1100 Hood Road SE - Rio Rancho, NM 87124 - (505) 892-3221 - fax (505) 892-3350

Academics

ITBS Test Results        ACRE Results

St. Thomas Aquinas School strives to provide a well-rounded, holistic education for its students. Core subjects include religion, reading, math, language arts, science and social studies.

The curriculum is formed according to federal, state and archdiocesan guidelines. It is adapted to the particular needs of the students in light of the goals of Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish.

In the primary grades, theme-based lessons encourage the development of basic skills and competencies. Direct instruction coupled with rich, hands-on experiences set young learners on an eager path of self-discovery in their thirst for the truths of our faith and our world.

The middle grades continue their pursuit of wisdom with direct instruction and a more cooperative learning-based approach. A greater focus on content enables the students to understand and integrate more complex knowledge.

A strong, broad and comprehensive academic base supports the search for truth that ultimately leads to knowledge and love of God, who is Truth itself. Core subjects are taught in a challenging and developmentally appropriate style. Art, music and gym are also offered.  

2010-2011 ITBS Results

The chart below demonstrates our students’ performance in each of the main categories of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS).  The ITBS is a nationally normed achievement test taken by schools across the United States.  Students in grades 1 – 7 took the test in February 2011.  Eighth graders were tested in October 2010.

The national percentile rank (NPR) shows how our school compares to schools across the nation.  The NPR is the percent of students nationwide who scored below our students in the same grade.  The NPR is not the percent of correct answers.  For example, in fourth grade the NPR for math is 88, which means that STA 4th graders scored higher than 88 percent of 4th graders nationally.  In other words, only 12% of all 4th graders taking the ITBS scored the same or higher than STA 4th graders in math. We are pleased to report that in virtually all grades and subjects, our classes rank in the upper 25% of classes taking the ITBS. Also, all classes performed above grade level: in some grades, more than a year above.  This is determined by comparing the students’ current grade at the time of testing (6th month for grades 1-7 and 2nd month for eighth grade) with the grade equivalent (GE) score.

Congratulations to our students and teachers.  We are proud of their success.

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Assessment of Catholic Religious Education (ACRE)

ACRE is a national religion assessment test given in the fifth grade, eighth grade, and again to high school students attending Catholic schools. St. Thomas Aquinas School consistently ranks among the top percentiles in the nation.

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