Academics Come First at STAA

We believe that learning should incorporate joy, collaboration, and student ownership.

St. Thomas Aquinas Academy utilizes centers for learning, discussions, technology and small groupings for one-on-one attention. We focus on learning through projects, manipulatives, and presentations in order to engage all learners.  

Through our rigorous academics, including Art, Music and Physical Education, our students grow in their understanding and experience of the Catholic faith.

WIN

St. Thomas Aquinas offers a unique reading intervention program call Whatever I Need, or WIN. For thirty minutes four days a week, students from kindergarten to 5th grade are split into groups based on reading ability and are taught the skills that they need to grow.  Our students work in groups from one to eight, reinforcing the work they are already doing in the classroom.  

Our students who are above average in reading are growing too! We offer programs that require our students to take ownership of their learning and learn to comprehend and respond to texts in a deeper way.  Some examples are book clubs, research projects, Problem Solving scenarios such as colonizing on Mars, and Reader’s Theater. At St. Thomas Aquinas Academy, every student is growing and getting what they need. 

Our middle school students have the opportunity to investigate 3D printing, LEGO robotics, coding, engineering, creative writing and photography during their WIN time, switching disciplines every six weeks.  Reading intervention is offered if needed.

We are inspired to learn by St. Thomas Aquinas and our WIN program ensures that each individual’s unique learning needs are met. 

Discovery Project

Qualifying 7th and 8th graders participate in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Discovery Project, allowing them to take high school level math and/or English classes at one of the participating Catholic High Schools.  Discovery Project courses combine online instruction and face-to-face workshops for students who are academically gifted. Students are exposed to a range of challenging activities to develop critical thinking and 21st century literacies.

Scholastic Challenge

Scholastic Challenge is an academic competition for 6-8th graders.  The matches are held at St. John Nepomuk Parish in Racine during the month of February.  There are 2 divisions with 6 schools competing in each division. Each school assembles a team of 6 students.  Two teams of 4 students compete against each other in a quiz show format to see which team has retained the most middle school curriculum.  The schools compete for medals, trophies and bragging rights.

Assessments

Students in K5-8th grade are given MAP assessments three times per year, allowing teachers to track each student’s progress in reading and math.  These benchmark scores allow the teacher to identify skills that need to be revisited and that students who are working at or above grade level are being engaged with appropriately challenging work.  

Fountas and Pinnell assessments are administered regularly to help assess reading levels.  These results help teachers and parents alike to choose books that are appropriate for a child’s rapidly growing reading ability.

Additionally, a Reading Readiness Test is given to K4 students. 

The Wisconsin Forward Exam is given each year in the Spring to all Wisconsin students in grades 3 - 8. They are tested in Reading, Mathematics in grades 3 - 8 and Science & Social Studies in 4th and 8th grade. (Link to Info on State Report card and Forward explanation.)

St. Thomas Aquinas Academy is accredited by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation.