Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

Located in Coral Gables, St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School (STEPS) was founded in 1953. Now in its 65th year, St. Thomas, a culturally diverse community, has grown to include junior preschool through grade 5 and has 425 students focused on learning 21st century skills. It is a secure and loving environment that nurtures and challenges children and teaches them to honor God, respect others and themselves, care for their world, and develop a lasting enthusiasm for discovering and learning.

Admission to St. Thomas

Thank you for your interest in St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School! We are excited that you are considering an Episcopal education and all that it has to offer. This admission section will help you learn about our admission process and will provide answers to many questions you might have. We look forward to working with your family through the admission process. You can also call the Admission Office at 786-268-3304.

Curriculum

St. Thomas utilizes the STEAM method of teaching, integrating the key areas of learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math). The program, focused on learning 21st century skills, is challenging, taught by educators who cultivate the intellectual and artistic learning styles of each child. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, strive for excellence, and set high goals. On their way to becoming a global citizen, when St. Thomas graduates leave for middle school they do so with the confidence that comes from knowing they have been adequately prepared for this next important chapter.

School Life

The St. Thomas experience goes way beyond what happens in the classroom. Spiritual and social growth along with extra-curricular and co-curricular activities enhance the lives of students and provide them with opportunities for enrichment through participation in chapel, the arts, athletics, publications, music programs, scouts, clubs and more. Learning and growth extend beyond academics, and opportunities are provided for the development of our students' individual interests, abilities, and needs.

Giving

Our Advancement Office educates our constituencies about the mission of St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School and what is needed to carry it forward. With the support of the Board of Trustees and the St. Thomas Parents’ Association (PA), we organize fundraising campaigns and special events for parents, grandparents, alumni, parishioners, and students. At St. Thomas, our "tradition of giving" is a huge part of who we are.

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Grade Levels

We serve students entering junior preschool (3 years old on or before September 1) through grade 5.
School Hours

We open at 7:30 a.m. for morning care in the library from 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Morning care is free of charge. Enrichment/sport classes begin after each dismissal (different grade levels are dismissed at different times). Aftercare is also available from each dismissal time until 6 p.m. There is a charge for aftercare and the enrichment classes.

All classroom doors open at 8:00 a.m.

• Junior Preschool - 8:10 a.m. to noon (half day option) and 8:10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (full day option)
• Senior Preschool and Kindergarten – 8:10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
• Grades 1 - 3 – 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Grades 4 - 5 – 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Arrival Procedure

You may come early, park, and walk your preschool - grade 1 child to his/her classroom. You may also drop your child off at the school's entrance where you will be met by teachers who are stationed there to ensure your child's safe exit from your car. Students in preschool - grade 1 are walked to their classroom by a student "walker."
Health and Visa Forms

Health and Visa Forms

Florida Department of Health Immunization Requirements
Florida law requires that your child presents immunization documentation prior to admittance or attendance in a Florida school. This applies to all new students in preschool through the grade 5. As proof of immunization, the State of Florida required HRS Forms 680 and 3040 for school attendance. In-state families can obtain the originals from their current school after withdrawing. Out-of-state families must obtain them from a Florida doctor.

*Forms 680 and 3040 must be on file before a student can attend school.

Non - US Citizen Information and Requirements (If Applicable)
St. Thomas complies with US Homeland Security requirements. Each student must be in compliance with these requirements. If the student is not a US citizen, a copy of the following documents must be submitted to the admission office and will be placed in the student's file.

*Students may not begin classes until a valid, approved visa is on file.

Health forms must be current and submitted annually prior to the start of school.
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School Security

In addition to two full-time security officers who remain on campus all day, we employ an armed Coral Gables police officer who has been part of our community for more than 18 years. We also employ an additional Coral Gables police officer who assists us in directing traffic during arrival and dismissal times.

Security cameras are strategically placed throughout the campus and are monitored on a regular basis.
Student Teacher Ratio

Our student to teacher ratio is 7:1. All preschool through grade 1 classrooms have a lead teacher and associate teacher. Grades 2 through 4 teachers share an associate teacher in each grade level.

Mirroring the middle school model, grade 5 is departmentalized with core subjects taught by separate teachers.

Specialized teachers in art, music, science, drama, dance, physical education, innovation/technology, math, library, and Spanish, as well as a team of educators with backgrounds in gifted and/or specialized learning, support all grade levels,
Average Class Size

Preschool: 13 - 15
Kindergarten - Grade 5: 18
Faith-based Education

We accept students of all faiths and promote personal formation through moral, spiritual, intellectual, creative, physical, and social development. School-wide chapel is offered on a weekly basis. Parents are welcome to attend. Grade-level instruction is also scheduled on a weekly basis.
School Uniforms

All students wear uniforms. The basic daily uniform is a blue plaid jumper and white blouse for girls, and navy blue pants with white shirt for boys. Shirts differ in color options, however, for preschool students and 5th graders. Students in grades 4 and 5 wear dress uniforms on the days of school Eucharist (communion) and other special days.
Lunch Options

Lunch may either be brought from home or ordered through the school's catering company, KidsDeli ® via an online account. St. Thomas is a nut-free campus.
Middle School Matriculation

Advisers meet and guide parents of grade 5 students through the middle school application process and assist them in determining the most suitable "fit" for their child. Historically, our graduates have gained acceptance to their top-choice schools that represent the finest middle and high schools in South Florida.
Financial Assistance

We offer need-based financial assistance to students in kindergarten to grade 5. To assist the school's financial assistance committee in determining financial need, the school uses TADS, an outside service that collects and processes all paperwork. Completed applications and corresponding documents are thoroughly reviewed by our committee in an equitable manner and, if granted, are awarded for one year. Further information can be found by clicking here.
Accreditation

Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) accredits school programs every five years. The school is accredited by FCIS and FKC. St. Thomas has a listing in Bunting & Lyon and has memberships in ASCD, ISSF, NAIS, NAES, NCTE, NCTM, NSTA, CASE, and NAEYC.