About School

Small Classes – Individual Support

The student to teacher ratio will not exceed 12 to 1 so that the maximum individualized support is available from our faculty. Students can expect a more meaningful discourse in the search for answers to their most profound questions. This also means students will be challenged to higher standards and expectations in and out of the classroom.

A St. Thomas Aquinas education will prepare students to use the skills and knowledge acquired at school to be used at university and in all of their future endeavors.

School Crest

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) is the patron saint of chastity, learning, students, theologians, Catholic academies, schools and universities.  Some of his symbols include the chalice, monstrance, book and sun; all of which are present in the school crest of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School.

Chalice – Represents the first among sacred vessels and the cup synonymous with containing the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.  The chalice is also shaped like a latte, pillars of ancient Chamorro dwellings and gathering places.

Monstrance – Represents the shape of the Cross that contains the Blessed Sacrament.  The monstrance also resembles the Sun, a symbol of St. Thomas Aquinas attributed to what Church scholars have called him, “luminous sun, light of the church”.

Book – Represents the pursuit of knowledge.

Torch – Represents the Word of God/Truth and is also symbolic of the torch carried by the black dog in the dream of St. Dominic’s mother.  The school subscribes to Dominican spirituality as did St. Thomas Aquinas, who was a Dominican.

Dove – Represents the Holy Spirit.

Water – Represents our Baptism into the spiritual life as Christians.  Also represents the bountiful ocean for the people of Guam and God’s ever-abundant, life-giving and cleansing Grace.

Lion – Symbol for Jesus.  The kingly line or Lion of Judah produced King David, King Solomon, and ultimately Jesus.  As Christians, we accept that we are all part of His body, the Tribe of Judah.

ihs – Iesus is Latin for JESUS; Hominum is Latin for OF MEN; and Salvator is Latin for SAVIOR.  IHS means “Jesus, Savior of men”.

School Motto, Admiratio est principium philosophandi – from St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica translated as “Wonder is the desire for knowledge”.

School Colors

The school colors of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School are midnight blue and gold.

These colors were chosen in honor of the Golden (50th) Jubilee of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral- Basilica in April 2008.  It was during this formative period that Msgr. James L.G. Benavente, Rector, invited the founding parents, all of them Catholic, to house their work within Church.  The Cathedral-Basilica Pastoral Center served as the school’s first administrative space and was warmly supported by the staff of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica administration, gift shop, media ministries and the Catholic Cemeteries.

Significance of midnight blue – Blue is always attributed to the Blessed Mother, Mary.  It is her color.  It is also attributed to royalty, fidelity, heaven and eternity.

Significance of gold – Gold is also attributed to royalty and high worth.  It also stands for the crown of twelve stars over Mary’s head as Queen of Heaven.

The combination of gold stars on a blue background is common in the art and decoration of the Catholic Church.

School Day

Each school day is divided into seven instructional periods between 7:45 a.m. and 3:05 p.m. The last period of the day is for individualized enrichment in areas of need.

Sports

The interscholastic athletic program at St. Thomas Aquinas will include individual and team sports. Through athletic development and competition, students are encouraged to promote excellence in character and a team approach. Athletic competition offers students the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership and self-confidence.

St. Thomas Aquinas is a good choice

We believe all youth have a natural desire to learn about themselves and their surroundings. Those who are motivated to work hard, apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in their studies and personal values, and intend to continue learning at the university level will be successful at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School.