Saint Thomas Aquinas

1501 South Atlantic Boulevard

Monterey Park, CA 91754

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 08, 2019

This was the best decision ever made, to bring my child for his education. He's been at STA since kindergarten, he's in the 7th grade and doing great.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2018

My experience at the school has been great even though there have been changes with new principals throughout the years, academically I cannot complain. No bullying policy. Work challenging but keeps parents involved which is great!
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2016

My kids have been attending STA for several years, they are happy and meeting academic expectations. My kids have art, music, PE , regular core classes and other opportunities outside of school. Try our school or stop by for a tour, the principal and parish are approachable and willing to listen to any concerns.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2014

UNFORTUNATELY my review to which there are several responses was removed but the responses were NOT ?? Only the positive reviews remain??...AND GOOD reviews, based on the PASSED years, I might add. I am not a disgruntled parent. My statements are based on MY FIRST-HAND personal experiences only, which is why I do not have a problem sharing. As a prospective parent I would want to know these things to ensure I am up for a challenge, if necessary. I do embrace change and forward thinking which is why I loved STA (we were able to implement so many new programs with the support of the principal and dedicated parents). I too work in the corporate world and understand reorganization.The change in principal is not what this is about. These issues started before that had begun.It's about respect, consideration and communication - something was lost in the shuffle. I was willing to give the school/priest a chance but was continuously left empty-handed, even the Archdiocese was left with a deer-in-the-headlights look (1st hand). But that is all behind us now. I truly hope the best for my friends who remain. Families/students are amazing at STA! Change is always good!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2014

St. Thomas Aquinas School has been a positive and helpful environment for my child. As a parent, my sole interest is my child's education. I want my child to be challenged academically with a rigorous curriculum, and amongst people who respect and strive to be good. I can honestly say, that through conversations with my child, and an overall observation of the faculty and classroom environment, I have reaffirmed my decision to keep my child at STA. I am beyond pleased with the changes in Administration. I met with the new principal. She is highly educated, extremely friendly, and most importantly, a genuine individual with very high achieving goals. I'm very impressed. I can only say, that the direction in which she will lead the school will be towards excellence. I am hoping that parents who see my same objectives will get on board to assist our school community. The changes that have already been implemented in this short amount of time give an insight to what lies ahead. God bless our school. Thank you for your dedication to the art of teaching our children. Sincerely, One very happy parent
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2014

In response to the fear ridden prior review...It is shameful that some disgruntled parents choose to bash a school due to a change in administration. Reorganization can occur in any employment setting, including catholic schools. If the school board dissolved, well they must have been a weak team in the first place. The upheaval caused by some has created an elusive fear that in simple terms is plain silly! Perhaps the Pastor took the high road and decided not to contribute to the circulating misleading gossip. It seems that some parents are more preoccupied with school politics over the academic performance of their children. Solution to a nonsensical crisis= Principal could have left with more dignity. STA will persevere! it has already become better and stronger due to a much needed CHANGE!
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2014

I will say the following: I am a proud parent of 2 children currently attending STA. This will be our 6 th year attending at this wonderful school. The faculty has been absolutely wonderful, competent, and experienced. I'm thrilled to return, despite all the changes. I had the opportunity to meet with our new principal and she seems to be just what we need here!! A well educated PHD candidate who has a wonderful reputation for being a great educator. With this new leader I'm sure she will lead our educators in a great path towards excellence!!
Submitted by parent on July 07, 2014

I'm a proud and active parent and looking forward to the new leadership at Saint Thomas Aquinas in 2014-2015. This past year I was disappointed with the disconnect the school office had with the parents. Fundraisers were not advertised properly and everything was at the last minute. It's our responsibility to maintain an open communication with the school personnel and parents in general. We are the voice of our children. On main objective as to why we send our children to private school is for the education they are receiving. STA is going to excel in all aspects in the school environment. GO EAGLES!!
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2014

I have two children here and they love it. The teachers are great. The school community is great. There really is a family atmosphere here and I we see it as our home.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2013

I luv the school. The principle and staff are great! Love the small community the school is.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2013

As an educator, I hold a M.A. in Education with credentials and pursuing a K-12 Educational Leadership Ed. Doctorial program. THE FACTS FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW...The school lacks in the following: 1 no support/tutoring services when students struggle in a subject 2 many non-credential teachers 3 no traditional library and computer lab 4 a large number in teachers/students turn around 5 goal next yr. is a 1:30 teacher: student ratio 6 large amount of students are not at grade level in Math, Science and Reading. 7 Both elementary and middle school have lunch and recess together and share the same restroom. 8 principal rationalizes the poor education quality. Teacher quality based on a classroom observation: 1 instructions and goals were unclear and rushed. 2 teacher lacked subject knowledge. 3 students unengaged. 4 1 Ex: My son raised his hand to seek help on assignment, teacher's response was "oh yeah you are on the right track" then walks away. 5 poor class rm. management. Also. 5 70% of classwork/ HW are not graded 6 Teacher communication is little and unclear. Because the principal and teacher have made a negative impact on my son's life, my family will not return to STA.
Submitted by other on May 27, 2013

I'm in the eighth grade and we went to Washington D.C. - it was awesome!! STA has brought many new things to the school - IPads, smart boards, interactive programs for us to use in the computer lab and on our iPads. My sister is in the fourth grade and her teacher has her write a lot using the computer lab and her ipad. We also do our science projects using our iPads, laptops or computers - since the school has us use computers it has been great to come to school
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2013

We made the decision to send my daughter to STA at 4 years old. It was between a preschool elsewhere and Transitional Kinder at St. Thomas Aquinas. My very shy 4 year old. Is the school too big? Is she still too little to go from 8am to 3pm? I was confident they would prepare her for Kindergarten. But what about everything else? What if she was too shy to ask to go to the bathroom? Would they make sure she ate her lunch? And my kid doesn't nap. Will she be okay? I have to share this - SHE LOVES IT! I had worried so much for nothing. She comes home and talks about her teachers and the friends she has made. She is always singing what she has learned in Music class. And the families here are so nice and helpful. It really is a wonderful community and the environment we want our family to be part of.
Submitted by other on January 24, 2013

This school has changed my life completely, I'm curently in 7th grade here at St. Thomas Aquinas. I love the staff and the people. We all no each other and are always talking to one another, i have learned so much of the 8 years been here (since kinder). If you send your children here then im sure your will be completely and abosalty happy. LOOK NO MORE..SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE(:
Submitted by other on February 19, 2012

I love this school i also love the 7th grade writing teacher he's cool yes he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2012

My child is currently attending STA and based on the quality of teachers, level of academics and moral leadership she will be very prepared for high school and the challenges ahead that our children will face in a competitive world.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2011

St. Thomas Aquinas has been a great experience for my two sons. I really like that STA is a school that maintains a strong academic curriculum in a small school setting (avg class size is 22 students). I know that each of my sons receives the attention that he needs to effectively learn and develop. Such an attentive environment would not be possible in the overcrowded classrooms found in the surrounding public schools. Also, as a parent, I ve had the opportunity to interface with the principal and various STA staff. All of them are very approachable and are always interested in improving the curriculum and developing new enrichment programs. For example, STA has recently added an after school Drama Club and Cheerleading and will be adding more academic programs as a result of the move to a 200-day school year. I would really recommend attending one of STA s open house events or make an appointment to see what STA has to offer.
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2010

Definitely a cut above others schools.
Submitted by other on November 09, 2010

Activities are fun and easy to enjoy! I enjoy my writing class.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2010

Excellent! Friendly environment! I love it!