Fitness Facility including a 40-yard Track, 18 Weight Benches, Free Weights, and Cardio Machines Fully Equipped Broadcast Studio FACULTY & ADMINISTRATION Over 78% of our Faculty have Earned Advanced Degrees Three Principals Academic Counselor Two School Counselors Full-time Director of College Placement Certified Learning Specialist Certified Reading Specialist Student Life Director
LEGACY & ALUMNI Our Alumni Speaker Series has been created to bring the past to the present to help shape the future. We want to teach our students life skills and help prepare them for college and beyond. This is a great opportunity for our Alumni to stay involved with their Alma Mater. We have 16 Alumni working at Saint Thomas Aquinas
WE WANT YOU TO BE A PART OF OUR DYNAMIC COMMUNITY! Through shared experiences, students gain insight into themselves and learn important lessons about leadership, collaboration, and cooperation. They also develop social skills and discover talents, interests, and strengths. When you become a Saint, you join a family!
COMMUNITY
FRESHMAN ONLY ACTIVITIES Summer Transition Day in July The community at Saint Thomas Aquinas is the first thing that stood out to me as unique when I visited this school. When I walked in, I felt something different about the community here than at any other school. The faculty and staff care so much for all students, not just academically but in each student’s overall well-being. At STA, someone will always be there for you. Friendships between the students at our school are solid as they are rooted in the values encouraged at Aquinas, most notably in the love of Jesus Christ. Many people told me before I started at STA that it would become a second home to me, and it most definitely has. I have made the most amazing friends I could ask for, I have met some of the most influential people in my life, and I know there is always someone I can turn to in the Saint Thomas Aquinas community. Emily Eckerberg Prince of Peace Saints Class of 2022
Freshman Bash before school starts Freshman Orientation Freshman Mentor Program Freshman Mixer
BECOME A SAINT
One of the positive aspects of attending Aquinas is you are automatically part of a loving community, a faith enriched group, and have the opportunity to do more with your high school experience. The caring community of teachers and students makes you feel welcome at all times. The type of students at Aquinas drives each other to be better in academics, faith life, athletics, or other passions. Aquinas enriches your faith through the many service projects and retreats. After three years of going to Aquinas, I look at God in a completely new light. Finally, Aquinas students excel in everything they do. If you want to do something to better yourself and the community, Aquinas staff will do everything to help you. Timothy Theisen Nativity Saints Class of 2022
INFORMATION SESSIONS Information Nights for students and parents
SCHOLARSHIP/PLACEMENT TEST Choose EITHER: Saturday, December 4, 2021, or January 8, 2022, 8:30am in the Commons Qualify for a scholarship based on your percentile score on the test: Freshman Scholar “Saint” Award: 98-99% - $1,500 Freshman Scholar “President” Award: 96-97% - $1,250 Freshman Scholar “Principal” Award: 94-95% - $1,000 Freshman Scholar “Blue and Gold” Award: 92-93% - $500 Freshman Scholar “ Commended” Award: 90-91% - $250 Test fee: $20 - fee will be waived if the student is enrolled in the Class of 2026 SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS Due February 1, 2022 For scholarship consideration, these non-academic scholarship applications must be submitted by the due date.
ENROLLMENT IS OPEN for the Class of 2026 Deadline February 1, 2022
CLASS OF 2026 STUDENT AND PARENT ORIENTATION Saturday, February 26, 2022, 9:00-11:30 a.m. TUITION (2021-22) $11,200 (for members of a Johnson County Catholic parish) ACCREDITATION/MEMBERSHIPS Cognia. National Catholic Educations Assocication. National Association for College Admission Counseling FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE We believe that Catholic education is both FINANCIAL a sound investment in your child’s future as ASSISTANCE well as a considerable financial commitment Deadline January 31, 2022 and responsibility. At Saint Thomas Aquinas, we are committed to making tuition affordable and accessible to students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. We believe the cost of tuition should not deter a student from attending Saint Thomas Aquinas. Assistance is available for families who show documentation of financial need; 32% of our students receive financial assistance. Last year $1,700,000 was awarded to 233 families and 287 students. Priority Deadline - December 15, 2021 Final deadline - January 31, 2022
FROM OUR STUDENTS - WHY SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS The positive aspects of attending Saint Thomas Aquinas are the many opportunities to connect with those in your local community, grow in your faith, and participate in various school activities. The many school activities help students feel welcome and help them get involved and meet new peers. The faith aspect at Aquinas is like nothing else because there are constantly ways to grow in your faith. There are also many opportunities to reach out and help those in most need, which is truly what Jesus Christ calls us to do. The faculty and coaches at Saint Thomas Aquinas help students become the best version of themselves and help to teach them lessons that they can use throughout their entire lives. They instill core values in every student that will stay with them for the rest of their life. Saint Thomas Aquinas pushes every student to become better in school, on the field, and in the outside world. The memories made at Aquinas are some that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Saint Thomas Aquinas leaves a positive mark on every student and encourages everyone to go out into the world and act as Jesus did. Sarah Anliker St. Michael the Archangel Saints Class of 2022
CONTACT
Diane Pyle Director of Admissions and Financial Assistance 913-319-2423 dpyle@stasaints.net
I chose to attend Saint Thomas Aquinas because I liked everything about it coming in, and I have not been disappointed. The school environment is upbeat, the students and faculty are respectful, and the classes are exciting. I knew that this school would not be a get-by-school but rather would push me, even expect me, to do my best at all times. Sean Brough St. Joseph Saint Class of 2022 I decided to attend Saint Thomas Aquinas because academics and sports have always been important to me. Choosing Aquinas was a no-brainer for me because Aquinas excels at both. On top of that, Aquinas is strong in faith, and faith has always been important to me. By attending Aquinas, I knew I could strengthen my relationship with God and grow my faith. Assa Kante Oxford Middle Saints Class of 2022
VISIT US Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215-4816
There are many benefits of choosing Saint Thomas Aquinas, like being excited to come to school every day, feeling God working inside of you, and getting to meet all the fantastic people. Going to Aquinas, you get to see your faith flourish because you grow in knowledge every day. As you know more about yourself and your religion, you begin to feel the sense to want to take action. The people at Aquinas are always going to push you forward, not back. In my time at STA, I haven’t met one person who has said something negative about the school. Finally, Aquinas works to create an immersive work environment. They do this by allowing students to work in groups and having dynamic class discussions. Matt Holzmeister Ascension Saints Class of 2022
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