Saint Thomas Academy


Saint Thomas Academy, originally known as St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary and formerly known as St. Thomas Military Academy, is the only all male, Roman Catholic, college-preparatory, military high school in Minnesota. It is located in Mendota Heights near Saint Paul. The Academy has a middle school and a high school. The high school students are required to participate in military leadership classes, as the school was previously part of Army JROTC. Its sister school, Convent of the Visitation, is located across the street. Many classes and after school activities involve both schools. It is located within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

History

Saint Thomas Academy was first founded as Saint Thomas Seminary by Archbishop John Ireland on September 8, 1885. STA became a U.S. Army school in 1905, and, in 1916, part of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. In 1922, the Seminary's Academic Department separated into College of St. Thomas and St. Thomas Military Academy. Later, in 1965, the school moved to its current campus in Mendota Heights. A middle school was added in 1971, composing of seventh and eight grades. STA closed its boarding school program in 1974. In 2015, the school separated from the JROTC, though it retained its military curriculum and required courses. The inaugural sixth grade class joined the Academy in 2017.

Traditions

Saint Thomas Academy was a member of the Classic Suburban Conference. They participate in all 14 Minnesota State High School League sports as well as Orienteering. Saint Thomas Academy also has various co-curricular activities such as Band, Chess Team, Debate Team, VISTA Theater Company, Math Team, Quiz Bowl, Knowledge Bowl, Table Tennis Club, Experimental Vehicle Team, Mock Trial, The Rifle Team and The Crack Drill Squad. More than 90% of students participate in co-curricular athletics or activities.

Notable alumni