Academic Programs

Our academic programs support the growth of every learner and reflect our commitment to excellence. Through research-based practices, strategic resources, and innovative teaching, STA ensures students receive a well-rounded and future ready education.

Programs include

STREAM: Schoolwide quarterly projects, STREAM Day events, hands on labs, and cross-curricular learning
Elizabeth Ann Seton Gifted Program
St. Anthony of Padua Pull Out Program
Dual Enrollment Excellerated Math
Literacy First: Foundational phonics and reading comprehension support
i-Ready: Personalized instruction with measurable growth goals
After school clubs focused on science, engineering, arts, and leadership
Writing Café and grade-level writing showcases
Competitions across reading, math, and STREAM that motivate and challenge students

These programs work together to support every child’s path toward mastery, curiosity, and confidence.

Elizabeth Ann Seton

GIFTED PROGRAM

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program works to meet the needs of the exceptional students. This program provides a small classroom environment where students can receive more individualized instruction. The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton program at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School was developed for students who have been identified as high achievers. The students participate in an academically challenging language arts and literature curriculum.

Children from grades third through eighth, who have been identified as gifted, participate in a pull out program for Literature and Language Arts.

More about our Elizabeth Ann Seton Program

•Students learn material one grade level above their current grade.
•The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking following the points outlined in Bloom’s taxonomy.
•The students complete several challenging projects throughout the year and participate in many activities and field trips to enhance the learning experience.
•Teachers are state certified teachers of the gifted with twenty or more years of experience in this field.

Technology Integration in the modern classroom

Rooted in Catholic values, our STREAM program inspires students to use technology with purpose and integrity—preparing them not only for future academic success, but to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

At St. Thomas the Apostle, our middle school STREAM program (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) empowers students to become creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and responsible digital citizens. Through our innovative edtech push-in model, technology is not taught in isolation—instead, it is seamlessly integrated into core subject classrooms to enhance learning in meaningful and engaging ways.

Students collaborate on hands-on projects that connect faith, creativity, and real-world problem-solving. Whether designing with coding and robotics, creating digital presentations, or using AI tools to support research and reflection, learners are given opportunities to explore, create, and lead. This approach encourages student voice and choice while building essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Dual Enrollment

ACCELERATED MATH

Our High School Dual Enrollment Program, offered through the Archdiocese of Miami’s Saint Carlo Acutis Virtual Academy (CAVA), provides middle school students, the opportunity to complete high school level courses which will not only prepare them for high school but will also offer them high school credit. Students who successfully complete the course will graduate from STA with their first high school math course under their belt, which will give them the opportunity to take more advanced math courses in high school. In 7^th grade, students sit for the IAAT placement test. Those that score 85% or higher and have their teacher’s recommendation will be invited to enroll in the course in 8^th grade.

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Broadcasting

WSTA, our student broadcasting program, provides a dynamic platform for students to develop strong communication, writing, and media production skills.

Through the creation and delivery of daily broadcasts, students gain hands-on experience in scriptwriting, public speaking, and digital technology while taking on meaningful leadership roles within the school community. WSTA not only enhances academic growth but also fosters confidence, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility as students keep our school informed and connected.

St. Anthony of Padua

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

The St. Anthony Program at St. Thomas the Apostle School is a specialized academic support program designed to help students strengthen foundational skills, build confidence, and achieve success in the classroom. Rooted in a collaborative and student-centered approach, the program supports learners who benefit from additional guidance in Language Arts and/or Math.

Students in the St. Anthony Program receive instruction through a combination of pull-out and push-in support, allowing for individualized attention while maintaining strong connections to their grade-level curriculum. Instruction is closely aligned with classroom lesson plans, ensuring that students stay on pace with their peers while receiving targeted support through accommodations, modified materials, and supplemental resources.

More about our St. Anthony Program

Our program emphasizes:

Small group instruction tailored to student needs
Skill-building in reading, writing, and math
Development of executive functioning and organizational strategies
Use of accommodations to support independent learning
Collaboration with classroom teachers and families

Students complete the same core assignments and assessments as their classmates, with appropriate supports in place to help them access and demonstrate their learning effectively.

Early Intervention – Kindergarten

In addition to the St. Anthony Program, St. Thomas the Apostle offers an Early Intervention program in Kindergarten designed to provide targeted, short-term support for students who are beginning to show gaps in foundational literacy skills.

This program focuses on:

Phonemic awareness, phonics, and early reading skills
Language development and comprehension
Building strong academic foundations early on

Kindergarten students receive small group or individualized instruction for a portion of the day, with lessons tailored to their specific needs. Intervention is data-driven, using assessments such as i-Ready and classroom-based measures to guide instruction and monitor progress.

The goal of Early Intervention is to address learning gaps as early as possible, helping students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the classroom and reducing the need for more intensive support in later grades.

The ultimate goal of the St. Anthony Program is to close learning gaps, foster independence, and prepare students to transition successfully back into the general classroom setting with confidence and strong academic skills.

Through early identification, targeted instruction, and ongoing progress monitoring, the St. Anthony Program helps students grow not only academically, but also as confident, capable learners.

Teresita Ledo

Curriculum and STREAM Coordinator - Alumnus Class of 2006

Email: tledo@stamiami.org

“Grounded in faith and driven by curiosity, our curriculum challenges students to think critically, grow spiritually, and lead with integrity in all they do.”