Further Information

Classical education students are not only excelling academically but are proving to be leaders among their peers in traditional public and Catholic high schools.  Their classical learning experiences not only allow them to apply key knowledge and skills but to also see above and beyond the practical to deeper meaning, connections, and values.

While the organization of a classical curriculum is grounded in a strong formation in language, with a corresponding development of thinking, understanding, and judging (see page 5 – 8 of the Educational Plan), Science and Mathematics are key areas of study from the very beginnings of western thought and learning.  A classical Kindergarten through 8th grade education prepares students to be entirely fluent in the Earth, Life and Physical Sciences as well as being provided a solid foundation in the Algebra in preparation for the possibility of pursuing these tracks in high school—both completed in a classical education with an appreciation of the divine intelligence revealed in both the sciences and mathematics.

A classical education understands assessment as essential to the human person.  We naturally differentiate between and seek to achieve improvement from the good, the better and the best.  Classical education incorporates assessment as an ongoing instructional activity that allows learning to advance, clarifying goals, and helping students to become self-assessors and welcome feedback as a means of independent learning and improvement.  Within a culture recognizing the supreme dignity of every human person no matter their varying gifts, a child is guided by being given feedback in the form of graded activities, assignments, projects, and tests with quarterly report cards.  All St. Thomas students will take the NWEA test in the fall, winter and spring with these results being used to monitor student learning progress.

The St. Thomas Preschool team lead by Mrs. Gruetzmacher, along with Mrs. Dallas, Mrs. Ortiz and Mrs. Simpson will continue serving our three, four and five-year-old preschool students in their respective classrooms next school year.  The St. Thomas preschool team employs many pedagogical strategies that capture the classical approach to engaging both the mind, imagination, and heart of a child.

Having a teacher certification is a key qualification for hiring.  However, the Diocese of Lansing allows the hiring of a candidate who has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a subject area of study (e.g. history, English, science, etc.), has relevant experience in working with students, demonstrates the key attributes of a successful teacher (relational capacity, organization, communication skills, etc.) and is enrolled in a teacher certification program.

The Diocese of Lansing requires all Catholic school teachers to be practicing Catholics.  Shared time specials teachers, in working formally for a public school district, do not.

Please see this page for more information on the combined classroom pedagogy.