The teachers and staff at St. Thomas School reinforce what my wife and I teach at home: selfless service to others, personal accountability, and Christian values. Today's children and teens are constantly being forced to make tough choices. I think St. Thomas School's curriculum significantly increases the chances that our children will make the right ones. --Brian Jeffries, parent

"I remember Saint Thomas being a school that had a healthy culture. I remember Saint Thomas being a family. Saint Thomas was a community committed not only to their children, but their school. Saint Thomas families and teachers worked together and created a value based organization dedicated to the success of their students. The small class size of Saint Thomas assured personal attention and an environment conducive to learning that allowed the teachers to offer timely and accurate feedback on my performance." --W.K. Pratt, alumnus

St. Thomas School provides an educational experience that stresses faith in God, loyalty to our country and excellent academics all in a small class setting. Many children who have attended St. Thomas go on to the middle school at least one, if not two, years ahead of students from other schools. The students from St. Thomas are noticeable because of the moral values, self-discipline and good manners instilled at the school. We can't express how much we appreciate this school and its teachers for giving such excellent instruction to our children; the teachers really put our children's emotional, physical, spiritual and academic welfare first. St. Thomas is truly one big family--the teachers, the staff and the families do all they can to support our school and our students. --Dr. George and Lisa Fleming, parents of alumni and of a current student

My four sons and daughter attended St. Thomas School in the 90's. I feel my children were raised by "a village" and the school was an important part of that village. Being part of that spiritual and educational community played a positive role in their lives. St. Thomas School provided my children with good basic values that were reinforced at home. All children have individual, educational and spiritual needs, and the school excels at meeting these needs. One of my children needed extra help in school; with the attention of the teachers at St. Thomas he was able to achieve his goals and today has a teaching degree. All of my children have gone on to higher education and I am very proud to say that family and friends comment on well they live their lives. St. Thomas School was and always will be a significant part of their lives. --Nancy Lenk, parent of alumni

St. Thomas School, for me, can best be described as a welcoming and loving community. I remember being so excited to go to school each day to see classmates and teachers. The small intimate classrooms allowed not only for individual learning but for a chance to establish strong bonds with a faith-based community. It was at St. Thomas that I learned that being Catholic meant so much more than showing up for mass on Sunday mornings. The lessons I learned at school were always above and beyond that week’s vocabulary lesson. I firmly believe that much of my success in life can be traced back to the years I spent as a student and member of the St. Thomas community. --Jen Kline, alumnus

I attended St. Thomas Elementary School from 1st to 4th grade, and it is my affirmation that the personal attention and quality learning environment I experienced have molded me into the person I am today. As one of eight kids in a classroom, my teachers were able to take the time to make sure that every student understood the material. The education I received from St. Thomas at such a young age was crucial to my development, giving me a clear advantage once I integrated into public school. When I finally did start at Chestnut Ridge, I could immediately tell that I had a advantage solely because of my background. From PSSAs to class work, everything was a repeat of what I had already learned. I was able to take this advantage and build on it, which I have continued doing to this day. --Mike Tomovich, alumnus

The thing I remember about my Catholic education was the training I received on how to properly address your peers. For me this began in second grade, when I was taught to address adults by Mr. or Mrs., Sister or Father and yes Sir or yes Madam. To this day I value this teaching because I feel that many young people today think of a level playing field when talking to their peers which is very untrue. Adults deserve proper addressing that of which my Catholic education taught me.

Five years ago, my husband and I contemplated the various educational options available in Bedford County. We had a long list of stipulations that our school would have to fulfill. The top three requirements were: (1) high academic expectations, and (2) using problem solving techniques and positive reinforcement to correct behavior disruptions. Most importantly, (3) providing our son with the knowledge of how God and His love can work through each one of us.

After lengthy contemplation, we embraced Saint Thomas the Apostle School for our son Samuel’s pre-school experience. Within a few weeks of school, we knew that we made the right decision, because Samuel loved it!

Today, Samuel and his younger sister Emily attend Saint Thomas School. Like many other families, our children have different strengths and needs. Lessons and classroom activities are specialized to challenge each child and develop his / her unique skills. Catholicism cherishes each individual’s unique talents and abilities; this belief is fostered by the teachers and staff at Saint Thomas. As parents, we believe there are life-long benefits to a Catholic education at Saint Thomas School.

In summation, our family believes that a solid academic foundation, coupled with Catholic values, will provide our children with the skills necessary to capitalize in an ever increasingly competitive academic world. Catholic values, exclusively provided by St. Thomas School, will help our children navigate life’s trials and tribulations with a moral and ethical compass derived from the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The investment required of our family is an investment in future generations, assuring that the hearts and minds of our children will not only excel academically among their peers, but serve as stewards of our faith. In a culture that often seems broken and morally bankrupt, the students of Saint Thomas shall be leaders, and the moral and/or ethical consciences of their generation. Their time at Saint Thomas will be the keystone of a life well-lived.

Parents can hope to give no finer gift than a superior education which will provide spiritual dividends throughout their children’s lives. We are both blessed and grateful to call ourselves a part of Saint Thomas the Apostle Family.

The Pratt Family

The Leonardis family has been involved with St Thomas School since 2009. One of the great advantages to St Thomas School are all the family and student interaction events such as weekly Mass, holiday meals and programs. Of course, faith based learning is key. But we believe that the family programs are a great benefit. A strong aspect of St. Thomas is the music department, offering several music programs during the school year as well as private instrumental lessons. Learning Clubs are important because they provide independent learning for each student. We chose St. Thomas School because of the small class sizes, independent learning, and dedicated teachers and staff members. Some hobbies our family enjoys are snow skiing, hiking, and staying at our cabin in the woods. Kevin and Melissa Leonardis

The Cotchen family has been with St. Thomas Parish for over ten years. There are four members of their family. They enjoy outdoor activities, which include swimming in their pool, cooking outside, and visiting the beach. Greg and Bethany feel that a Catholic education has the advantage of being able to instill good morals and values along with a good education, and developing well rounded students and responsible youth. The class sizes enable the teachers to give closer attention to a student’s needs and provide better instruction than in a larger class environment. As a part of St. Thomas School, the Cotchens believe that the reading programs are of great value to the students, and that enables them to develop in further areas. Currently, the computer lab will allow the students to develop more technologically than in past years. Most importantly, Greg and Bethany feel that faith education is vital in their children’s lives. The Cotchen family chose St. Thomas School because they believe that this school provides a faith-based education for any student in a loving, caring, and safe environment, which provides tools that are needed to reach their full potential.