Very Rev. Jamin S. David, J.C.L., V.G. | Diocese of Baton Rouge

St. Thomas Aquinas Diocesan Regional High School in Hammond, Louisiana has announced that it will be enrolling eighth-grade students for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. This decision has been in the making for the past decade, as school officials have been evaluating trends and considering what is best for their students and the Catholic school community as a whole.

Principal Will Johnson expressed the school's commitment to academic success, stating, "Making a transition at this time to include an eighth-grade is a natural progression and simply makes sense for our school’s continued academic success." This decision has also received support from the pastors and principals of three Catholic elementary schools in the Tangipahoa civic parish: Holy Ghost School, Mater Dolorosa School, and St. Joseph School.

Father Charles Johnson, the pastor of Holy Ghost School, acknowledged that there may be some impact on their program but also expressed optimism about the new venture, saying, "This is a new venture that will also allow St. Thomas to look at new ways to grow and add new possibilities. We think our program will flourish as will St. Thomas."

The addition of an eighth-grade level at St. Thomas Aquinas was not taken lightly. Stakeholders, including parents, were given opportunities to express their opinions and concerns. A survey was conducted last year, and the information gathered played a major role in the decision-making process. Will Johnson explained, "With such a groundswell of support, now was the time to explore the feasibility and sustainability of an eighth grade as a part of St. Thomas Aquinas."

The Diocese of Baton Rouge and its Catholic Schools Office conducted a formal study to determine the feasibility of establishing a junior high program at St. Thomas Aquinas. The study found support for the proposal, leading Bishop Duca to give permission for the school to develop and offer an eighth-grade program starting in the 2024-2025 academic year.

It is important to note that this expansion is not meant to eliminate eighth-grade programs from other local Catholic parochial schools. Rather, it aims to expand opportunities for parents desiring Catholic education and formation for their children while allowing St. Thomas Aquinas to respond to the desires of its constituents and build on its foundation as a diocesan regional school.

Father Johnson confirmed that Bishop Duca reviewed and approved the decision to add the eighth-grade program. He emphasized the strong relationship between Holy Ghost School and St. Thomas, saying, "There are a lot of unknowns, but our relationship with STA will always be strong."

While the exact number of eighth-grade students to be admitted has yet to be determined, the school anticipates high interest. Enrollment will be evaluated in the coming weeks. The possibility of increasing staff to accommodate the added enrollment is being considered, but discussions are also underway regarding the realignment of the current faculty to ensure the greatest impact on students' education.

The addition of an eighth-grade class is seen as a natural fit for the school's Catholic feeder schools and families. Will Johnson explained, "As our students mature, so should their faith formation and personal relationship with God. We are excited to allow our older students to act as role models and examples to our eighth graders. Furthermore, we are keenly aware of the importance of modeling Christ’s values in our community, so additional students will only enhance our ability to affect positive change in our school and community."

St. Thomas Aquinas Diocesan Regional High School, which opened in 1986, has been staffed by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois, and lay men and women. Although the Dominicans no longer staff the school, its commitment to academic excellence and faith formation continues to guide its mission.