St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School celebrates as the first Catholic School in Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties to achieve International Baccalaureate authorization in both the Primary and Middle School Years.
A small PK2-8th grade Catholic School nestled in the heart of South Miami has been a candidate school for the past three years, with the goal of attaining authorization from the prestigious IB organization. Mrs. Figueredo, both Principal and alumnus of St. Thomas the Apostle proposed the program to the teachers four years ago. It was a year of recession, and the sensation of Charter Schools. Also a year of South American and European transfers that were scoping an education relative to the one they received back home.
Through the dedication, efforts, and continuous strive for academic excellence of our Superintendent, Administration and Pastors, IB Coordinator, Faculty & Staff, Parents, and Students, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School has accomplished this esteemed endorsement in its 50th year of Catholic Education.
The International Baccalaureate Programme is a global programme where only a select amount of schools are accepted due to the rigorous requirements, continuous training, and scrutiny that the establishment necessitates in order to gain authorization. The IB programmes are based on research and the best pedagogical practices to create a student-centered educational framework that benefit all students. Our curriculum is meant to develop intercultural awareness, holistic knowledge and communication skills within a dimension of Catholic education. As an IB school, we strive to develop students who are critical and compassionate thinkers, life-long learners, and informed participants in local and world affairs, while respecting others and their cultures.
As a faith based Catholic School, St. Thomas the Apostle is a perfect fit for the International Baccalaureate Program. Our continuous works of charity inspired by our faith and student empowerment of problem solvers have collaborated to work hand in hand in making a difference in our society and in our global community. We have achieved and continue to work towards forming a student body that is compassionate and informed of the world around them.
We are eternally grateful to our stakeholders, the Parish and School Community, especially the faculty and staff who have worked collaboratively to support our endeavor in educating students for the 21st Century and beyond. The additional hours of training and learning by our staff will obtain positive results evident in the community and will undertake activities that enhance social, cultural and economic environments locally, nationally, and perhaps, internationally.
St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School strives to continue its academic excellence and rigor founded by the Catholic faith in the next 50 years to come.