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Q:
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What are class sizes?
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A:
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 While Diocesan policy limits class size to 35 students in grades 1-8, kindergarten class size is limited to 30 students with a teacher and a full time assistant. In Pre-K 3 class size is limited to 20 students at any time with one full time teacher and a full time aide. PreK-4 class size is limited to 25 students with a full time teacher and full time aide. St. Thomas Aquinas pre-kindergarten through eighth grade is accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, which is recognized by the Department of Education of the State of Florida. Teachers are degreed and certified by the Florida State Department of Education. Currently, the average class size is 22.
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Q:
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What is the Lunch Program like at St. Thomas?
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A:
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 Lunch is served daily in our cafeteria, "The Crusader Cafe". Food is either prepared by our staff or brought in by local vendors. Lunches are ordered by the students on a two week basis. Juice or milk is provided with the daily lunch. Students are welcome to bring their lunch any day of the week. All food brought to school should have nutritional value. Gum, candy and soda are not permitted.
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Q:
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Do we have to be Catholic to attend?
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A:
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No, however all children are required to attend formal classes in Religion and other school spiritual activities.
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Q:
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What sports are available?
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Team sports such as volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, soccer and track are offered through groups such as CYL (Catholic Youth League) and CMAC (Catholic Middle School Athletic Conference).
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Q:
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Are computers and other technology being used and available to the students?
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A:
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 STA has a computer lab with 36 computers. All students have formal computer classes at least once a week. Classrooms are equipped with computers, televisions and VCR/DVD players. The entire school houses approximately 150 networked computers. There is also a closed circuit camera network, (STAN) St. Thomas Aquinas Network, in which students participate broadcasting school news from on a weekly basis.
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Q:
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What are the school hours?
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A:
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School starts at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. every day. School ends at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. School hours for the Pre-K Programs start at 7:55 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. for those enrolled in the morning programs. For PreK students enrolled in extended day, school ends at 3:10 p.m.
- 6:45 a.m. Before-School Care begins
- 7:45 a.m. First bell
- 7:55 a.m. School begins
- 8:00 a.m. Tardy bell - start of morning assembly
- 3:10 p.m. Dismissal
- 2:00 p.m. Dismissal on Wednesdays
- 6:00 p.m. After-School Care ends
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Q:
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What happens if I can't pick up my child on time?
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A:
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 STA provides an extended day program before and after school. Morning Care opens at 7:00 a.m. Afternoon Care is in session from dismissal until 6:00 p.m. After 6:00 p.m. a late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged. The Afternoon Care cost is based on an hourly rate of $2.50 per child. The Morning Care costs $1 per family. There is a $25.00 registration fee for After Care.
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Q:
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Is there a Parent Association?
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All parents belong to STAPA (St. Thomas Aquinas Parents Association), which works for the benefit of the school. We ask that every family become active in this organization by attending its meetings, supporting its fundraising projects, and becoming volunteers or officers of the Association. All parents are required to contribute at least twenty hours of service work each year or contribute $10 per hour not completed. There are a great variety of opportunities to share your time and talents. This helps make STA a better school and keeps tuition rates down.
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Q:
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What is the architecture of the campus?
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A:
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St. Thomas Aquinas School is a closed campus. The entire school property is fenced and gated.  Classrooms are concrete block buildings that are connected by covered breezeways, with beautiful garden areas visible from classrooms. There is a separate gymnasium with an elevated stage for school performances. There are two outdoor play areas, a smaller playground for our younger students, and a larger playground with a field for soccer games and other activities.
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Q:
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Is tuition assistance available?
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Yes. The amount of funds available varies and is dependent upon families demonstrating need and on the amount donated to the scholarship fund. This fund is designated for use by those who have applied for and been granted assistance. It will not be used to bring past due accounts current. Tuition assistance applications may be obtained through the school office. Diocesan schools use a private case by case school aid service, and all information submitted for review is strictly confidential. Unless tuition assistance is applied for and approved, the school assumes that full tuition will be paid.
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Q:
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What is the registration process?
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A:
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 The normal registration for St. Thomas Aquinas School will take place in January or February and must be repeated each year by all school families.
If classroom space remains available after the initial in-house registration period, registration is open to the public. Priority of acceptance will be determined on a first come, first served basis. If the maximum classroom or school enrollment is attained, a formal waiting list will be established at the school office and classroom vacancies will be filled according to the date of application.
Returning Students
Re-registering St. Thomas students are required to submit a completed registration form each year. Family accounts must be current, or the application will not be processed or accepted.
New Students
By Florida State Law, Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years old on or before September 1st of the school year. Children entering first grade must be six years old on or before September 1st and must have successfully completed kindergarten. Prospective new students and his/her parents may be interviewed by the principal. New students are required to complete, sign, and turn in all forms in the registration packet, along with the following other forms:
- Copy of latest interim or report card form current school
- HRS Form 680 Immunization Record
- HRS Form 3040 Physical Examination
- Copy of a birth certificate
- Registration form and non-refundable fee
- Copy of the child’s baptismal certificate
is also required for Catholic students
New students will be placed on a probationary period for nine (9) school weeks. Should an academic or disciplinary problem become evident at or prior to the conclusion of this period withdrawal procedures may be initiated.
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