The Mission of St. Thomas Aquinas High School
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a caring community, transforming the lives of students through a rigorous Catholic education, guided by faith and reason, and the light of the Gospel – developing their unique gifts, strengthening their personal faith and integrity, and fostering within them a commitment to justice, service, and moral leadership.
Welcome Home to St. Thomas Aquinas High School!
STA uses this phrase of Welcome Home often to emphasize our total commitment to our students and families. We educate young women and men in the spirit of Thomas Aquinas, our patron saint who sought excellence in all things and who pursued virtue as the key to divine happiness. For this reason, we take great pride in being called New Hampshire’s High School of Excellence!
We achieve our distinction through our mission of Catholic Traditions that support all faiths and bring outstanding values and ethics throughout everything that we do, both in and out of the classroom. We believe that excellence honors God and inspires people. Our academic and co-curricular programs provide opportunities for personal expression and leadership while nurturing the close, caring relationships that characterize the STA experience. It is important to us that we develop leaders who will go forth to positively impact their society and their world.
Through guaranteed admissions to select colleges, we help 100% of our graduates pursue colleges, universities, and vocations of their choice. A remarkable standard by any account!
Our outstanding record for student safety ensures that education takes place at the highest levels of learning. Every decision is made in preservation and protection of our students’ best interests.
As in all high performing high schools, learning takes place in the classroom. However at St. Thomas Aquinas, education extends beyond the walls and is visible in our championship athletic programs, on the stages of our music and performing arts programs, and is woven throughout our Campus Ministry Center, Winterterm, Clubs, and the wide variety of educational opportunities that we offer. Soon, our new sports stadium complex will host lacrosse, football, soccer, field hockey and other activities while presenting us as a beacon of light to all in the Seacoast.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School has a unique spirit. It is a school born of vision, defined by its Catholic character, and intent on enlightening young minds so that they can be the change we wish to see in the world.
Please take a look at all of what St. Thomas Aquinas has to offer you. We are certain you will love what you see!
Paul Marquis, President
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is pleased to announce the appointment of its new president, Mr. Paul Marquis.
Mr. Marquis is a dynamic leader who- in his many varied roles, responsibilities, and experiences- is well known for creating a culture of respect among students, families, and communities.
As STA's former principal and a classroom teacher for over 25 years, Mr. Marquis brings with him a wealth of experience in teaching strategies, learning environments, assessment practices, curriculum and technology development, proficiency and competency-based learning, and faculty mentoring. In addition to teaching Chemistry and Physics full-time at St. Thomas Aquinas, Mr. Marquis has served as a coach for over 50 sport seasons in a variety of athletics. He has demonstrated a strong natural aptitude for creating safe, supportive, and caring environments for young people.
His high level of proficiency in technology will be instrumental as St. Thomas Aquinas continues to integrate innovative educational methods with its traditional disciplinary studies. His depth of knowledge proved invaluable during STA’s response and management throughout the pandemic and he brings with him a wealth of ideas on how to align students’ educational needs and expectations to situate them successfully for tomorrow’s world.
Mr. Marquis is a joyful Catholic who will preserve and promote STA’s Catholic mission and culture. “I truly believe I was called to St. Thomas,” he remarks. “I feel like I am ‘home’ here and I believe I can make an even greater educational impact as the next president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.”
President Marquis looks forward to working collaboratively with the administrative cabinet and faculty & staff to develop a forward-looking vision and strategic plan for St. Thomas Aquinas, one that will continue to position the school as the School of Excellence in New Hampshire and beyond.
Mr. Marquis and his wife, Alicia, have three daughters and reside in Kittery, Maine.