How to Get Into St. Thomas School: Your Complete Application Guide

Why Families Choose St. Thomas School

St. Thomas School, located in Medina, Washington, is an independent, non-sectarian institution serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Established in 1951 as St. Thomas Day School, it began as a parish school for St. Thomas Episcopal Church, initially accommodating seventeen first and second-grade students in a portable building across from the current campus. ​

In 1954, the school constructed its first permanent buildings on the present site. By 1968, St. Thomas School became fully independent from the church, establishing its own Board of Trustees. Over the years, the school expanded its curriculum to include foreign languages, physical education, and the arts, reflecting a commitment to holistic education. ​

St. Thomas School emphasizes character development, leadership, and community engagement. Daily Chapel gatherings focus on core virtues such as gratitude, responsibility, respect, courage, integrity, tolerance, compassion, perseverance, and generosity. The school also integrates technology into its curriculum, being recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School. ​

Throughout its history, St. Thomas School has remained committed to nurturing each child’s character and spirit, adapting to the evolving educational landscape while honoring its foundational values. ​

How hard is it to get into St. Thomas School?

Gaining admission to St. Thomas School is competitive. The school maintains an average class size of about 16 to 20 students, resulting in a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1.

The admission process involves several steps, including submitting an application form, paying an application fee, providing supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and obtaining teacher recommendations and transcripts for applicable grade levels.

St. Thomas School primarily admits new students at multiple entry points, including preschool, kindergarten, and sixth grade. While these are the primary grades for new admissions, the school also considers applications for other grades based on available space. The admissions process includes several steps, such as completing an application form, submitting supplemental materials, scheduling student visits and parent/guardian conversations, and providing teacher recommendations and transcripts. The application deadline is usually early to mid-January, and decisions are released in mid to late March.

St. Thomas School also requires standardized testing, such as the SSAT/ISEE. However, it has a holistic admissions approach, meaning standardized test scores are not the sole determining factor for acceptance. Instead, the application focuses on components like the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire, Student Questionnaire (for applicable grades), teacher recommendations, and transcripts.

Given the competitiveness of the process, families may benefit from working with private school admissions consultants who understand the ins and outs of the St. Thomas School admissions process. Consultants can provide valuable guidance in presenting a compelling application and ensuring prospective students stand out in a highly selective pool of candidates.

St. Thomas School Admissions Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating an account on Ravenna is the first step in the St. Thomas School application process. You may apply, register for admission events, receive notifications from St. Thomas School, and monitor your application progress. The steps you should take are as follows:

1. Create an Account on Ravenna Hub
2. Submit an Inquiry Form
3. Attend Admissions Events (Optional but Recommended)
4. Submit Required Documents and Complete the Application
5. Schedule and Complete an Interview
6. Submit Supplemental Materials
7. Enrollment Confirmation

For more details and to begin your application, visit St. Thomas School Admissions.

St. Thomas School Application Requirements: What You Need to Apply

St. Thomas School Parent Statement: Your Key to Admission

Parents or guardians of applicants are required to answer a parent/guardian questionnaire that is found on Ravenna. You will be asked to talk about your child and share information about their personality, achievements, and other personal information.

Tips for Writing a Strong Parent Statement for St. Thomas School

The parent statement is an integral part of the application process as it will help admissions officers better understand your child’s background and potential to become successful at St. Thomas School. It will also demonstrate your family’s commitment to your child’s education. When choosing what to write about, remember that you have to be honest and authentic. Focus on your child’s strengths and unique characteristics, and provide anecdotes to support your statements. For some tips on how to write a powerful parent statement from experienced educational consultants, click here. 

St. Thomas School Teacher Recommendations: Importance & How to Secure

Applicants must submit recommendation letters from current math and English teachers and the principal or counselor. The forms can be found on Ravenna and must be submitted online via the same platform.

Getting Powerful Recommendation Letters for St. Thomas School

Teacher recommendations are crucial for admission since they give a more thorough evaluation of your child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude. Because they deal with your child on a daily basis and can confirm your child’s academic success, they can make professional and unbiased observations. Building strong relationships with teachers is crucial if you want them to be able to provide strong recommendations that support other application materials when the time comes for them to do so.

St. Thomas School Transcript Requirements: What You Need to Know

Applicants must submit transcripts from both the previous academic year and the first semester of the current one. Once submitted, the school will handle the process directly through Ravenna.

Improving Grades for St. Thomas School Admission: Strategies & Support 

The transcript will demonstrate your child’s readiness to handle St. Thomas School’s rigorous curriculum. But what if your child’s grades aren’t all that outstanding? Start private school admissions consulting early! Our tutors and academic coaches will work with your child to improve grades and achieve scores that meet the requirements. We provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses as well as diagnostic testing. However, because we are aware that boosting GPA won’t guarantee success, we provide academic coaching that teaches executive function skills as a more holistic strategy. 

Crafting a Compelling Personal Statement for St. Thomas School

There are questions on Ravenna that an applicant has to answer within a limited character count. The questions delve into your child’s personality, skills, and interests, as well as their expectations of St. Thomas School. The questions might seem simple and easy to answer, but admissions officers are looking at certain characteristics and values in your child that will determine if they are a good fit at St. Thomas School. 

Expert Advice for Writing Your St. Thomas School Personal Statement

Our private school admissions consultants can guide your child and give advice on how to best answer the questions truthfully. Our years of experience working with families applying to St. Thomas School have allowed us to understand what they are looking for in applicants. From your child’s personal circumstances, we can identify what traits and characteristics will interest the admissions team and be considered for admission. Here are some useful tips on how to write a compelling personal statement.

ISEE/SSAT for St. Thomas School: Understanding Requirements

Applications from Grades 5-8 must include ISEE or SSAT results. Admissions personnel can better assess each applicant’s academic preparedness and likelihood of succeeding in the school’s demanding environment with the use of these exams.

Preparing for the ISEE/SSAT for St. Thomas School: Our Expert Tips

We are aware that getting ready for standardized tests can be somewhat stressful, but we can be of assistance. We will help your child through customized test preparation strategies based on our years of expertise working with families applying to St. Thomas School. Our objective is to alleviate the burden of test preparation and ensure that your child is prepared to present their best self on test day. We offer individualized SSAT practice tests and ISEE practice tests to make sure your child submits impressive scores. 

St. Thomas School Admissions Interviews: What to Expect

At St. Thomas School, the admissions interview is highly valued. It allows the admissions team to learn more about the applicant’s personality, hobbies, and potential fit with the St. Thomas community. The interview is scheduled after submitting the preliminary application through Ravenna.

Ace Your St. Thomas School Interview: Preparation Strategies

Your child will be assessed and evaluated based on how they conduct themselves on those occasions. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry and helping numerous families get into The St. Thomas School, we know what they are looking for. With informed interview preparation, our admissions consultants will introduce your child to common interview questions and teach them how to answer them truthfully while adhering to their values. 

Visiting St. Thomas School: Tours, Open Houses & Virtual Events

St. Thomas School offers campus tours, open houses, and virtual information sessions, which are key opportunities for prospective students and their families to experience the school’s environment, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about academic programs and student life.

St. Thomas School Group Tours: Schedule and Registration

Led by the admissions team, group tours allow families to observe a typical day at St. Thomas School. Tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and last approximately one hour. Available dates and registration are accessible via Ravenna. 

Virtual Q&A Sessions: Connect with St. Thomas School Admissions

For those with limited time or specific questions, the school offers Virtual Lunch Hour Q&A sessions with the admissions team from noon to 1 p.m. on select Wednesdays during the fall. Dates and registration details are available on Ravenna. c

Explore St. Thomas School: Your Virtual Campus Tour

Prospective families can explore the campus remotely through a 360° virtual tour, offering an immersive view of the school’s facilities. 

What is Student Life Like at St. Thomas School?

Student life at St. Thomas School is built on a foundation of community, academic excellence, and character development. Each day begins with personal greetings and Chapel gatherings, fostering a warm and inclusive atmosphere. The school provides students with numerous opportunities to engage beyond academics, including leadership in Student Senate, participation in clubs like drama and unicycling, and involvement in cherished traditions such as the annual Health Fair. Middle School students enjoy dedicated spaces like Falcon’s Ledge, where they can socialize and study. The extracurricular program is diverse, offering afternoon enrichment classes in arts, science, and languages, as well as private music lessons. Through these activities, students develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and creativity while being encouraged to propose and lead new initiatives.

Athletics plays a vital role in student life, with a no-cut policy that encourages participation from over 75% of students in sports such as soccer, basketball, cross-country, and track & field. The school’s commitment to holistic education extends to its dining program, which promotes healthy eating and sustainability. During the summer, students can participate in engaging camps in partnership with organizations like DigiPen and Seattle Children’s Theater, ensuring continuous learning and exploration. With a strong emphasis on service, leadership, and personal growth, student life at St. Thomas School creates a well-rounded and supportive environment that prepares students for future success.

St. Thomas School Curriculum Overview

St. Thomas School (STS) offers a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate curriculum designed to foster academic excellence, character development, and a passion for lifelong learning. The educational journey at STS is structured into three main divisions:

Early Learning Center (Preschool – Kindergarten):

The Early Learning Center (ELC) caters to children aged 2½ through 6, focusing on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and foundational skills. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development alongside cognitive growth, engaging students in hands-on learning experiences that promote exploration and discovery. Key components include language development, early literacy, basic mathematical concepts, and opportunities for creative expression through art and play. 

Elementary Center (Grades 1 – 4):

In the Elementary Center, students build upon foundational skills with a curriculum that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Core subjects such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies are integrated with technology, the arts, physical education, and foreign languages. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students not only acquire knowledge but also learn to apply it in various contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.

Middle School (Grades 5 – 8):

The Middle School curriculum is designed to prepare students for higher education and responsible citizenship. It offers a challenging academic program that includes advanced studies in mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts. Students are encouraged to engage in independent research, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities. Leadership development and character education are integral parts of the curriculum, ensuring that students grow both intellectually and ethically. 

Signature Programs:

• Technology Integration: STS is recognized as a global leader in integrating technology with education. Students have access to state-of-the-art resources, including 1:1 device programs, interactive whiteboards, and virtual reality tools, enhancing their learning experiences and preparing them for a technologically advanced world. 
• Service Learning: The school emphasizes the importance of community service, encouraging students to participate in projects that benefit society. This approach helps students develop empathy, social responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
• The Arts and Physical Education: A well-rounded education at STS includes robust programs in the arts and physical education. Students have opportunities to explore visual and performing arts, as well as engage in various sports and physical activities, promoting creativity, teamwork, and physical well-being. 

Overall, the curriculum at St. Thomas School is thoughtfully designed to support the holistic development of each student, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic endeavors and life beyond the classroom.

What Sports does St. Thomas School offer?

St. Thomas School (STS) in Medina, Washington, offers a comprehensive athletics program that emphasizes leadership, character development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness. With a no-cut policy, over 75% of students participate in various sports across different seasons. 

These athletic opportunities are designed to cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring that each student can find a sport that resonates with them. Through participation, students develop not only physical abilities but also essential life skills such as perseverance, responsibility, and integrity. 

St. Thomas School Arts and Music Programs

St. Thomas School (STS) offers comprehensive arts and music programs designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation among students from Preschool through 8th grade.

Music Program

• Early Learning Center (Preschool – Kindergarten): Music is integrated into the curriculum through the Music, Movement, and Drama program, capturing young children’s natural approaches to learning by combining rhythm, motor exploration, and imaginative play. 
• Choristers Program: Students in grades 1 through 8 can participate in the Choristers, where they learn to read music and practice healthy vocal techniques. Rehearsals occur on Wednesday evenings, and the Choristers perform monthly during services at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, often joining the adult choir to present traditional Anglican music.
• Private Music Lessons: STS offers private lessons in various instruments, encouraging students to either continue developing their existing musical talents or explore new ones.

Arts Program

• Visual and Performing Arts: The arts curriculum at STS includes visual arts, drama, and movement, providing students with opportunities to explore different mediums and express their creativity. 
• Extracurricular Classes: Afternoon classes offer a range of activities such as arts and crafts, drama, and explorations in foreign languages, allowing students to extend their learning beyond the regular school hours. 
• After-School Programs: STS provides fee-based after-school classes in various disciplines, including pottery and cooking, enabling students to explore new skills and interests in a supportive environment. 
• Summer Camps: In collaboration with partners like Seattle Children’s Theatre, STS hosts summer camps that offer engaging, hands-on activities designed to inspire continuous learning and creativity during school breaks.

Through these diverse programs, St. Thomas School ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that emphasizes the importance of the arts and music in personal development and cultural literacy.

Clubs and organizations at St. Thomas School

St. Thomas School (STS) in Medina, Washington, offers a diverse array of clubs and organizations designed to enrich student life and promote personal growth.

Student Senate

Middle School students participate in The Senate, a biweekly assembly that provides a platform for voicing opinions and representing their peers. This body empowers students to influence school life, organize events, and initiate service learning projects, thereby enhancing leadership and problem-solving skills. 

Extracurricular Classes

STS offers fee-based, instructor-led afternoon classes covering a wide range of interests, including:

• Chess
• Arts and crafts
• Cooking
• Science and engineering
• Drama
• Foreign language explorations

Private music lessons are also available, encouraging students to either continue developing their existing musical talents or explore new ones.

Clubs

Middle School students have the opportunity to join various clubs that meet weekly during the last period on Thursday afternoons (2:20-3:00 p.m.). The selection varies but has included:

• Unicycling
• Drama
• Japanese culture

Students are encouraged to propose new clubs, fostering leadership and initiative.

Falcon’s Ledge

This program provides a safe space for 5th to 8th-grade students to socialize, study, or engage in favorite activities after school, regardless of weather conditions. 

Health Fair

STS hosts an annual week-long health fair featuring workshops, field trips, seminars, and presentations led by teachers, parents, and external experts. This event addresses various health topics, offering both compulsory classes and electives that allow students to choose subjects of interest and collaborate across different grades.

Through these diverse clubs and organizations, St. Thomas School fosters a vibrant community that supports academic excellence, character development, and the exploration of personal interests.

Famous St. Thomas School Alumni

St. Thomas School (STS) in Medina, Washington, has a rich history of nurturing students who go on to make significant contributions in various fields. While specific details about individual alumni are limited, here are some notable former students:

1. Elizabeth (Reynolds) Gruene (’03): A proud alumna who currently serves on the STS Board of Trustees, actively contributing to the school’s strategic direction.
2. Sophie Sharp (’18): Organized the RGI 5K Fun Run to benefit the Rwanda Girls Initiative, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to global causes.
3. Dr. Kirk Wheeler: While not an alumnus, Dr. Wheeler has been the Head of School since 2005, leading STS with vision and dedication for nearly two decades.

For more insights into the achievements and endeavors of STS alumni, you might consider visiting the school’s official alumni page or their LinkedIn profile. 

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