The School

The tradition of Catholic Schools has been part of Lafayette and Acadiana since 1821.  St. Thomas More Catholic High School opened its doors in 1982, after four years of hard work and planning by many who were dedicated to providing quality Catholic education in southwest Lafayette.

Beginning as a consolidation of two Catholic high schools, STM has expanded over the past years into an educational community serving the 12 owner church parishes, and the surrounding church and civil parishes.  Located on a 45-acre tract with 3.5 acres under roof, STM provides a co-educational enviroment for academic, spiritual, athletic, and co-cirricular pursuits.

In 1998, expansion of our facilities included the addition of a multi-purpose room, seven classrooms, and a second gym which allow us to better serve our growing student enrollment.  Additionally, an athletic complex including a stadium, football/soccer field, and a track was completed which allows STM to host home athletic events.

Throughout this growth, STM has continued to uphold the strong moral Catholic values instilled by the religious orders of the Christian Brothers, the Sisters of the Most Holy Sacrament, the Mount Carmel Sisters, and the Sisters of the Divine Providence.

The Crest

The Crest or coat-of-arms of St. Thomas More Catholic High School was developed in 1981. In the upper quadrant is the Tudor Rose, which represents the union of the two royal houses of England and was worn by the Chancellor of England. Each petal of the rose suggests a heart shape, symbolizing Thomas More's charity, goodness, love of God and country. The rose is surrounded by the STM monogram. Separating and joining the coat of arms, the Tudor rose, and the STM monogram is the cross, symbolizing More's Catholicity, man of God, and his deep religious convictions, which were the source of his strength.

The Saint

Born in 1478 and living for 57 years, St. Thomas More was a scholar, tutor to the future king, lawyer, family man, celebrated wit, and finally, Lord Chancellor of the realm.  As the playwright Robert Bolt typed him, he was "a man for all seasons."  Thomas More is a model of true servant leadership.  He had everything and sacrificed it all on a matter of religious principle.

Thomas More was canonized a Saint in 1935.  His feast day is observed on June 22.  St. Thomas More was a person who loved life, but loved his God more.  He was a fervent man of faith, a loyal countryman, and edifying professional, and a committed Catholic.

His accomplishments include writing "Utopia," a political romance published in 1516 about an imaginary island where everything was perfect.  The word has thus come to be a synonym for a place or state of political or social perfection.

As the patron of our school, we hope to reflect his qualities in our school philosophy and programs.  We want STM students to mirror these same virtues of love, hard work, faith in God, loyalty to the Church, and educational scholarship.