St. Thomas More Academy

3109 Spring Forest Road

Raleigh, NC 27616

45 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 21, 2016

STMA is everything we wanted for our daughter, and more. The administration, faculty, and student body continue to amaze us with how well they work as a team to develop each other. There is a strong sense of community among them that is bound together with their focus on solid moral values, classical education, and worship of Jesus Christ. The students and teachers just seem to be all driven to do the right thing, and that is priceless. There is respect, charity, and joy in abundance. Love this school.
Submitted by other on September 07, 2016

The community is faithful, joyful and welcoming. You can sense this the moment you walk in the building and are around the students. The faculty are all dedicated to the mission of the school to form young Catholic leaders who are well prepared to enter the larger world. Graduates consistently flourish in colleges whether they are public or private, Catholic or secular
Submitted by other on August 31, 2016

We have several teens at STMA and we couldn't be more pleased with the school. The academic and social aspects are well balanced. The atmosphere is orderly, happy, and welcoming. The teachers are pretty amazing. My children take one teacher's electives every year they're so good and we hear about all he taught them around the dinner table. Strong teaching inspires children and their parents! Guess that's why STMA has a waiting list every year. Kudos to the school leaders for keeping this school the excellent place it is for the 99% who play by the rules and aim for high goals.
Submitted by other on August 30, 2016

St. Thomas More is one of Raleigh's best college prep high schools. It's also Catholic. A power combo! They walk the talk about keeping a positive "learning environment" and their results prove it. I wouldn't have my kids anywhere else. No one can control dishonesty on public review sites like this, but anyone who knows the school knows its quality. Great results speak for themselves. Keep it up!
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2016

We love STMA and have educated 2 kids at this exceptional school. We've always been pleased with the education our kids have received from STMA but our recent trip to Europe really highlighted some very specific benefits of a classical education. Our daughter was well-prepared to see and appreciate every place we visited. I knew that she would appreciate the deep roots of our Catholic faith but I was impressed at the depth she understood the history and its impact. During tours, she asked intelligent questions and made connections that could have been easily overlooked. She even took notes so she would remember new information or points she wanted to investigate further when home. I loved too that she was so anxious to share about this adventure all that she learned and the awe that she felt seeing the famous places, shrines, great works, etc. As much as I'm full of pride, I wanted to give credit where it is due and that is in great part to STMA. It is more than just the coursework and curriculum, but a love for learning that each STMA teacher shares. I know my mom (who footed the bill for our adventure) was wildly impressed too, especially when she overheard my daughter explain why Shakespeare had to marry secretly, pointed out that Raphael's tomb was in the Pantheon, answered several questions about the building and history of the Eiffel Tower and shared how God spoke to St. Francis in the chapel where the cross of San Damiano hangs......Anyway, I'm bragging but I'm thanking at the same time. We are very grateful for the Catholic classical education that she is receiving. Kuddos to all of her teachers. She mentioned them all and what they taught her. I highly recommend this school!
Submitted by other on August 31, 2015

Great classical education and excellent teachers. Balanced approach with regards to homework and sports. Thanks
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2015

My daughter has been at STMA for 4 year now and my husband and I are so grateful for this wonderful high school. As a senior she feels 100% confident now that after her years here, she will proudly be accepted to any of her college choices. The teachers are amazingly supportive & helpful, the administration is top notch & all the families attending have truly become one. Although it may come across as small, it offers everything a young adult could want. My daughter was involved in basketball, FFA, soccer, after school gardening, volleyball, drama and more. Best investment we ever made!
Submitted by student on August 08, 2014

As a rising sophomore at St. Thomas More Academy, I can attest to the fact that it's an incredible place. In 8th grade, when my family and I were looking at my options, we thought Cardinal Gibbons was the only choice for a Catholic high school education in the Triangle. Now, we are so glad we discovered STMA. Freshman year was awesome! I loved my classes, as well as the teachers, who are all phenomenal. Additionally, everyone at the school is so charitable and proud of their Catholic faith. It's just a fantastic school and I am looking forward to this school year. So, if you are a parent looking for an excellent Catholic education for your child, please consider taking a look at STMA.
Submitted by student on May 15, 2014

My education at St Thomas More Academy provided me not merely with a wealth of crucial knowledge, but also the skills to think deeply and critically about everything I encounter in life and the world. As a student currently pursuing a masters degree and preparing to enter the professional world, I feel exceptionally well-equipped by my experience at this school to face any scholarly, professional, or personal task set before me.
Submitted by student on May 10, 2014

I'm currently enrolled in STMA and in my third year. I'm writing this on my own accord to help future students and parents of students recognize what a great school this is. Saint Thomas More Academy is where my second family is. The students are lively and easy to talk to, while the teachers are simply outstanding. If you look at the list of instructors you will notice that STMA is full of very qualified teachers. These teachers are very engaging with the Catholic faith, so if you want a solid Catholic environment then STMA is the perfect place. You might hear that the work load is too much, and while It's true that there's a lot of work, work should be expected in a prep school. The work load is completely manageable if you can manage your time well (which I'm still working on). Aside from the actual schooling part; the school is always expanding in outside activities. For example; a weight lifting club was added this year, and a baseball team is being added next year. Another issue of concern for new students is that there are too many rules in the school. The only rule of the school is that of charity. Respect others and be respected.
Submitted by other on March 04, 2014

I'd been considering this school for my son. I went there to see it, and all I can say is wow. The students are so happy! The mood is enthusiastic and natural. The staff is welcoming and helpful. No hard sell. As some posters have said, more of a come and see for yourself. The longer I was there the more sure I was it's a special place. I'm glad we found it. There need to be more schools like this one. Thanks! We're looking forward to next year!
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2014

We moved to the Triangle a few years ago, and looked at all the high school options in the area. Most were so big and overwhelming. We were delighted when we found STMA and discerned it was the best option for our children. Over and over again, this has proven to be one of our wisest decisions. We assumed everyone in the area knew about this outstanding school, but have been shocked to discover that few people seem to know it even exists. With the size of most schools in this area, maybe that's a good thing!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

We're so happy we decided to send our daughter to STMA! She loves it! The classical curriculum really teaches students to think, and this school does it extremely well. Teachers are really amazing. She says they're all very smart and know what they're teaching, which wasn't always the case at her previous school. If you're looking at STMA, do yourself a favor and look closely. It's a smaller school, and it doesn't have some of the amenities of bigger schools, but it also doesn't have the huge problems found at those schools. Its safe and good in all the ways a parent would want a school to be. They really care about our kids, and work hard to give them the best education possible. Do you really need more? We certainly don't. STMA has been such a blessing for our family!
Submitted by student on January 31, 2014

I love this school! Have for three years! I get good grades, a few hours of homework every week (Latin!), do other things (lots), love the teachers. I don't get ppl who talk about all this work and how hard it is. You have to do some (not like a lot of schools LOL), but that's life, and it's actually fun here. I know more about history than ever. I learn about my faith all the time. STMA has helped make me a better person. And I'm getting ready for my college future. Go Chancellors!
Submitted by teacher on January 30, 2014

I recently left teaching at STMA to pursue a PhD. My experience at the school was overwhelmingly positive. I think that the highest compliment I can pay the school is to say that when my wife and I have kids, we hope to send them to STMA. A strikingly positive thing about the school is the collaboration at all levels - the Headmaster, Dean of Studies, teachers, and parents are all genuinely collaborating for the intellectual and spiritual development of the kids (who are fantastic). STMA is succeeding in addressing the challenging reality that it's getting harder and harder to get admitted, even in-state, to schools like UNC and NC State. The college placement results speak for themselves. Former students often say freshman year is easy, even at schools like UNC. They are comfortable with primary sources, used to writing,and not afraid of learning a new language (especially Romance languages due to their grounding in Latin). They can articulate an intellectual position and engage in discussion with adults. School spirit, fun social activities like dances and plays, and a great sports environment are added bonuses. I can't speak highly enough about what's going on at STMA.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2014

Okay. Does telling the truth matter? STMA is probably the best Christian school in Raleigh, one of the best schools period. Gives more than schools that cost three times as much. Bunch of Ph.D.'s who can really teach...growing sports program (new conference is great!)...amazing drama program. Upbeat, positive environment. Keep it up STMA. You're doing it right.
Submitted by student on January 29, 2014

The school is great and just gets better. 99% of the other students agree. I came from a public school. I don t feel afraid here. I learn more every day. I also learn to be kind, responsible, and to tell the truth. So I will write an honest review. Anyone who wants to know the truth about STMA should come see for themselves.
Submitted by student on January 22, 2014

I was an student at STMA last year. The school started out well, but slowly deteriorated. The work load became flat out insane to the point of overruling personal life and passions outside of school. I barley had time to spend with family and was unable to work on activities because of time. Teachers and staff were highly unprofessional. For example, not showing up for tutoring that had been scheduled, being late to class, wearing jeans, etc. While, didn't know the subject they were teaching. After Christmas break most of my teachers had quit their jobs, leaving students with new teachers for almost every subject. The students have higher standards than any of the faculty at STMA. Another thing that bothered me was that the teachers wanted to hang out with students almost as if they were trying to pry into our business. The faculty always told us that we were young adults, but were treated as children being restricted in every way possible. I now realize that STMA was awful now that I am at another school, where the faculty is organized, professional, teachers support their students treating us as adults. I am very satisfied that I left STMA opening my mind to broader horizons.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2014

The teachers eat lunch with the students not at a teachers table but WITH the students. After school the teachers sit around the courtyard playing chess with the students, or they are playing basketball with the students, or they are listening while someone strums a guitar, and every March 15th some poor unsuspecting teacher who has been designated as Ceasar and is being murdered by students with paper knives. The students have their own garden and are selling produce from it. The lockers don t have locks on them, because there is no need. There s no graffiti in the bathrooms. They have a lot of field trips and service trips and guest speakers and all-school pizza parties. Students can come to tea and eat cookies while discussing Jane Austen. Or eat pretzels while practicing Guten Tag. They dress up as saints on All Saints Day, and as gangsters and flappers for the 1920s dance, and as ancient Romans at the state Junior Classical League convention. Come visit and then draw your own conclusions.
Submitted by parent on December 25, 2013

Strong small school run by kind and helpful people. Always feel welcome. You can tell they think about the school and work to make it good for the kids. My boy is very average and is learning all the time. We plan to send our next son here too. We've become big fans of St. Thomas More Academy. They do what they say, and they're good at what they do.