History

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and School began its journey on April 2, 1964, with the dedication of its first building. This structure featured a chapel on the first floor and classrooms on the second. The Sisters of Mercy from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, joined the school at the invitation of Archbishop Coleman Carroll, with Father Patrick Slevin serving as the founding pastor.

The school opened its doors in September 1964, welcoming students in grades Kindergarten through fourth. Sister Gabriel served as both the first principal and a teacher, with pioneering educators including Sister Celesta Staab, Sister Christopher Wahl, and Mrs. Lorraine O’Brien.

Between 1965 and 1968, the school expanded to include fifth and sixth grades under the leadership of Sister Marie Benedict. In 1969, Sister Rebecca Frome became the teaching principal, overseeing the addition of seventh grade in 1971 and eighth grade the following year. As the school outgrew its space, two temporary classrooms were created in the church, and Sister Rebecca transitioned to a full-time principal role.

Growth continued under Father Christopher Konkol with the construction of a second building, dedicated on July 3, 1973, by Archbishop Coleman Carroll. This addition provided a new chapel and family center, allowing for the remodeling of the original building, later named the “Mercy Wing” to honor the Sisters of Mercy.

Sister Rebecca retired in 1979, and Sister Carol Koester, a first-grade teacher, became principal, serving until 1986. Father Daniel I. Kubala, who became pastor in 1989, spearheaded a campaign to expand the school further. By 1992, the school included Pre-kindergarten classes and doubled enrollment for Kindergarten and first grade, eventually adding one class for each remaining grade.

In 1992, Sister Madeleine, O.C.D., became principal, bringing the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles to STA. The school continued to thrive, and in 1995, the McCarthy Wing was dedicated alongside the rededication of the original Mercy Wing.

Mrs. Nuria F. Baldor became principal in February 2000, overseeing the completion of a new building that included the Carmelite Wing, featuring five classrooms, a science lab, a computer lab, a media center, and an art room. The old rectory was remodeled to house Pre-kindergarten homerooms, a music room, and a Spanish room.

Currently, under the leadership of Mrs. Lisa M. Figueredo, an alumna and former teacher, STA has continued its legacy of excellence. Mrs. Figueredo has introduced innovative programs, including the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton gifted program, a Junior High laptop program, a science and technology enhancement initiative, and award-winning arts programs. Her focus on smaller class sizes and faith formation ensures students grow academically and spiritually. In 2011, the school added a PK2 program to further expand opportunities for young learners.

In 2013, STA welcomed its current pastor, Fr. Alejandro Rodriguez Artola, an alumnus of the school, whose mission is to deepen the community’s faith and relationship with Christ.

Under the leadership of Mrs. Figueredo, STA achieved significant milestones, including being named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence for exemplary high performance and earning accreditation as a STREAM school in the Archdiocese of Miami in November 2020.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School remains committed to nurturing students’ academic success and spiritual growth, ensuring a legacy of faith, learning, and community.