Saint Thomas Academy
Mendota Heights, MN
"Ex Umbris In Veritatem"
The Verdict
Saint Thomas Academy is Minnesota's only all-male Catholic military school, blending 140 years of tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Founded by Archbishop John Ireland in 1885, STA operates on four pillars—Catholic faith, academic excellence, military leadership, and an all-male environment.
The result: a 100% college acceptance rate, an average ACT score of 28, and alumni who include a Medal of Honor recipient, a Supreme Allied Commander, SEC chairman, and Minnesota Supreme Court justices. Daily formation, the Fleming Saber tradition, and 25,000 annual hours of community service define a culture where boys become men of character.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
Saint Thomas Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory, military leadership school for young men. Its mission is to develop boys into men of character through an educational experience rooted in Catholic faith, academic excellence, and an all-male environment.
Tuition & Costs
2025-2026 RatesDay Student
$26,825
Middle School
$22,050
*Grades 9-12: $26,825; Grades 7-8: $22,050; Grade 6: $18,500
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
developmental
Key Requirements
- School transcript and academic records
- Campus visit (ACE Visit, Tuesday Tour, or Future Cadets Friday)
- Interview with admissions team
- Teacher recommendations
- Commitment to military leadership structure
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
88 acres
Housing
N/A
Enrollment
624
Student:Teacher
10:1
Campus Life
Daily Schedule
Structured day includes eight rotating class periods, daily Corps of Cadets formation after second period featuring Morning Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and a unique flex period for additional academic opportunities. Each morning, cadets gather by battalion while senior Campus Ministry members lead prayer. After school, faculty tutoring hours provide personalized instruction before co-curricular activities begin.
Discipline Model
Military leadership programs instill lifelong values of honor, integrity, self-discipline, self-reliance, brotherhood, and devotion to duty. The Corps of Cadets is led by student officers culminating in the Cadet Colonel, who is awarded the Fleming Saber at the annual ceremony. The Brigade Formal Inspection (BFI) each spring brings National Guard representatives to inspect uniforms and test cadets on school history and Army knowledge. Seniors complete 100 hours of community service including a 70-hour senior service project.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Where Graduates Go
Regular appointments to West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy; strong ROTC scholarship placement; all high school students participate in Army JROTC
Hall of Fame
General Alfred Gruenther
Former Supreme Allied Commander Europe (1950s), Class of 1919
Captain Richard E. Fleming
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for heroism at Battle of Midway, Class of 1935
Christopher Cox
Former Chairman of the SEC, former U.S. Congressman (R-CA), Class of 1970
Thomas F. Gallagher
Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court (1943-1967)
Judge Fallon Kelly
Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court (1970-1980)
Bishop James P. Shannon
President of The College of Saint Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, Class of 1939
Mike Ciresi
Prominent Twin Cities attorney known for success in mass tort litigation, Class of 1964
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in athletics or structured physical activity. Over 85% of students participate in at least one of 16 varsity sports offered through the Minnesota State High School League. The school emphasizes competitive excellence with championship programs in hockey, swimming, and other sports.
Facilities
88-acre suburban campus in Mendota Heights features Vincent J. Flynn Hall with athletic and fine arts facilities, the Michael Family Aquatic Center (home to 2025 Class A State Champion swim team), multiple athletic fields, a 6,000 square-foot Innovation Center opened in 2017, and renovated Founders Hall with the Institute for Science and Engineering. The campus shares resources with sister school Convent of the Visitation located across the street.
External Ratings
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