St. Thomas High School Viewbook

Page 1


DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE

FUTURE EAGLE,

Welcome to St. Thomas High School.

For over a century, St. Thomas has been dedicated to providing an exceptional Catholic college preparatory education that nurtures growth in all areas of our students’ lives. We aim to instill in them the values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge, guiding them to live a faith-filled life.

We invite you to explore our campus and discover how our Basilian education empowers students through diverse course offerings, college planning, faith formation, athletics, fine arts, extracurricular activities, and more. By the time our students graduate, we strive to help them realize their potential and discover their purpose.

During your visit, you will have the opportunity to connect with our outstanding faculty and community. Our faculty, who embody our Basilian mission, play a crucial role in our students’ development. When you meet them, you will understand why St. Thomas is truly remarkable. You will also see the Eagle Brotherhood—a community that will support you throughout your time here and beyond. This brotherhood forms a lifelong network of friendships and support, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among our students.

We are proud to say that our school and community will help you become a faith-filled man prepared for the world ahead.

In Christ,

IN THE HEART OF HOUSTON

JUST 2 MILES FROM DOWNTOWN HOUSTON

St. Thomas is situated at 4500 Memorial Drive, just 2 miles from the heart of downtown Houston, Texas. Originally established in downtown Houston in 1900, we relocated to our current site at the corner of Memorial and Shepherd in 1940. The 28-acre campus along Buffalo Bayou features high-tech classrooms, a student activity center, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and more.

HOUSTON

Chapel

High-Tech Classrooms

STEM Facilities

14,000 sq. ft.

Student Activity Center

2,400 sq. ft.

Learning Enrichment Center

2 Gymnasiums

Football Stadium & Track

Baseball Stadium

Multi-Purpose Practice Field

Dedicated Athletics Complex

6 Locker Rooms

Weight Room Training Room

ACRE CAMPUS

Wrestling Room

A BASILIAN HISTORY

St. Thomas High School is a Basilian college preparatory school in Houston, Texas founded in 1900 by the priests of the Congregation of St. Basil. The Basilians have been dedicated to the service of the Church in various priestly ministries, focusing on the education of youth since 1822. Today, St. Thomas is Houston’s oldest Catholic college preparatory high school for young men.

The Basilian tradition of education, which emphasizes teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge, is deeply rooted in the school’s philosophy and derived from Psalm 119. Guided by the principles of the Basilian Fathers, the school remains committed to forming young men who are intellectually competent, morally responsible, and prepared to lead lives of faith and service.

OUR MISSION

TEACH ME

This can be addressed to God as a request from the Basilian Fathers and educators, asking them to learn goodness, discipline, and knowledge so they can share, teach, and serve as role models for others.

GOODNESS

This means simply being a good person. Goodness is fundamental, as everything flows from this virtue. Without goodness, the words "discipline" and "knowledge" could be understood in different contexts.

DISCIPLINE

In the context of goodness, discipline does not refer to punishment but rather the discipleship of Christ, an invitation to grow in freedom, love, knowledge, and holiness.

& KNOWLEDGE

Knowledge is not limited to sacred learning but encompasses learning about anything in God’s creation.

DISCOVER PURPOSE YOUR

At St. Thomas High School, we believe that every young man has a unique purpose waiting to be discovered. We strive to foster a community that imparts knowledge and encourages students to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead lives guided by the Gospels. Our faculty and staff create an atmosphere of academic excellence, spiritual growth, and brotherhood. Here, students receive not only tools and support but also guidance to explore their interests, transform as individuals, and discover their paths in life, all within a culture of faith and service.

WHO CAN YOU BE?

FUTURE DOCTOR

FUTURE PRIEST

FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR

FUTURE ENGINEER

ACADEMICS

COLLEGE PREPARATORY CURRICULUM

St. Thomas High School is a renowned college preparatory institution offering over 40 advanced and Advanced Placement courses. We foster a supportive and intellectually challenging environment where young men can develop the skills necessary for success in their future studies and careers. Our curriculum and environment are thoughtfully tailored to align with the strengths and interests of our students.

100% COLLEGE

ACCEPTANCE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT & DUAL CREDIT

We offer 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 4 dual credit classes in partnership with the University of St. Thomas. Our AP and dual credit options provide students with the opportunity to engage in college-level coursework, develop critical thinking skills, deepen their knowledge, and prepare for the academic challenges of college. These courses span various disciplines, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.

VIEW ALL AP COURSES

AP COURSES

VIEW FULL FRESHMAN SCHEDULE & GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

“ EACH DAY, STUDENTS ARE CHALLENGED TO GROW ACADEMICALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY. BECAUSE OF THE SCHOOL'S COMMITMENT TO CREATING A WELL-ROUNDED MAN, GRADUATES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A DIVERSE RANGE OF SKILLS THAT SET THEM APART NOT ONLY IN COLLEGE, BUT ALSO IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS. ”

LEARNING ENRICHMENT CENTER

The Learning Enrichment Center (LEC) is dedicated to providing academic support and ensuring an inclusive learning atmosphere for all students. It is a place where students can engage in individual study, collaborative work, tutoring, and research. The LEC provides tutoring in core curriculum and research support to help our students reach their full potential.

9:1 STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO

COLLEGE PLANNING & COUNSELING

At St. Thomas, we understand that each student is unique, and our College Planning Program reflects this understanding. Starting in the summer of freshman year, students receive one-on-one college counseling designed to help them set and achieve academic and personal goals at St. Thomas and begin planning for their future.

Our four-year College Planning Program equips students with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their future. We guide students through the college application process, helping them discover the right college or university and explore possible career paths. We ensure they take the appropriate courses and develop a comprehensive application for college or university admissions. We strive to help our students identify and navigate the best path for their future goals and aspirations.

VIEW THE 4 YEAR COUNSELING PLAN

WE SPECIALIZE IN

UNIVERSITY, MAJOR, & CAREER EXPLORATION

ALUMNI CAREER MENTORING PROGRAM

ENTREPRENEUR & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

FAITH

CAMPUS MINISTRY

The mission of St. Thomas’ Campus Ministry Program is to help our students, faculty, and staff remain focused on pursuing heavenly things while staying grounded in faith. Campus Ministry enriches our community through a comprehensive four-year Christian service program, student retreats, daily faith formation opportunities, all-school liturgies, peer ministry, a liturgy team, and music ministry. These programs embody the Basilian virtues of goodness, discipline, and knowledge, permeating every aspect of student life, including academics, athletics, and social life.

MASS ADORATION

COMMUNITY ROSARY BIBLE STUDY PRAYER

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Our school is guided by the Basilian principle of “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge.” To instill these values in our students, we require each one to participate in meaningful community service. This service provides students with the opportunity to give back to society while fostering empathy, solidarity, and compassion for those who are vulnerable.

4 SERVICE EXPERIENCES

EVERY YEAR FOR EACH STUDENT

CAMP AQUINAS

Camp Aquinas is a four day outdoor leadership camp designed for incoming freshmen to help them become men of St. Thomas. The retreat features a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes mentorship, team building, and faith formation. Our goal is to help students grow in their faith while building strong bonds of brotherhood, preparing them for a successful transition into high school life.

VIEW THE CAMP AQUINAS EXPERIENCE

“AS A STUDENT AND A TEACHER, I HAVE SEEN

FIRST HAND HOW THE FACULTY AT ST. THOMAS HAS PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS DON’T
JUST LEARN — THEY ALSO GROW INTO MEN OF FAITH, SERVICE, AND LEADERSHIP. ”

DAILY MASS ON CAMPUS

HOUSE SYSTEM

The House System aims to enrich school culture, boost school spirit, and provide opportunities for student leadership. We divide our school into eight smaller communities that span all grade levels, ensuring effective pastoral care for every student. This structure promotes fellowship and cultivates strong bonds of brotherhood and support among our students, faculty, and staff. The ultimate goals are to foster an environment that encourages personal growth, academic success, and the values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge.

8 STUDENT HOUSES

COMMUNIO

Communio is an integral part of the House System at St. Thomas. It is a weekly gathering designed to support our students in every aspect—academically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually—to help them reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. During Communio, our students receive genuine mentorship and a strong sense of community, ensuring that every student feels supported on their educational and spiritual journey.

EVERY STUDENT WILL HAVE A SENIOR LEADER

AND

TEACHER TO GUIDE THEM

ATHLETICS

EMPOWER YOUR ATHLETIC JOURNEY

St. Thomas offers an outstanding Athletic Program with 12 varsity sports teams. Our program emphasizes hard work, commitment, and perseverance, providing students with exceptional opportunities to excel both academically and athletically. Over two-thirds of our students participate in athletics, with many having the opportunity to play on three varsity teams. We have 10 teams that compete in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) at the 6A – Division 1 level.

107

STATE TITLES (AND COUNTING)

12 SPORTS TEAMS

CROSS COUNTRY

FOOTBALL FALL

WINTER SPRING

BASKETBALL

TRACK & FIELD

RUGBY
TENNIS
“AT

ST. THOMAS, ATHLETICS WERE ALWAYS MORE THAN JUST GAMES. THEY WERE OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD CHARACTER, FOSTER TEAMWORK, AND MAKE LIFELONG MEMORIES WITH YOUR BEST FRIENDS. IT HELPED ME GROW AS A MAN AND FRIEND TO OTHERS. ”

JAKE PIKE ’ 23

LEHIGH UNIVERSITY STUDENT

EAGLE FIGHT NEVER DIES

THE EAGLE GUARD LEADS PEP RALLIES & SCHOOL SPIRIT

FINE ARTS

EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY

Our Fine Arts Program at St. Thomas High School provides a wide range of artistic disciplines that cater to the interests and talents of every student, from visual arts and sculpture to theater, music, and choir. We welcome students of all skill levels and nurture talent from beginner to advanced performers. Our experienced teachers create a supportive environment where students can grow and excel.

4 ART DISCIPLINES

VISUAL ARTS

The St. Thomas Visual Arts Program aims to encourage students’ artistic growth through sculpture, printmaking, digital graphics, fundamentals of art, and drawing. We take pride in the fact that many of our students have been honored with prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Our Visual Arts students, with diverse interests and talents, fully engage in the creative process, contributing to the development of their mind, body, and spirit.

SCULPTURE PRINT MAKING

DIGITAL GRAPHICS

FUNDAMENTALS OF ART DRAWING

THEATER

Whether our students are acting on stage, participating in tech crew, playing in the orchestra, selling tickets, or attending as an audience member, St. Thomas Theater in an exciting part of their school experience. Students from our sister schools are actively involved in our productions, creating a vibrant theater community that performs Shakespeare, classic American musicals, comedies, and dramas.

4 PLAYS

EACH SCHOOL YEAR

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

The Instrumental Music Program at St. Thomas accommodates a wide range of musical skill levels, from beginners to accomplished musicians. The focus is on creative expression, improving individual abilities, and enjoying the experience of performing for an audience. We offer band, orchestra, chamber music, jazz band, and jazz combo. Our musicians perform at various events throughout the year, consistently receiving top ratings at TAPPS and state competitions.

BAND ORCHESTRA

CHAMBER MUSIC

JAZZ BAND JAZZ COMBO

“THE

ST.

THOMAS

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT IS MORE THAN A PLACE TO LEARN; IT’S WHERE STUDENTS

DISCOVER THEIR CREATIVE PASSION AND DEVELOP SKILLS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

WITH THE SUPPORT OF OUR ARTS FACULTY, I HAVE PUSHED MYSELF AND EXPANDED MY TALENTS IN WAYS I NEVER THOUGHT POSSIBLE. ”

EDWARD BOCOCK CLASS OF

2025

CHOIR

The St. Thomas Choir provides our students with the opportunity to develop their musical talents and creativity while performing at a high level. The choir consistently receives top ratings in competitions, with students earning numerous individual medals and recognition for outstanding performances. Choir members gain historical insights through music and texts from different eras of secular and religious music, building strong bonds over their four years. They perform regularly at concerts, competitions, and school Masses and collaborate closely with our sister schools.

CONCERTS MASSES COMPETITIONS

CAMPUS LIFE

BROTHERHOOD

THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

At St. Thomas High School, we believe that a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom. That is why we provide a variety of student activities, dances, cultural events, and student organizations to enrich our students’ educational experience and promote a strong sense of community and brotherhood. Campus Life encourages our students to find their their passions, achieve their goals, and build connections that last a lifetime.

45+

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

St. Thomas High School is not just a place for academics; it is where students can discover themselves and their passions. With over 45 clubs and organizations, our school offers opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and enhance their leadership skills. We believe in the potential of every student and strive to expand our offerings to align with their evolving interests, encouraging them to discover their purpose.

VIEW ALL CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

COMMUNITY & BROTHERHOOD

At St. Thomas High School, we cherish the bonds of brotherhood and the enduring friendships that define our community. Beyond academic excellence, we cultivate a sense of belonging and support that lasts a lifetime. Our unique brotherhood helps young men develop into well-rounded, faith-oriented adults who are community-focused. It fosters lasting friendships and a strong alumni network, united by a shared commitment to each other and our school.

10,000+

ALUMNI LIVING IN HOUSTON

“ HOUSTON IS MY HOME.

THIS IS WHERE MY FAMILY IS, MY FRIENDS, MY ST. THOMAS COMMUNITY.

THEY ALL TOOK CARE OF US THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND WANTED US TO SUCCEED.

I'M SO BLESSED TO HAVE HAD SUCH STRONG SUPPORT SINCE GRADUATING FROM ST. THOMAS.

RAFAEL NASR ’ 10 OWNER OF CRAFT PITA

SISTER SCHOOLS

INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY, ST. AGNES ACADEMY, AND DUCHESNE ACADEMY

RED & WHITE SCHOOL COLORS

MASCOT

TOM EAGLE

MEN OF ST. THOMAS, STAND FOR ALL TO SEE! HONOR AND TRUTH AND UNDERSTANDING, OUR MOTTO WILL ALWAYS BE. THESE DAYS WE SPEND TOGETHER, WE’LL CHERISH TILL WE DIE, AND THE WORLD MUST KNOW THAT WE ARE THE MEN OF ST. THOMAS HIGH.

READY TO DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE?

Experience firsthand how St. Thomas High School develops faith-filled, lifelong learners who embody the values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. We invite you to visit our campus, engage with our vibrant community of students and faculty, and see how we guide our students to discover their purpose. Use the QR codes below to learn more about St. Thomas.

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