Mission and Philosophy

Mission Statement

Guided by Catholic values, St. Thomas More School is committed to educating each individual based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. We advocate academic excellence and inspire spiritual, intellectual and social growth. We prepare our diverse community of students to become citizens committed to service and stewardship.

Philosophy

Catholic Education is intended to make one’s faith become living, conscious and active through the light of instruction. It is the unique setting within which this ideal can be realized in the lives of Catholic children and young people. It is a unique expression of the Church’s effort to spread the Gospel message and provide opportunities for worship, to provide service and build community, to provide an opportunity for quality education and character growth in the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to living life as a Catholic of today. As Catholic educators, we, at St. Thomas More School hold as primary: belief in God, Christ, Church, the value of the human person and commitment to a mission of service, that every person as a child of God, has equal dignity and an inalienable right to an education. We believe:

THAT A CATHOLIC ENVIRONMENT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRISTIAN VALUES.
Therefore, St. Thomas More School strives:

to present a curriculum that reflects the teachings of Christ
to provide an atmosphere and environment based on Catholic principles
to provide opportunities for prayer and liturgical experiences
to provide a Christ-centered education where a child experiences Christian love

THAT EVERY PERSON NEEDS TO PERCEIVE THEIR SELF-WORTH AND TO RECEIVE AND GIVE LOVE AND RESPECT IN ORDER TO BECOME A HEALTHY, MATURE AND FREE HUMAN BEING.
Therefore, St. Thomas More School strives:

to instill within each person a feeling of self-worth and respect for others through curricular
and extra-curricular interaction
to build student self-esteem, confidence and commitment through success
to teach respect by modeling respect

THAT EVERY PERSON HAS GOD-GIVEN POWERS TO THINK, TO JUDGE, AND TO MAKE FREE AND RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS.
Therefore, St. Thomas More School strives:

to lead students to become free, self-directed individuals by helping them to develop their capacity for moral reasoning, their ability to comprehend the possible consequences of their actions, and by assisting them to choose values by which to live
to provide opportunities for the child to make personal choices and decisions through classroom, school and extracurricular activities
to stress responsibility for self and others
to encourage each child to grow and become the fullest person possible by using his/her individual talents and learning capabilities

THAT THE MISSION OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS TO GUIDE PERSONS TO THE TRUE FREEDOM AND A FULLER HUMANITY IN ALL AREAS OF THEIR LIVES.
Therefore, St. Thomas More School strives:

to integrate religious truth and values WITH human knowledge and skills
to maintain a distinctive Catholic environment based on he belief that God first loves us; we, in turn, are called to love God and one another
to provide an atmosphere that develops multifaceted growth: spiritual, aesthetical, physical, emotional and intellectual powers for school, home and community

THAT EVERY PERSON HAS NOT ONLY THE RIGHT BUT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DEVELOP TO THE FULLEST HIS INTELLECTUAL AND VOLITIONAL CAPABILITIES.
Therefore, St. Thomas More School endeavors:

to provide students with basic skills and an appreciation of learning
to maximize each student’s physical and mental potential
to promote positive learning experiences
to encourage an appreciation of learning and to stimulate curiosity and wonder with each child

THAT PARENTS HAVE THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN
Therefore St. Thomas More School strives:

to support, enhance, and complement this role
to establish a partnership between the school, parents and the community
to be responsive and open to the needs, concerns and wishes of the parents