St. Thomas More Parish School is proud to reflect the rich diversity of our community, with over 20 languages spoken across campus. We value every language and the cultural heritage it represents, knowing that our students’ multilingual abilities uniquely strengthen our school environment.
Here’s a look at some of the languages spoken on our campus:
- Languages represented: Spanish, Japanese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Russian, Amharic, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, French, Somali, Swahili, Hindi, Punjabi, Farsi, Ukrainian, Portuguese, German, Italian, Urdu, and more.
Celebrating these languages goes beyond acknowledgment—we strive to make every student feel their background is a treasured part of our school’s fabric. In the classroom, PK to 8th-grade students learn Spanish, and our after-school Japanese Club brings even more cultural enrichment to campus.
The Academic Advantage of Multilingualism
Current research shows that students who speak more than one language often see cognitive benefits, such as stronger problem-solving skills, better focus, and improved academic performance. For instance:
- Bilingual students regularly outperform their single-language peers on standardized tests.
- Studies indicate that knowing more than one language can accelerate learning and boost confidence in other areas.
At St. Thomas More, we’re committed to creating an environment that values academic rigor while celebrating language and cultural diversity. We encourage our families to continue speaking and reinforcing their home languages, helping students develop a strong bilingual foundation that benefits their academic and personal growth.
Embracing Our Community Theme: “You Belong”
Our theme this year, “You Belong,” reminds us that each student, family, and staff member is a valued part of our school. Every background, language, and story contributes to the strength of our community, and we invite everyone to join in making St. Thomas More a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and at home.
A Personal Goal and Invitation for Support
As part of this celebration of our diverse community, my goal this year is to learn the Our Father in each language spoken at St. Thomas More. Additionally, as a minister of the Holy Eucharist, I aim to say, “The Body of Christ” and “Amen” in each language our families represent. We invite anyone interested to share their language to deepen this connection of faith and belonging.
Explore St. Thomas More Parish School
We invite you to continue building this supportive community with us and to share in the many strengths our diverse school family brings. St. Thomas More is where every student has a home, every language is celebrated, and each unique story contributes to the learning journey.
