Students are placed in different levels of coursework in a variety of ways. At St. Thomas, we individualize the curriculum based on the individual student. Our goal is to place the student in the level of coursework that will allow him to be challenged academically but also in a position to succeed. Freshman students are placed in English and World Geography classes based on the middle school records, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and ISEE scores. Student are placed in Math (Algebra 1, Advanced Algebra 1, Advanced Geometry, or Algebra II/Trigonometry), Biology, and a World Language (French, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish) based on placement tests taken in the spring of their 8th-grade year.

No matter where students are placed their freshman year, they are reevaluated each year to determine academic placement. Each student has the ability to be placed in advanced-level courses or AP classes as he progresses through St. Thomas. Being placed in an advanced placement or advanced-level course is determined individually, based upon the course’s prerequisites and the student’s performance in previous courses. Generally, a student must excel in his coursework and receive a recommendation from his current teacher in order to qualify for these classes.

1. English I, Advanced English I (1.0 credit)
2. World Geography and Culture or Advanced World Geography (1.0 credit)
3. Algebra I, Advanced Algebra I, Advanced Geometry, or Advanced Algebra II (1.0 credit)
4. Biology or Advanced Biology (1.0 credit)
5. World Languages (1.0 credit)
   • Mandarin I or Mandarin II
   • French I or French II
   • Spanish I or Accelerated Spanish II
   • Latin I or Latin II
6. Theology I (1.0 credit)
7. P.E. with Health (0.5 credit)
8. Elective courses that fulfill a graduation requirement (0.5 credit)
   • Business Communications
   • Debate
   • Drawing I
   • String Ensemble
   • Theatre I
   • Business Applications
   • Music History
   • Beginning Band
   • Choir
9. Study Hall

Students have many opportunities during the traditional school day to study. They may use their study hall periods, community time, and part of the 50-minute lunch on block days.

It is important to note that students also have the opportunity to request passes during their study halls to work in the LEC or visit one of the specialists. During community time, they also have the opportunity to receive help from their teachers or go to the LEC to study; in addition, the LEC is open before and after school.

Graduation Credit Requirements (28 Total Credits)

• English: 4.0
• Social Studies: 4.0
• Mathematics: 4.0
• Science: 4.0
• World Languages: 2.0
• Theology: 4.0
• P.E. with Health: 1.0
• Fine Arts: 1.0
• Speech: 0.5
• Technology: 1.0
• Electives: 2.5

Yes! Students have the opportunity to place into advanced level courses each year. In addition to advanced level courses in 9th and 10th grades, we offer 21 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 4 dual credit courses for students ready for the challenge of college-level curriculum. Through Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, students gain college-level skills and knowledge and, in many cases, earn college credits.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

• Biology
• Calculus AB
• Calculus BC
• Chemistry
• Computer Science A
• Computer Science Principles
• English Language
• English Literature
• Environmental Science
• French Language and Culture
• Latin
• Music Theory
• Physics I, II
• Research
• Seminar
• Spanish Language and Culture
• Statistics
• U.S. Government/Advanced Economics
• U.S. History
• World History

Dual Credit (University of St. Thomas)

• Advanced Texas State & Local Government
• Advanced Sacred Scripture
• Advanced Philosophy
• Advanced Mandarin IV

St. Thomas is a college preparatory school, so every course a student takes at St. Thomas is designed to prepare them for the next academic level.

Advanced level courses are designed to prepare students for the rigors of our AP or dual credit courses. They move at a faster pace, dive deeper into the content, and use additional resources within the curriculum.

AP courses are classes that are developed and created by the College Board. The goal for these classes is to prepare the students to pass the end-of-year AP test for possible college credit.

Yes, we offer Advanced Placement courses and dual credit classes. Advanced Placement courses are offered to students beginning Sophomore year. We offer 21 AP courses in total. In order to potentially earn college credit, students must take the AP end-of-year exam and score a 3 or more on the exam. These exams are scored on a 1-5 scale.

We also offer dual credit classes, which are university-level courses offered through The University of St. Thomas (UST). When a student enrolls in one of these courses and earns a passing grade, he will receive college-level credit through UST. This credit can be transferred to other universities.