Admissions & Residency Rules
Geographic Requirements
Saint Thomas Academy primarily serves the Twin Cities metro area, as it's a day school requiring daily commute. Families must be within reasonable driving distance.
Minnesota's Unique Military School
Minnesota's military education is centered on Saint Thomas Academy—a military school for boys that breaks the typical military school mold.
Saint Thomas Academy
Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights (just south of St. Paul, about 15 minutes from Minneapolis) offers something rare: a military day school experience:
- Founded: 1885
- Grades: 6-12
- Type: All-boys day school (no boarding)
- JROTC: Army
- Tuition (2026-27): $28,165 day tuition; $22,050 grades 7-8; $18,500 grade 6
- Religious Affiliation: Catholic
What Makes STA Different
Unlike most military schools—which are boarding institutions—Saint Thomas Academy is a day school. Students wear uniforms, participate in drill, and follow military traditions, but they go home each evening.
This offers unique advantages:
- Affordability: At ~$28,200/year (2026-27), STA costs less than military boarding schools ($40K-$60K)
- Family Connection: Students maintain daily contact with family
- Local Community: Deep roots in the Twin Cities Catholic community
- Accessibility: No need to send your son far from home
The Corps of Cadets
All STA high school students are members of the Corps of Cadets. The Army JROTC program instills discipline, leadership, and teamwork while students receive a rigorous college-preparatory education grounded in Catholic faith.
The school's motto—"Ex Umbris In Veritatem" (From Shadows Into Truth)—reflects its commitment to developing young men of character.
If You Want Boarding
Minnesota has no military boarding schools. Families seeking that experience typically consider:
- St. John's Northwestern Academy (Wisconsin) - 4 hours from Twin Cities
- Culver Academies (Indiana) - 8 hours from Minneapolis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Thomas Academy a boarding school?
No. Saint Thomas Academy is a day school—students commute daily and live at home. This is unusual among military schools, which typically offer boarding. Families seeking military boarding schools should consider St. John's Northwestern in Wisconsin or Culver in Indiana.
How much does Saint Thomas Academy cost?
For 2026-27, day tuition at Saint Thomas Academy is $28,165, with lower middle school rates ($22,050 for grades 7-8 and $18,500 for grade 6). Financial aid is available, and even the top rate is well below military boarding schools, which typically run $40,000-$60,000 per year.
Is Saint Thomas Academy a Catholic military school?
Yes. Saint Thomas Academy is a Catholic military school under the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Faith formation is central to the school's mission, though students of all faiths are welcome.
Does Saint Thomas Academy accept girls?
No. Saint Thomas Academy is an all-boys school. The school has a sister institution, Visitation School, which is an all-girls Catholic school on an adjacent campus.
What JROTC program does Saint Thomas Academy have?
Saint Thomas Academy operates an Army Junior ROTC (JROTC) program. All high school students participate in the Corps of Cadets, wearing uniforms and learning military discipline as part of daily school life.
Does Minnesota have a military middle school?
Saint Thomas Academy admits boys beginning in grade 6, making it Minnesota's only military-style option at the middle school level. Middle school tuition for 2026-27 is $22,050 for grades 7-8 and $18,500 for grade 6, and students join the Army JROTC Corps of Cadets in high school.