Dear Families and Friends of St. Thomas More School,

If Catholic schools were a state, they would rank first in the nation. That’s not an opinion—it’s the latest finding from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card. Released on January 29, 2025, the results show that Catholic school students continue to outperform their public school peers in both math and reading at the 4th and 8th-grade levels.

NAEP assessments are considered the gold standard of educational testing, and the data makes one thing clear: Catholic schools are leading the way. While public school achievement has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, Catholic school students are excelling.

Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, President/CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), summed it up well:

“In Catholic schools, faith and academics are seamlessly woven together, fostering not only intellectual growth but also moral and spiritual formation. While academic excellence is a hallmark of our schools, our true goal is to form saints and to prepare students to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.”

A summary of the latest NAEP findings shows that Catholic school students scored significantly higher than their public school counterparts in both math and reading at grades 4 and 8. Catholic schools not only maintain a strong academic foundation but continue to outpace national averages, reinforcing their commitment to excellence. You can read the full NCEA report here.

At St. Thomas More School, we see this reality every day. Our mission is to coach, mentor, and accompany Saints, Scholars, Scientists, and Student-Athletes. We cultivate a learning environment that nurtures both the mind and the soul, preparing students for success far beyond the classroom.

Saints

Religious education at St. Thomas More begins in preschool, laying the foundation for a lifelong relationship with faith. Our students actively participate in Catholic traditions as proclaimers, altar servers, choir singers, and psalmists, deepening their connection to Christ and the Church.

Faith is not just something we teach; it is something we live. Our students grow in their faith through daily prayer, weekly Mass, and participation in sacraments. Service is at the heart of our mission, and our students are regularly involved in outreach programs that serve the parish, community, and beyond. From food drives to charity fundraisers, our students learn what it means to embody Christ’s teachings in action.

Scholars

Our academic programs push students to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence. The results speak for themselves. Just look at the latest accomplishments of our award-winning Speech Team and Mock Trial program:

Our exceptional staff, of whom over 95% hold a master’s degree from prestigious universities such as Notre Dame, Gonzaga, Penn State, Washington State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Washington, to name a few, drive academic success and innovation in our classrooms.

Mock Trial Results

Congratulations to our incredible students who competed in the recent mock trial competition:

• Best Attorneys: Elijah G. & Nicholas T.
• 3rd Place Team: STMS Team B
• 1st Place Team: STMS Team A

This level of achievement doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with our youngest learners, as public speaking and critical thinking are integrated into our curriculum from preschool onward.

Speech Team Success

Bishop Blanchet High School Competition

6th/7th Grade:

• Dramatic Interpretation:
  • Finalist: Elijah G.
  • 3rd Place: Gelilah S.
  • 2nd Place: David S.
  • 1st Place: Isabella T.
• Editorial Commentary:
  • 1st Place: Isabella T.
• Impromptu Speaking:
  • Finalist: David S.

8th Grade:

• Editorial Commentary:
  • Finalist: Liam B.
  • 3rd Place: Abby S.
• Humorous Interpretation:
  • 2nd Place: David P.

Archbishop Murphy High School Competition

6th/7th Grade:

• Dramatic Interpretation:
  • 3rd Place: Kendall M.
  • 2nd Place: Elijah G.
  • 1st Place: David S.
• Impromptu:
  • 3rd Place: David S.
• Editorial Commentary:
  • 3rd Place: Isabella T.
  • 1st Place: Elijah G.
• Storybook:
  • 3rd Place: Gurleen K.

8th Grade:

• Humorous Interpretation:
  • 2nd Place: David P.
• Editorial Commentary:
  • 1st Place: Nina A. (with 1st place comes a $1,500 scholarship to AMHS.)

Inspirational Speaker Award: David P. for his growth and dedication to public speaking.

Scientists

We are excited to announce that we have restarted our STEM program under the leadership of Dr. Michael Lam, who holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Oregon State University, specializing in Artificial Intelligence. This program provides students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology, preparing them for high-demand careers in STEM fields.

This program is designed to engage students from preschool through 8th grade, ensuring that all students develop a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and math. Our students participate in robotics, coding, and hands-on experiments, equipping them with the critical thinking skills necessary for future careers in innovation and technology.

Student-Athletes

St. Thomas More isn’t only about strong academics. Our students excel in athletics as well. This year, our basketball program grew from two teams to eight, demonstrating the increasing demand and enthusiasm for sports at our school.

One of the proudest moments of this season? Our 6th-grade basketball team made it to the championship but chose to forfeit in order to compete in the mock trial competition—because at St. Thomas More, we prioritize academics over athletics. And did we mention? We won awards in the mock trial competition!

A Call to Action: Join Us!

If you are a parent considering a Catholic education for your child, now is the time to take a closer look at St. Thomas More School. Our students are thriving, achieving, and leading, both in and out of the classroom.

We invite you to visit our campus, meet our dedicated teachers, and experience firsthand what makes STM special. Whether you are drawn by our top-ranked academics, commitment to faith formation, or vibrant extracurricular programs, there is a place for your child in our community.

Let’s talk about how St. Thomas More can be the right fit for your family. Schedule a tour today, or contact our admissions office to learn more.

Together, we are shaping the next generation of Saints, Scholars, Scientists, and Student-Athletes. We hope you’ll be a part of it.

With gratitude and hope,

Rich Hernandez
Principal
St. Thomas More School