St. Thomas More School

St. Thomas More School is a highly-rated Catholic grade school, offering an outstanding academic curriculum for our 550 students, while stressing the importance of the arts and athletics in the daily school schedule. Our faith-based education provides a kind and nurturing enviroment for all students to grow and excel in a safe, inclusive atmosphere of love and acceptance, strengthening not only their intellectual growth, but their personal and spiritual growth, as well.
A St. Thomas More School education provides a strong foundation for a productive life, as our well-rounded students find great success in and outside of the classroom while attending STMS and beyond.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IN School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 550 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,650
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

St. Thomas More School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Indiana for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1949

Student Body

Total Students
550 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
44%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
St. Thomas More School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
30%
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Maroon & navy

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Please contact our Admissions Office at (219) 836-9151, ext. 2309. Several scholarships available for qualified applicants.
% on Financial Aid
80%
Admissions Director
Pam Pasyk

Sports

Total Sports Offered
6 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
20 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Altar Servers, Ambassadors, Ballet Folklorico, Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Girls Scouts, Leadership Committee, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), Science Club, Science Olympiad Team, Student Council

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Band, Choir, Musical Productions

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Co-Ed Cross Country, Co-Ed Soccer, Co-Ed Track & Field

School Notes

  • Roman Catholic grade school (accepts all religions/races/ethnic groups).
  • Preschool to 8th Grade offering small classes (average 20:1 student/teacher ratio). Honors classes in grades 6 to 8.
  • Art, Spanish, Music, Physical Education & SELF (Social Emotional Learning Focus) classes with licensed teachers.
  • State-of-the-art technology program with one-to-one devices for students in K to Grade 8.
  • Over 20 clubs and activities, as well as 5 sports offeredfor student participation.
  • After school care available.
  • Active Parent Association (HASA) with many family activities throughout the year.
  • Online Parent Portal for viewing student grades and school news.
  • STMS is an IN Choice Scholarship school
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Dr. Samantha Francis - St. Thomas More School Principal
    • Todd Rokita - Indiana Attorney General
    • Zaria Suggs - Hollywood Actress
    • Steven Caraher - Deacon- Gary Diocese in Seminary for Priesthood
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does St. Thomas More School cost?
St. Thomas More School's tuition is approximately $6,650 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from St. Thomas More School?
St. Thomas More School famous alumni include: Dr. Samantha Francis, Todd Rokita, Zaria Suggs and Steven Caraher.
What sports does St. Thomas More School offer?
St. Thomas More School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is St. Thomas More School's ranking?
St. Thomas More School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Indiana for: Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Thomas More School?
The application deadline for St. Thomas More School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (20 reviews)
5  
My son is finishing his first year at St. Thomas More School. He is a Pre-K student, and I could not have asked for a better experience or learning environment for him. His teacher and teacher's assistant are awesome! The principal is very involved and present at every event. There are multiple opportunities for students to have fun and learn both during and after school hours. I love the sense of community and fun that St. Thomas More School has to offer.
- Posted by
5  
Saint Thomas More is a wonderful school. My children have attended since Preschool and have always had engaging teachers. Class sizes are excellent and conducive to learning. A plethora of extracurricular activities is offered. The STM theatre productions are top-notch and fun to watch, even if your child is not participating! Saint Thomas More does a great job of integrating Christ into students' daily lives. My youngest is graduating 8th grade this year and we will definitely miss this hidden gem of a school.
- Posted by
5  
4 of my 5 children have attended St. Thomas More School and they absolutely love it! Two have already graduated from STM and they don't regret attending. They have learned so much and made lots of friends. The teachers know how to teach and how to help the kids when they are lost. I am 100% satisfied with St. Thomas More School!
- Posted by
5  
My daughter has attended St. Thomas More since Kindergarten and is growing and thriving. The teachers are very responsive and work to assure all your needs are addressed. She has grown confident in her learning and interpersonal skills. During her time at STM, she has been a girl scout and learning how to volunteer and care for others. The school treats all the families equally. When concerns of unfairness are raised they will be addressed and attended to. I am glad that we chose St. Thomas More for our daughter's educational needs.
- Posted by
5  
We enrolled our 3-year-old daughter in preschool at St. Thomas More School (STMS) during the school year 2021-22. She attends half-day (7:45-11:00 AM) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We felt it is important to begin immersing her in the classroom setting mostly to gain a social education with her peers, but also to welcome the education from qualified teachers other than her parents. We attend STM church regularly, so it was only natural to enroll her at our parish. Our daughter was hesitant at first to leave the comfort of her home and normal daily routine as any child would be. It only took 2-3 schooldays for her to shake that hesitation and be excited about going back. The teachers and aides did a wonderful job helping ease that transition. She has made several friends in her class and the other full-day preschool class - whom we've shared playdates with this year. She is excited to share her arts and crafts with us on Fridays when the teacher packs them up in her backpack to take home. Her teacher sends weekly update emails about what the class accomplished and what is planned for the next week. They also send progress reports (3 times per school year) with the curriculum achievements and areas to work on. Our daughter enjoys saying the Guardian Angel prayer each night, which she learned from her teacher.
- Posted by
5  
My kids really enjoy their study life at STM. When we see their happy face every day, we know we made the right choice to send them here. The school not only has outstanding academics and a faith-driven education curriculum but also has a caring educator and staff team to create a peace of mind learning environment.
- Posted by
5  
My son loves STMS! He started in the pre-school this year. I am so impressed with the school so far! He loves his preschool teacher and has learned so much already - from a faith perspective as well as age appropriate milestones. The school lunch program is fantastic, and the after school kid's time. My son started his first year of school during the COVID pandemic, and the care, communication, and planning through it all has been excellent. Not only that, but the attitude of all faculty and staff has been so positive despite the challenges! I look forward to the future when things become more normal, as the parents are very active it seems, and there are a number of activities for families. I think STMS is more than a school for the children; it feels like a home for the whole family.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter started last year in the pre-school room. She loves her teachers and has learned so much. Our family loves the community feeling and appreciates all the activities and opportunities St. Thomas More provides.
- Posted by
5  
I a teacher, as well as a parent. St. Tom's is a much bigger community than we were used to. We are a military family and Indiana is our forever home. St. Tom's welcomed us with open arms, since applying and registering my own child, I had people whom I had never met before praying for our safe cross-country move from San Diego, CA to St. John, IN. God had a plan for us and it was St. Tomas More.Dr Francis, Fr. Mike and Fr. Declan care about our students as individuals. Catholic values are practiced and encouraged in/out of the classrooms. The staff is preparing them to move into a world where kindness isn't always the first choice, but it should be. They are teaching them how to be disciples of Christ in the real world.My husband and I made the choice to send our son to St Tom's after I was hired due to it's A+ rating, small classroom size, teacher tenure, and most importantly the Catholic values that are taught. My son is in fifth grade and adores not only his classroom teachers, but his special teachers, and his special services teachers. My son is pulled out for reading/math. He needs the extra one on one time, due to his ADHD. However, many private schools do not offer this service. We are so thrilled that St. Tom's does! I love the students and fellow educators that I work with on a daily basis. They are kind, smart and hard working. My son adores his teachers and friends. It is a win for both of us. I know in my heart this is the right place for our family. This school practices what they preach and welcomed us with open arms.
- Posted by
5  
Saint Thomas More has been a great environment for our child. Beginning in Pre-school, they had full and half day options, and even Kid's Time if needed. Our child has participated in many of the school sponsored and after-school activities throughout the years like school choir, volleyball, Girl Scouts, and the annual play. Recently, the school just upgraded the HVAC and technology components to meet the needs of today's technology in education. Academically, the standards are high, and I know our child is getting a great preparation to be a life-long learner and to be successful academically when she leaves STM.
- Posted by
5  
We have been at St. Thomas More since 2002. I am so very happy we not only found a school, but we found a home. The staff and teachers at St. Tom's have been so very helpful and genuinely care about each and every student. The education my kids received is second to none. I've always believed that you have to start building a strong foundation at the grade school level and continue from there. I did my research, compared ISTEP scores with other local schools, and the numbers proved that St. Tom's has consistently done better than most schools around me. My kids have grown to be polite, respectful and caring. I could not have asked for a better school family to be a part of.
- Posted by
5  
I have two sons. Both have gone through the STM pre-k program. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with both. My oldest son was delayed in speaking. I truly believe it was the teacher and curriculum of STM pre-k that helped him in the development of his speaking, social, artistic, and spiritual skills. The small class size, the attention to detail, and going above and beyond with modifications to fit his needs was truly evident in his progress at the end of the school year. They truly teach kindness and inclusiveness and I saw it firsthand with my son. My son even developed friendships he has carried throughout his school years. I see my younger son, who has just finished pre-k, establishing great relationships. They taught my boys to be confident and explore their strengths. I am very grateful and cannot thank the staff at STM pre-k for everything they have done for my boys. Thank you!
- Posted by
5  
My son has attended Saint Thomas More School since the first grade. The best thing about this school is the challenges that are presented to my son. I know that when he attends high school, he will be a step ahead of most students due to the education he has received. St. Thomas More is a very well organized school and has a dedicated staff of teachers, assistants, and other support staff. It is very rare for students to attend a school where everyone know their name and a little something about them. Overall, my son has had a positive experience at St. Thomas More school and I hope that he takes every skill he has learned academically, religiously, and leadership wise to high school and beyond.
- Posted by
5  
St. Thomas More is an excellent school! A-rated school by the Indiana Department of Education is what caught my eye. My daughter attended STM since Pre-K. The quality of education is exceptional! STMS has talented, caring educators and staff that go above & beyond to put student success first and teachers/staff are always available. The Catholic tradition in a community grounded in faith has made in impact within our family. I have no doubt that STM has provided my daughter with the necessary academic and spiritual tools for high school and beyond!
- Posted by
5  
The quality and rigorous education challenges the students to be the best they can be. The teachers go above and beyond, making themselves available daily for questions with homework. They have an open door policy in regard to parents wishing to meet with them. The culture at STMS is one of kindness and inclusivity. It is a faith-driven education, and a traditional Catholic education in a community grounded in its faith. The emphasis is on high moral development, service to others, and leadership opportunities for students.
- Posted by
5  
St. Thomas More School has always been one step ahead of the curve in terms of the use of technology in educating our children. Most notably, during these difficult times, our 3rd grader hasn't lost a beat. The technological abilities and foresight of everyone at STMS allowed the employees and students to transition seamlessly to e-learning in the wake of COVID. From day 1 of the stay-at-home orders, STMS had online lessons prepared, and organized Google meets for students to ask questions of their teachers and check-in with their friends. All around STMS has been a phenomenal place to educate our child.
- Posted by
5  
Both of my children have attended St. Thomas more since pre-school. The teachers and administration care so much about the students. The class sizes are small giving individual attention to all children. The school community is so close. In fact, most of our friends are other parents and families from the school. There is no better place to send your child in the area than STM!
- Posted by
5  
Both of my daughters have attended Thomas Moore since pre-K. It has been a fantastic experience from the very beginning. The quality of education has been excellent and we have watched both of our daughters excel and advance in multiple subjects especially this year. I have been most impressed with Ms. Cabello`s kindergarten class as my daughter`s reading ability and sight word recognition has grown significantly! The school also shows an interest in the individual and has made recent changes to show that not only academics are important, but also the personal growth of its students. The school also supports a great relationship with St. Thomas Moore Church and is very active in the development of my children`s faith. Plus, there are plenty of activities, events, and extracurriculars to get involved in. I would highly recommend St. Thomas Moore for the academics, cost-effectiveness and faith formation!
- Posted by
5  
My son has been attending St. Thomas More since the second grade. He is now in 6th and very happy there. He is growing up to become a confident student and athlete at this wonderful, caring school where everybody knows your name. The afterschool program known as Kidstime has helped me so much. It is great to know my child is in a positive, safe environment when I am still at work. He can play in the gym in the winter months which I love. He has made many great friends in an environment where the parents are highly involved with the school activities and beyond. I made a great decision to send my child to St. Thomas More!!
- Posted by
5  
Our son has been with St. Thomas More for two years now and will be graduating from St. Thomas More next year. We are happy that we made this transfer. St. Thomas is a great school. It has a wonderful community feeling. It is very well-organized, clean, and you can feel the love of education from the teachers. The teachers/administration help students learn and become faith-filled adults. I do feel that it is all about the students' mind, body, and soul. A very organized school with many activities for the students. Many school functions throughout the year. My son is receiving a great education and has made many good friends. He is part of the Media Club and really enjoys it. Parents play a large part in their child's success, and I am glad we are a part of the St. Thomas More School community. Thank you!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked IN School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 550 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,650
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Lake County, IN is $5,505 for elementary schools and $4,910 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Lake County, IN is 96% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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