St. Thomas More Catholic School
Shaping Student Growth with Spiritual and Academic Excellence

When education is rooted in faith and extends beyond the classroom, students find their true calling. St. Thomas More Catholic School (STM) embodies this spirit, providing Catholic education that inspires hearts and minds with service, discipline and prayer woven into everyday life.

One of the longest-serving schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, STM stands as a community built on faith, service and academic strength. Generations of families have trusted the school for an environment that prepares students for high school and beyond.

“Our legacy of excellence is wrapped around religious and academic education. The way we engage with children, model life skills, and reinforce the positives and expectations, creates an environment that fosters self-discipline,” says Ashley McDaniel, principal.

Teachers use positive reinforcement to help children make responsible choices and act appropriately in various settings, whether in class, the cafeteria or in daily activities. Students learn fully while supporting classmates and building a culture of respect and responsibility.

Spiritual life is central to the student experience. Each grade participates in retreats, with parents and staff leading themes that deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. They also take part in paraliturgies like the Living Rosary and the annual Passion Play, which unite the community in prayer. Daily prayers and blessings before meals form the rhythm of the school day. Middle school students pause for the Angelus at noon, while teachers encourage children to pray personally at every opportunity, like asking the Lord for guidance before a test.

Academic preparation is another pillar of the school. Certified teachers collaborate to align curriculum across grade levels, ensuring seamless progression and strong readiness for high school. Middle schoolers benefit from a state-of-the-art science lab for hands-on experiments, a resource alumni often credit in later studies.
Electives in robotics, marketing, digital design, theater, art and healthy habits expand learning, giving students opportunities to explore interests and develop new skills. Enhanced learning days further connect lessons with real-life experiences, including Simple Machines Day in first grade, Renaissance and Reformation Day in fifth grade and A Day in Ancient Greece in seventh grade.

Extracurricular programs encourage students to explore talents in supportive settings. Athletics include football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, swimming, tennis, track and cross-country programs. Leadership opportunities in Student Council, Quiz Bowl and Youth Legislature, for example, allow children to confidently lead and discover new interests.

Service complements this formation in meaningful ways. Monthly projects support the Baton Rouge Food Bank, winter sock drives and Thanksgiving donations.

On Mission Day, students earn money through chores and gather for a campus festival filled with games and activities. Each year, eighth graders vote on the mission that will receive the funds, making it a distinct student-led tradition in the diocese.

Clubs like Christians in Action, which supports church, school and community projects, and the Beta Club, which organizes activities like making dog toys for local animal shelters, give students practical ways to live their faith through action.

“We do a great job teaching children to understand and live the liturgical year, helping them carry their faith into learning and every part of daily life,” says Kristen Flores, director of enrollment management and communications.

Liturgical seasons—Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter—become moments of spiritual growth, helping students connect traditions with personal faith.

Family partnership is a defining strength. Teachers work closely with parents to ensure children have the support to thrive, including those with learning differences who require accommodations. This collaboration underscores the belief that students achieve their best when home and school are partners.

STM’s mission extends beyond the classroom. Students grow in faith and academics while learning to serve their church, school and community with compassion. Families trust the school to prepare children for the future— grounded in knowledge, strengthened by faith and ready to make a difference.