Nurturing Pre-K4 through 8th grade students, Saint Thomas More Catholic School lives our school mission as "a joyful learning community reaching out to the world as the hands of Christ."
Affectionately referred to as STM, our National Blue Ribbon school provides an academically challenging, Christ-centered learning environment based on Catholic values and traditions.
At STM, we strive to inspire a global sense of understanding, respect, and compassion for others and the courage to put our faith into action. As the only elementary school in the Jesuit tradition in the Atlanta area, we are committed to the Jesuit ideals of academic excellence, the service of faith, the promotion of justice, and the education of the whole child.
For more than 70 years, our school has welcomed students from all areas of Atlanta to our campus in beautiful downtown Decatur, Georgia. Together, our students, their parents, our teachers, and faculty are all part of our warm and vibrant STM family.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked GA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 472 students
- Yearly Tuition: $10,000
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 23 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 7
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Saint Thomas More Catholic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1950
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a
Student Body
Total Students
472 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
30%
State avg.: 28%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
53%
Average Class Size
23 students
Advanced Courses
n/a
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 7
Yearly Tuition Cost
$10,000
Tuition Notes
Active Catholic Students pay $10,000*
Non-Catholic students pay $13,850
*Your family’s pastor will determine annually whether your family will receive active or non-active status. Active Catholic families are those supporting their parish through the giving of time, talent, and treasure and attend Mass regularly.
% on Financial Aid
19%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$6,646
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Erin Prange
Admissions Associate
Heather McElroy
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Boy and Girl Scouts Troops, Chess Academy, Coding Club, Martial Arts Club, STM LOVE Leaders
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Drama Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Team, Cross Country, Expressions in Motion Dance, Golf, Irish Dancing, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball Team
Boy and Girl Scouts Troops, Chess Academy, Coding Club, Martial Arts Club, STM LOVE Leaders
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Drama Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball Team, Cross Country, Expressions in Motion Dance, Golf, Irish Dancing, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball Team
School Notes
- At STM, our teachers and staff get to know each child and discover who they are as a person and how they learn best. Saint Thomas More Catholic School uses a rigorous curriculum and differentiated learning to help each and every student realize his or her own level of excellence.
- Our Catholic identity is strong and evident in our students, staff, and curriculum.
- Children are a gift from God. At Saint Thomas More Catholic School, students feel loved and supported as they learn to their fullest potential about Christ, about the world, and about themselves.
- Our students are regularly called to work for and witness God through prayer, service projects, and activities in our school, parish, and throughout the wider community.
- God blesses each person with unique abilities. We help students discover their strengths and develop a base of self-assurance on which to build success.
- Faith and learning begin at home. Saint Thomas More Catholic School serves as a collaborative partner with parents to help children foster a life filled with learning and growth.
- We are an open, caring community where everyone is welcomed. We celebrate diversity, embracing people of all cultures and faith traditions with kindness and respect. Our learning environment is a place where students feel accepted, safe, and secure.
- We are the parish school for St. Thomas More Catholic Church which is sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). We share the society`s mission to spread God`s love to others.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Aaron Parr - April 2023 - Congratulations to Aaron Parr, a 2002 graduate of Saint Thomas More Catholic School, on being named as President of St. Pius Catholic High School in Atlanta. He was serving as the school's interim president when the announcement of his presidency was made in an all-school mass. The students cheered and gave him a standing ovation to show their support. Please show your support by asking God to bless Aaron in his work at SPX.
- Father Avery Daniel - May 2022 -We congratulate alumnus Fr. Avery Daniel, STM Class of 2007, on his ordination as a priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the celebration of his First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving! Join us in praying for God to bless Father Avery as he begins his priestly life as the parochial vicar at St. Joseph Church in Athens.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Saint Thomas More Catholic School cost?
Saint Thomas More Catholic School's tuition is approximately $10,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Saint Thomas More Catholic School?
The acceptance rate of Saint Thomas More Catholic School is 70%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Saint Thomas More Catholic School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Georgia with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Saint Thomas More Catholic School?
Saint Thomas More Catholic School famous alumni include: Aaron Parr and Father Avery Daniel.
What sports does Saint Thomas More Catholic School offer?
Saint Thomas More Catholic School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Fencing, Golf, Martial Arts, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball.
What is Saint Thomas More Catholic School's ranking?
Saint Thomas More Catholic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Saint Thomas More Catholic School?
The application deadline for Saint Thomas More Catholic School is Feb. 7.
In what neighborhood is Saint Thomas More Catholic School located?
Saint Thomas More Catholic School is located in the Lenox Place neighborhood of Decatur, GA.
School Reviews
5 6/9/2022
My daughter has been at STM since kindergarten and is now in 5th grade. I could not be happier with the school, teachers, or academics. It truly is a joyful learning community and my daughter has thrived there the last few years - she is challenged academically and spiritually. They value giving to the community and those in need and this strong moral compass has been instilled in large part due to the school's teachings and actions. Academically she excels (according to her grades and state testing), excels at math, is well spoken and articulate, and motivated to learn.
5 3/21/2022
STM is a wonderful school! The teachers are top-notch and help to make learning joyful and appropriately challenging. Children are taught to be caring about others, not only through words but through service activities like class projects. God is at the center of each day. My child is excited to go to school each day, which is the best confirmation of the great sense of community at the school!
5 9/15/2021
My son began his journey at Saint Thomas More as a Kindergartner in 2019 and has excelled tremendously. The curriculum is designed to challenge the children to reach their full potential. The one-on-one interaction between the teacher and students is critical in order to truly assess the needs and academic level of each child. My son loves his school community and vows to be a student who will complete all grade levels at STM. He longs to be an 8th-grade buddy to a kindergartener one day and teach them the ropes of STM. His confidence and self-esteem are at an all-time high. At STM, my son is receiving the Catholic foundation I received as a child, which is reinforcing the morals and values I am instilling in him. I couldn`t ask for a better school for my son to attend. Go Tigers!
5 2/3/2021
We joined the STM Community in July 2019 due to its nice reputation and size. Since then, our expectations are exceeded regularly and we are so happy about our decision. Our daughters assimilated quickly and effectively into the primary school and truly look forward to going to school [almost] every day; they're learning and having fun doing it. The other families are incredibly welcoming, warm, and generous with their time-and we've already made some great new friends. The staff and faculty offer a wide range of diverse experience and backgrounds, and are led by a kind, yet fair Principal. This is evident in their focused and operative response to the pandemic, inclusive of the daily welcoming (and temp checks) by faculty at drop off and organized send off at pick up. The teachers are passionate about their jobs and the students and engage collaboratively with parents. The school disrupts any opportunity for monotony with regular spirit days, celebrations, and other activities. One of the best elements of the community is the down-to-earth nature and proclivity for authenticity; we haven`t experienced any ulterior or self-seeking agendas. We highly recommend this school to any prospective families.
5 9/3/2020
STM is a school that provides challenging academics in a nurturing environment. It is a supportive community. The children are taught to be responsible for themselves. I find the students joyful and adept at public speaking; which I find to be an important skill as they move on to high school.
Endorse Saint Thomas More Catholic School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.