2019
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Award Winners

NBRS Badge for Saint Thomas Aquinas School

Saint Thomas Aquinas School - Indianapolis, IN

STA Faith Partners share reading on a beautiful Indiana day.

STA Faith Partners share reading on a beautiful Indiana day.

For more than 75 years, St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) has created an academically challenging, caring, and open school community. STA focuses on educating the whole child, helping each student develop wisdom, compassion, and leadership. Non-traditional and non-Catholic families are welcomed and are attracted from all over the city of Indianapolis. A wide variety of academic challenges are offered as educators strive to meet the individual needs of all students. Students have reached city/state in Science Fairs, Math Leagues, STEM Initiatives, Oratorical Contests, Spelling Bees and Art Contests.

Recognizing the many academic benefits for students who walk or bike to school, in 2009 STA's Safe Routes to School Plan was created, identifying ways to increase the number of students who choose to walk and bike to school and decreasing the carbon footprint. STA places a strong emphasis on social justice and care for creation. In 2014 STA was named a "Green Ribbon School" by the U.S. Department of Education - the only Catholic school in Indiana that year to earn that environmentally-friendly recognition.

Service is a large part of the STA philosophy. Our students are taught to look beyond their personal needs and see the needs of the greater community. Every year almost 100% of students take part in service activities. St. Thomas Aquinas students are celebrated for their uniqueness, parents are valued as partners, and faith joins the community as one. Gospel values permeate all that we do as a school community.

2019 Awardee

Saint Thomas Aquinas School

4600 N Illinois Street
Indianapolis, IN, 46208-3522

(317) 255-6244

Principal at time of Nomination:
Ms. Cara Swinefurth

Ms. Nancy Valdiserri, Current Principal

Archdiocese of Indianapolis School District

Urban or large central city

School Website

School Facebook

Mission

With the combined efforts of the church, school families, and faculty, St. Thomas Aquinas School will guide a diverse student body toward becoming responsible, faith-filled, caring citizens, and independent learners.

Student Demographics

  • Black/African American: 13%
  • Hispanic: 2%
  • White: 73%
  • Two or more races: 12%
  • Application