St. Thomas School is expanding its program to include seventh grade in 2012 and eighth grade in 2013. The private school’s board of trustees decided to pursue the expansion nearly a year ago. This past June, the City of Medina issued a special use permit allowing the addition of the two more middle school grades and an expanded enrollment of up to 395 students.

St. Thomas School (STS), known for its strong academic foundation and commitment to character development, will offer a well-rounded program of academics, fine arts, foreign language, athletics, and a variety of social and extra-curricular activities for middle school students, said Jenny Mowrer, administrative assistant for advancement and development.

“At a time when many families seek an environment for their middle schooler that provides enhanced support and understanding for this ‘tween’ age, as well as a strong partnership with families in a more personalized environment, St. Thomas School believes that its offering of grades seven and eight represents the opportunity for families to ensure that their children, entering adolescence, will build the requisite academic and social skills for success in high school and college programs,” Mowrer said.

STS is now accepting applications for its middle school program. Children entering in the next school year, 2011, as fifth or sixth graders, can ensure their placement in the expanded grade offerings. Financial aid grants are available; currently 14 percent of STS students receive financial aid grants. Information about admission, financial aid, and St. Thomas School’s programs is available at HYPERLINK “http://www.stthomasschool.org” www.stthomasschool.org or by calling 425-454-5880.