St. Thomas More Catholic Academy

“Where students become scholars, committed to a lifetime of learning supported by faith and community”

At a Glance

St. Thomas More Catholic Academy is a PreK through 8th grade parochial school located in Ward 8 of Southeast Washington, DC. The school serves families seeking a Catholic education grounded in faith formation alongside academic preparation, extending from early childhood through middle school.

With nearly a decade of grade levels under one roof, St. Thomas More provides continuity for families looking to establish long-term relationships within a faith-based school community. The academy focuses on preparing students not only for academic success but also for the transition to Catholic high schools throughout the Washington metro area.

What Parents Should Know

As a Catholic school, St. Thomas More typically requires families to complete a direct application to the school rather than enrolling through the My School DC lottery system used by public and public charter schools. Families interested in enrollment should contact the school directly to learn about application timelines, tuition, financial aid availability, and any parish affiliation preferences or requirements that may affect admissions decisions.

The PreK-8 grade configuration means students can potentially remain at St. Thomas More for up to nine years, from early childhood through middle school graduation. This extended timeframe allows younger siblings to follow older students through the same school environment and gives families stability in their educational planning. However, families should be prepared for a high school transition after 8th grade, as the school does not extend into the high school years.

Located on 4th Street SE in Ward 8, the school serves a part of Washington that has historically had fewer private school options than some other areas of the city. For families in Southeast, St. Thomas More offers a neighborhood Catholic education option that may reduce commute times compared to schools in other quadrants.

The school reports that 100% of its graduates gain acceptance to top Catholic high schools in the region, indicating a track record of academic preparation that meets admissions standards for secondary Catholic education. This outcomes data may be particularly relevant for families evaluating whether the school will position their children well for the next educational stage.

Programs and Approach

St. Thomas More Catholic Academy incorporates the Harvard Project Zero framework into its teaching approach, emphasizing creative and hands-on learning experiences alongside rigorous academic expectations. This research-based framework, developed at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focuses on helping students develop thinking skills and deeper understanding through visible thinking routines and project-based work.

As a Catholic school, faith formation is woven throughout the school day and academic year. Students typically participate in religious instruction, prayer, Mass, and service learning as core components of their education. The school's mission centers on developing the whole child—intellectually, spiritually, socially, and morally—within the Catholic tradition.

Families considering St. Thomas More should inquire directly with the school about tuition costs, payment plans, and financial assistance programs that may be available. Many Catholic schools offer need-based aid or scholarships, and some provide tuition benefits for families with multiple enrolled children or for registered parishioners of affiliated churches.

Parents should also ask about extracurricular offerings, extended day programs, and support services during the application or tour process, as these elements vary significantly among private schools and can be important factors in determining fit for individual families.

Visiting and Contact

St. Thomas More Catholic Academy is located at 4265 4th Street SE in Washington, DC. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a tour, or beginning the application process should visit https://stmdc.org or call (202) 561-1189 for current information about admissions, programs, and enrollment availability.