Frequently Asked Questions
School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
What community of Sisters staffs your school?
Aquinas is served by the Dominical Sisters of St. Cecilia located in Nashville, TN. We currently have four sisters on staff - three teachers and one principal.
Is there before and after care?
Yes, Aquinas operates an Extended Day Program that is available to students in grades K-8. Students must be pre-registered to use the program. Drop in service is not available.
When do you start accepting applications?
Aquinas starts accepting applications in January for the upcoming school year.
Yes, Aquinas has one of the largest sports programs for an Elementary/Middle school in the Diocese. Middle school boys may participate in wrestling, basketball, soccer, football, and baseball. Girls may participate in volleyball, basketball, soccer, and cheerleading.
Class sizes typically range from 25-27 students. In Kindergarten and first grade there is an Instructional Assistant in each classroom. In second through fifth grade there is an Instruction Assistant per grade.
Do you teach a foreign language?
Yes, students at Aquinas begin Spanish instruction in Kindergarten and continue through eighth grade. Spanish in grades K-3 is an effort grade while in fourth through eighth grade it is an academic grade.
No, Aquinas does not have a PE uniform. Students participate in PE class in their school uniform. They are allowed to bring sneakers in on PE days.
Yes, Aquinas has a 5-day a week voluntary hot lunch program. Students who wish not to participate may bring lunch from home. Milk and other snack items may also be purchased during lunch.
Yes, Aquinas is accredited through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA).
Does Aquinas have a clinic or school nurses? Yes, Aquinas has two part-time nurses who rotate to provide full time coverage in our clinic.
What is the difference between a parish and a regional Catholic school?
A parish school serves only one parish while a regional school serves several parishes. At Aquinas we serve three parishes - Our Lady of Angels in Woodbridge, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Lake Ridge, and Sacred Heart in Manassas.
Is a physical required to enter?
Yes, all students entering St. Thomas Aquinas are required to have an updated physical.
Is Aquinas a “nut free” school?
While we cannot guarantee that we are 100% nut-free, the nurses at Aquinas identify and monitor all students with either food or environmental allergies to provide the safest environment possible.
Do you accept special education students?
Yes, Aquinas strives to meet the needs of all its students. Students with special needs are evaluated once an application is submitted. A team of teachers will then determine if we can meet the education needs of the applicant.
Yes, Aquinas has both a summer and winter uniform.
What is the age requirement for Pre-K?
Pre-K students must be four by September 30.
What are the times for the Pre Kindergarten sessions?
The PK class times are:
| Monday - Thursday | Morning Session | 8:00-11:00 AM |
| Afternoon Session | 12:00-3:00 PM | |
| Friday | Morning Session | 8:00-10:30 AM |
| Afternoon Session | 11:00-1:30 PM | |
