SHAPING YOUNG MINDS
St. Thomas High School is a well-established college preparatory that provides a caring, intellectually challenging learning atmosphere in which young men develop the tools necessary to become successful in their future studies and careers. Our students are well prepared for an ever demanding and diverse world. Young alumni often tell us that the course content and workload in college is very manageable for them because they trained for academic rigor at St. Thomas.
To view our full course catalogue with all academic courses offered please click here.
English Department
Through their study of important literary works in the survey courses at St. Thomas, students are exposed to exceptional writing and are introduced to a wide variety of cultures and ideas to broaden their perspectives and foster understanding and empathy for others. As students think, speak, and write about literature, they develop the ability to confidently create and support rational, intellectually-informed arguments. As they study great books, our students wrestle with fundamental questions about the human experience, developing the critical thinking skills needed to become active and effective leaders.
Grade 9: English 1, Advanced English 1, and English 9 (all World Literature and Composition)
Grade 10: English 2 and Advanced English 2 (all World Literature and Composition)
Grade 11: English 3 (American Literature and Composition) and AP English Language
Grade 12: English 4 (British Literature and Composition) and AP English Literature
Electives: Speech, Forensics 1-4, Creative Writing, Contemporary Research and Writing, Publications, Graphic Novels, Introduction to Journalism, and Photojournalism
Christine Bumgardner (B.A. English Literature, Cum Laude, Missouri Western State University; M. Ed Emphasis on ELL and Writing, University of North Dakota) Christine lived abroad and taught English in international schools for the past 20+ years; she is very excited to come to Houston to teach.
David Fritsch (B.S. Political Science and History, Spring Hill College; M.A. in English, National University; graduate studies, University of St. Thomas and University of Houston) is a graduate of St. Thomas High School who has taught at STH since 1998. In addition to his classroom duties, David serves as the assistant coach of the STH tennis team.
Judy Granberry (B.A. Plan II Honors, University of Texas at Austin; J.D., University of Houston Law Center; graduate studies, University of St. Thomas) started teaching at St. Thomas in 2008. Judy is Dean of the English Department, she was 2016-2017 STH Teacher of the Year, and she serves as a member of the STH Safety Committee.
Lauren McFetridge (B.A. English Education, California State University of Long Beach) has served at St. Thomas since 2020. Prior to beginning her high school teaching career, Lauren instructed reading and writing courses for ELLs and struggling readers at Donald S. Jordan Intermediate in Long Beach, CA. She has a passion for learning and for supporting students in their social, emotional, and academic growth. In addition to teaching English, Lauren assists with the Speech and Debate Team.
Claudia Mundell (B.A. English, St. Mary’s University; M.A. English, California State University of Long Beach; Principal Certification, University of St. Thomas) joined the St. Thomas faculty in 2014. Claudia represented St. Thomas at the Basilian Network for Education and the New Evangelization, and she currently serves on the STH Faith Formation Committee.
Jennifer M. Pearson, Ph.D. (B.A. Mass Communications, Louisiana State University; M.A.T. Education, Nicholls State University; Ph.D. Catholic Education Leadership and Policy Studies, Catholic University of America) started teaching at St. Thomas in 2015.
Pam Rameau (B.S. Curriculum and Instruction, Texas A & M University; M.Ed. Leadership and Technology with Principal Certification) begins her first year at St. Thomas High School in 2022. Prior to joining STHS, she served in a number of administrative positions at Alexander-Smith Academy for over twenty years. Earlier in her teaching career she taught English in Spring Branch ISD, Katy ISD, and Houston Community College.
Noah White (B.A. Legal Studies, Houston Baptist University; M.L.A., Houston Baptist University; MLitt Intellectual History, University of St Andrews) began teaching at St. Thomas in 2021. Prior to St. Thomas, Noah taught Latin and 8th grade Humanities at Trinity Classical School in Houston.
