Frequently Asked Questions

List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Q. What grade levels are offered at St. Thomas?

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

• Q. What are the hours of a normal school day?

  We are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  Classroom doors open at various times. 

  • Junior Preschool: 8:10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
  • Senior Preschool: 8:10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
  • Kindergarten: 8:10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
  • 1st & 2nd Grade: 8:10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • 3rd - 5th Grade: 8:10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. 

• Q. What is the procedure for arriving at St. Thomas?

  Please click here to view the day to day arrival and dismissal schedule.

• Q. What forms are required to attend St. Thomas?

  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.

• Q. What safety and security measures are taken?

  All community members & visitors must pass through the School’s Guardhouse and be screened by 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 21 years. We also employ an additional Coral Gables police officer who assists us in directing traffic during arrival and dismissal times. 

   

  AI facial recognition terminals for the safe release of children, as well as cameras to identify approved license plate numbers, are used to monitor visitors.

   

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

• Q. What does the classroom structure look like?

  Our cohort sizes consist of approximately 14-18 students.
  
  Preschool-1st Grade: There are two teachers assigned to each junior preschool, senior preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade classrooms. 
  
  Grade 2- Grade 4: One teacher serves as the lead instructor in each classroom. With an associate teacher assigned to each grade level.
  
  

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

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

• Q. What is 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.

• Q. What is school uniform policy at St. Thomas?

  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.

• Q. What lunch options are available?

  Lunch will be provided by Sage Dining Services. SAGE prioritizes health, nutrition, and environmental sustainabililty. SAGE uses batch cooking methos, attempts to source locally grown foods, and provides menus in advance each week. SAGE will offer sandwiches, fruits, yogurt, and other dairy daily as ways to supplement what is offered on the main menu. SAGE provides menus in advance each week, and we encourage parents to review and discuss them with their children so they make the appropriate choice during lunch. 

• Q. How does St. Thomas help students matriculate to Middle School?

  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.

• Q. Is financial assistance available?

  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.

• Q. What accreditation does the school have?

  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.