Testimonials: What Families Say

Here are the voices of families across many years of life with St. Thomas Aquinas Academy. They speak from their first impressions, from years of working with an advisor, and from the daily texture of homeschooling under STAA’s guidance. Some are brand new; others have been with us for over a decade. Read straight through, or use the links below to jump to the topic that interests you.

If you are exploring whether STAA might be a good fit for your family, you are warmly invited to schedule a free consultation with an advisor.

In This Section

• The STAA Experience — setting out, the curriculum, each child and family, peace and joy, and long-time families
• Working with an Advisor — the assessment, personalized guidance, and encouragement and wise counsel

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The STAA Experience

Setting Out: First Impressions and the Welcome

“We received our welcome packet promptly and my first conversation with someone about enrollment is what convinced me you all were the best choice of all the schools we were looking at.”

— Virginia from Mississippi

“Thanks for your genuine interest in my children. I never imagined that you could become so in tune with them from just a paper and pencil evaluation. I am amazed by the amount of information I learned about my girls and can’t tell you how much it is appreciated! We are super excited to get started.”

— Gina B.

“We have recently enrolled as a new family, and just today, have sent back our completed assessments. I can say, up to this point, our experiences have all been consistently wonderful just as we thought they would be! We are looking forward to our first school year with STAA!”

— Meghan from California

“We have been so very happy with our first year with STAA! Thank you for walking me through it and for all the fantastic resources and materials we are using, there is not one we don’t like!”

— Elizabeth from California

“This is our first year homeschooling. STAA and [our advisor] have made this a very easy transition. We have had a great year!”

— Gwen H. from Kansas

“After doing a lot of research regarding home school curriculums, we decided upon STAA because 1) they would work with us to find the appropriate materials for our two children, 2) they provided enough structure to allow us to move through the topics where we had less experience, and 3) they would work with us regarding timing and extracurricular activities. We chose home schooling because our small rural catholic school closed during the middle of the school year and we had a couple of learning challenges: my daughter needed some extra support in some of the basics because of a year in public school where she was not challenged, and my son who needed to move forward at a pace faster than either private or public schools where we are located could handle. We have been very pleased with the cooperation and support that we have gotten through STAA.”

— Frankie

The Curriculum and Materials We Love

“It is a thrill to receive the delightfully arranged weekly guidelines from STAA that keep us on track but allow for flexibility.”

— Dee Dee C. from Florida

“We can’t imagine going without these wonderful, enhanced lesson plans! Thank you!”

— T.H.

“[My ninth grade daughter] and I started ‘Art & Music, B Track’ yesterday and although there was a blizzard outside we were warm and cozy inside laughing and enjoying the art of the borrowed material from the art gallery. We had such a great time at dinner she told dad how much fun school was today and I thought: ‘Thank you, God, this is priceless.’ School and fun? Who ever heard of such a thing? I will be signing up for next year soon.”

— Lynda

“I just wanted to write and let you know how grateful we are for your program. This is our second year with STAA. The program and curriculum is excellent, flexible, and enjoyable with great support. Our homeschool atmosphere is now a relaxed one since there is no more wondering if there is a better curriculum out there. After experimenting with so many other curriculums, I am so happy we have found our home with STAA. I look forward to many future years with you.”

— Theresa

“I just have to tell you how much I have enjoyed this school year. This is our fifth year homeschooling and this is the FIRST YEAR I have not chucked half our curriculum during the Christmas break doldrums. I usually go through a big bout of self-doubt about my curriculum choices and worry we are not covering all we needed to. But this year I can tell we are all making great progress (even me!). We have really enjoyed The Gift of the River and the Little Angel Readers. And I am much more organized, thanks to the binder system. Thanks for all the recommendations. I am already looking forward to next year!”

— Pam

“We are now going into our third year with STAA. We have a third grader, second grader and a kindergartner. STAA has more then met our expectations as home schooling parents. The assessments give us great confidence that our children’s education is going in the right direction and their academic weaknesses are being addressed. We had homeschooled for a couple of years before STAA and found the unending list of curriculums to be overwhelming. With STAA we have been extremely impressed with their suggested curriculums such as Miquon Math, Little Angel Readers, Map Skills, and many others. For parents wanting to instruct their children in a Catholic education that upholds the teachings of the Church we would highly recommend STAA. The staff at STAA is a joy to work with and it is obvious that they put great care into giving parents the necessary support to be successful homeschooling families. If we could say one thing to anyone considering going through STAA it would be that it is a decision they will not regret if they choose STAA.”

— Carrie

Each Child, Each Family

“The academy works as a team to accomplish for your family specific ideas or needs for education, but more importantly, what each individual in your family needs, even Mom.”

— Anne from Illinois

“We have all enjoyed the way STAA ties the courses together for the whole family.”

— Alyse M. from California

“The staff at the St. Thomas Aquinas Academy proved to be more helpful than I’d hoped for as I began homeschooling two years ago. My 7-year-old son has learning disabilities (part of my reason for homeschooling) and every recommendation from STAA has been exceptionally on target. My son is now at grade level (or above) in all subjects but one due in no small way to the experience, knowledge, intuitiveness, and faith of those at STAA. Whether it was during my early, nervous, tenuous days of homeschooling or, later, just curious about the ‘latest’ math approach, St. Thomas’ has been ready, able, and willing to supply me with needed answers and, sometimes just as importantly, has been able to ask me the right questions. I cannot recommend the STAA enough.”

— Karla

“My son just completed the 9th grade. This is our first year with STAA. I was very pleased with the help and especially the time and support given to my son and myself. The extra time was taken to give my son the special help he needed. STAA staff is open to finding a program that works for the student and when he was struggling with a science course we were able to change to another. My son likes mechanics and he is able to count the time he spends with his father learning as part of his school. My son also likes the Math-U-See program which was recommended for him. I feel very blessed to be a part of STAA. I am very thankful a friend recommended this program for my son.”

— Lillian

“Dear Friends, I would like to share with you why we keep going back to S.T.A.A. We have 11 living children and 3 in Jesus arms. I will use this program on all of the ones in our arms! S.T.A.A. has been a True Blessing to our family! I get individual counseling on each child I enroll into S.T.A.A. Believe me each one of our children are different and I have reaped from the listening and to the individual attention I have received. If something does not work for a child the counselor will offer a follow up call and find something that will work! Praise God! We have evaluations at the beginning of each year. Quarterly Reports and Report cards for our children. The individualize attention for each family member is awesome! It not just a cut and dried approach. It has been wonderful for our family it worth it weight in Gold! God Bless and enjoy S.T.A.A. We have!”

— Rose, mother of fourteen

“Last year we were recommended to teach ‘The Morning Offering’ prayer as part of their Religion requirement. Myself a convert, and even my husband, a ‘cradle Catholic,’ were unaware of this prayer, but I found it and learned it… Much to my amazement and joy, my oldest stops himself while coming downstairs if the TV is already on, says the prayer by himself, and then proceeds to come and join us. Even our 3 year old has learned parts of this prayer, grace at meals, and his personal favorite, the Hail Mary… Being with STAA, who offers experience, support, and the guesswork out of the plethora of homeschooling materials, it has been a godsend. It feels like a nurturing, home schooling community. I feel dependent (on God alone), independent (to get the job done), but I never feel alone.”

— Jenni from California

“Our family has been enrolled with St. Thomas Aquinas Academy for five years and we love their program. We currently have children in the 9th, 3rd, and 1st grade. Their advisors are excellent in helping place your children in the appropriate course work for their abilities, interests, and grade level. I have found it especially invaluable how they integrate courses to include multiple children in the same subject. They are always willing to assist when we encounter difficulties. The annual evaluations are also extremely useful in understanding my children’s progress and next teaching points for the following year. With a program like STAA, any parent can successfully teach their children with confidence.”

— Tamala

Family Peace and Joy

“God bless you for the job you are doing — the peace you have helped us find as a family is priceless!”

— Cerita from Texas

“I can honestly say that our children have blossomed into well rounded individuals because of your program.”

— Diane B. from California

“Thank you for your prayers, time and guidance. We are grateful to have you as part of our homeschooling adventures.”

— Siobhan B. & Family

“May God bless you for the incredible help you have provided!”

— Cari from Texas

“Oh, I can’t wait to tell everyone how wonderful you are!”

— Linda from Michigan

“We are having a great school year and I am so grateful for it!”

— Michelle from Virginia

“Thanks for a great year, as always, we love all the materials we have used and look forward to another year!”

— Elizabeth from California

“We have 2 homeschoolers, ages 14 and 12. We have been homeschooling for 4 years. We have had great success with STAA. I can honestly say that our children have blossomed into well rounded individuals because of your program. We are encouraged to use a wide variety of teaching styles. We especially like reading many of our assignments out loud; you cover so much more that way! Every day we also have oral quizzes on certain subjects. I like being kept on track by having a schedule to complete, and the necessary paperwork to document this. But I am truly an unschooler at heart. If I see an interesting science program on TV, or a museum show that is not part of our curriculum, we are off and doing that. Consequently, my kids are very excited about learning, because they are INTERESTED! Our school day is somewhat long for homeschoolers because there are so many fascinating things to explore everyday that we just loose track of time. My husband and I are very glad that we chose STAA.”

— Diane

Long-Time Families

“[O]ur family so enjoyed our wonderful relationship with STAA as our [son] worked his way through high school. It was a wonderful and outstanding experience for him and we continue to suggest your program to all those who are looking for an excellent homeschool experience.”

— Debra S. from Colorado

“I have been homeschooling with STAA since 2003 and loved it. My questions are answered quickly and personally. I am a Mom and Family member, not just a ‘case number.’ What is the single best thing about your experience with STAA? My first thought was ‘flexibility.’ Then it was that it is so Catholic and universal to each person. Then it was that it was so specific for each person… there are a lot of positives about STAA! :)”

— Siobhan from Virginia

“We have always used our own ‘program’ for our grade school children, but since they will want to go to college, we decided we needed something more formal for high school… We chose STAA three years ago because we had a lot of good things going that were working for us, and STAA has the flexibility to allow us to continue with these activities and actually count them for high school credit. If you look at my daughter’s transcript, you will see it’s very heavy on the arts, with ballet, piano, fine arts, and voice. These are all the things that she loves to do, and she hasn’t had to give any of it up in order to prepare herself for college… I would recommend this program to any homeschooler who is looking for a solid, comprehensive program that is based in the fundamentals of learning, but who also wants the flexibility to follow individual interests and learning styles.”

— Mary from New Hampshire

“We are starting our seventh year with STAA. Our family had been considering home education for quite a while when in the mail we received information regarding STAA; to this day we do not know how they got our name. The STAA curriculum and counselors helped us adapt materials to [our son’s] ADHD needs and my teaching ‘quirks.’ As a result, we were able to meet his emotional challenges and adapt academically so that now he is becoming a very faith-filled young man, more mature academically and ready to meet the academic challenge… These past six years have been a time of much spiritual growth, and all of us are thankful for the huge role STAA has played in our lives.”

— Pat from Minnesota

“We love the programs STAA advises us to use. They bring excitement to learning, especially for the subjects which are not are our greatest ones. The advice given is suitable to our family and our lifestyle; it helps us bond. This year, my 13th year, I will officially be teaching five children: kindergarten, fourth grade, seventh grade, tenth grade, and twelfth grade. Wow! I have been given the confidence I need… As our children tend to learn differently, I appreciate the individualized instructions on how to make learning more exciting or how to change the pace or what to do to make a difference. I look forward to our yearly interview and to the monthly newsletters that encourage and educate me. I highly suggest STAA to anyone who homeschools.”

— Christine from Minnesota

Working with an Advisor

The Assessment That Saw Our Children

“The assessment testing was quick and easy to do, so I didn’t expect much valuable feedback. Boy was I wrong!!! It was like my advisor had met my kids and spent hours/days with them.”

— Mary Ellen from Maryland

“We are new to STAA, and we love it already! We were impressed by the initial evaluation process; it was as if our adviser knew our kids, just by evaluating their work. She was able to help us find the material that was a right fit for our kids. We had the flexibility to choose what works for our family, and each individual child, and not be limited by a boxed curriculum. We are excited to learn History, Science, and Religion together with each child doing work at their own level. Our kids are looking forward to it so much, they have already read through most of their literature, just for fun. We do feel finding this program has been a blessing for our family. Our advisor is wonderful; it’s nice to know she is available if we need her.”

— Franz and Jomary

“We joined STAA this year, and we believe STAA is truly a great blessing to our family. After we took the placement tests, my advisor had a detailed report to help us know more about the strength and weakness of our boy. My advisor really spent the time to get to know me and my children, and help us individually. She did not just send us a standard curriculum to use. Instead, she went through each subject, had a detailed discussion with me, and found out the best curriculum that would fit to my boy’s special needs and our family’s situation… When I shared with my advisor the joy and hardships of my homeschooling experiences, she said this which really touched my heart: ‘You are foremost the mother, then the teacher.’ I really feel she is a friend to me who not only helps me with the academics, but also helps me to fulfill my vocation as a mother.”

— Tian from Indiana

“This is my second year with STAA, and the experience has been wonderful for our family. They helped me assess my children (ages 11 and 8), and helped me identify the reason for my son’s reading problems so we could seek the right therapy for him. They recommended materials to teach with that were appropriate for my children, and also let me use other materials at my discretion. When there was one recommendation that I didn’t like (great program, but not for my teaching style), my teacher-advisor offered other suggestions, and we found an alternative that suits me better. Their unit-studies-like approach to history, science, and literature also allows me to teach these subjects to both of my children at the same time despite their 3.5 year age difference. I don’t work nearly as hard as I did when I was planning my own curriculum, I am comfortable that my children are receiving a well rounded education, and there is no pressure to pass tests or meet deadlines. STAA offers wonderful support, and still leaves me feeling like I’m the one in charge of my children’s education. I highly recommend STAA.”

— Lori from Maryland

“Since we are just now beginning, I don’t know how much we could offer. I could share about how easy it is to use your website, to contact you all, and the overall professionalism and friendliness of the staff. Other than that, I’m not sure I could say anything further until we get this year underway. Again, I so much enjoyed speaking with you and am grateful for the recommendations you gave me.”

— Lisa from Louisiana

“We have only just enrolled our 6th grade daughter with STAA for the 06-07 year. At this time, I cannot comment on the effectiveness of STAA methods nor advisors etc. So far, though, I am impressed with the assessment tests and the quick conference my advisor afforded me before I attended a home school expo, just a week ago. I can’t thank her enough for her input and very positive attitude!”

— Carmela from Maryland

Personalized Guidance

“My advisor helps me to understand what needs to be done and how to make it really fun for the kids. What I really like are the tips she gives me for dealing with the little ones while trying to school the older ones.”

— Amber from Texas

“This will be my daughter’s third year with STAA. She is now a ninth grader, and we have been homeschooling her for nearly seven years. Before using STAA, we were on our own, selecting curriculum, scheduling, etc. That worked well at the time, but as she approached the middle school years, I felt as if I wanted guidance and someone else’s input. STAA has worked so well for us. I have been so pleased with their suggestions and help. We had always used Saxon Math, and were successful with it. So STAA recommended that we continue with it as long as it was effective. It wasn’t long before we hit a snag/log jam; and my advisor had great suggestions, helped us get through a struggling time with Math, and eventually recommended Math-U-See Algebra 1. That has been a really positive change for us, and once again, my daughter is doing excellent with her math… My daughter and I also appreciate the freedom we have to disagree with their curriculum suggestions, or use something else that works for us. STAA has been understanding of difficult transitions in our lives, flexible and supportive. I plan to use their expertise throughout my daughter’s high school education.”

— Pat from Idaho

“This is our third year with St. Thomas Aquinas Academy. We have taken our 8 year old son through first and second grade, heading into third grade this year. Our six year old son is starting first grade. STAA provides a happy medium between the totally do-it-yourself program and the highly structured, you-buy-the program’s-books-and-send-in-all-papers-to-be-graded-by-someone-else type program… Our 8 year old seems to be the type to march to his own beat, however, and we’ve had to take a somewhat different approach with the reading program, but it’s been no problem: the advisors of the program are familiar with several reading programs, and not just the one that they initially suggest using. One thing I really like are the portfolios. STAA has a nice format, and it’s nice to have my son’s work neatly organized. I refer back to what he’s done on a fairly regular basis, and don’t have to go searching through different stacks of stuff to find what I am looking for: it’s all in one neat 3-ring binder.”

— Ted and Kathryn from Michigan

“We didn’t start home-schooling until our two oldest children were 13 and 9. Needless to say, with the late start and so many curriculum options available, we were over-whelmed and anxious about the decision. What has been most valuable about STAA is the support and direction we get from our advisor and the flexibility to customize the curriculum to fit each of our children’s needs. The decision to continue home-schooling would have been difficult without this.”

— Rose from Wisconsin

“St. Thomas has helped our family in structuring our time. We were organized I thought, but to the overdo point of schooling doing every subject, every day. As more family members enter the schooling years, it either ends to overkill or burnout and takes the ‘fun’ out of schooling… St. Thomas has helped our family put school into perspective and break our subjects into set days, which has helped us do each subject better because we have more time to enjoy them… Aside from academics, schedules, and paperwork, my comments would be about our advisor’s disposition dealing with us each with a kindness and joy that is rare with people you meet each day; a good example of the way we each need to be as mothers and teachers to our children throughout the day, and to our husbands after the long school day is over.”

— An STAA Mother

“Two years ago, after putting together my own curriculum for 6 years, I switched to STAA. It was the best decision I’ve made in 8 years of homeschooling! The STAA curriculum is wonderful, with excellent selections in all the subjects… Having such a well-thought-out curriculum means that a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders; I no longer have to worry if we’re ‘covering the right things’ or ‘doing enough.’ The STAA advisors are outstanding. Their insights into my children have been extremely helpful; they really know what it’s like to homeschool day in and day out; they are encouraging and supportive, confident that parents can educate their children (even on days when the parent might not be so sure!). My husband and I are both so thankful for STAA. We couldn’t be happier with the program, and would encourage any Catholic homeschool family to give it a try.”

— A Long-Time STAA Family

Encouragement and Wise Counsel

“It was great speaking with you yesterday. Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement. I entered our meeting feeling discouraged and ‘wilted’, but felt refreshed and strengthened afterward.”

— Suzy, in her twelfth year with STAA

“I especially appreciate the advice and wise counsel I receive from the St. Thomas Aquinas Academy staff during our phone appointments and their understanding of my children’s needs.”

— Stephen T. from Illinois

“I really don’t know what I would do without your kindness, and very helpful advice. You are a blessing to our family.”

— Pat from Idaho

“Thanks for all you do on your end to help make our homeschooling academically, intellectually, spiritually, and morally enriching!!”

— Denise from Michigan

“I feel so motivated after talking to my adviser. She really helps me to understand what needs to be done and how to make it really fun for the kids. What I really like is the tips that she gives me for dealing with the little ones while trying to school the older ones. I really feel that on my own I would have just been lost in the sea of information out there. I plan to stay with them all through the kids school years. Thanks for helping me be the best teacher and mom that I can be!”

— Amber

“Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the STAA program! It was a pleasant coincidence that while attending a Homeschool Game Night during our first few months of homeschooling that we were introduced to STAA by a very satisfied mom of four. STAA has a methodical approach to homeschooling, which we found quite encouraging being new to homeschooling while we developed our own mission statement in educating our two boys, aged 12 and 6. We found STAA to be solid and established in the nuances of homeschooling and have used their procedures quite successfully. We truly enjoy the fact that help is just a phone call away and the staff is always calming and affirming. We highly recommend STAA to all families who are thinking of switching from another program or are simply looking for a great Christian curriculum backed by experienced staff members.”

— Suzanne

“Whether it is an appointment for curriculum planning, or asking Bethany the same question with a new twist, STAA always delivers with a smile and tone of great encouragement! For someone like me, that goes a long way. I’m truly grateful that God placed STAA in my life, and ultimately in our HOME. I am eternally blessed to have been enrolled as our children began with you in 2006 and now continues as our youngest is navigating High School years. Rich content, beautiful applications, and so much more for educating the Whole Person. Jesus, Truth Himself, is the Teacher in all areas of STAA curriculum. Praise God for this Homeschooling treasury. Thank you Bethany, and Debbie, for all the patience you pour upon me.”

— Lisa Marie Johnson

“STAA has truly been a Godsend to our family. Our advisor is always ready to help. She not only recommends the books for my boys, she helps me teach my perfectionist, prickly 3rd grader and my stubborn, but oh, so clever 1st grader with gentle and loving words of wisdom. She also offers advice on how to get it done with three more little ones running around under my feet! On days when I have really struggled with doubt and indecision she has lifted me up like a gentle hug from the Father. In his infinite mercy he has provided us with a constant source of encouragement and know-how to achieve the (often impossible) task he has set before us. Do not underestimate the importance of a Catholic program… no secular home-school provider will be able to keep you centered on this goal… STAA DOES! Plus the curriculum choices are challenging, classical and flexible when they need to be (like a new addition to the family and mom is not 100% for a few months!) I can’t say enough about STAA. May God continue to bless this family in their apostolate.”

— Susan from North Carolina

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Read More

If you would like to hear from more families and students, three other collections are available:

• Featured Voices — a curated selection of twelve voices from across our community
• Long-Term Formation and Outcomes — reflections on the curriculum, faith formation, and graduate outcomes
• Student Voices — the students themselves, organized by historical cycle (U.S. Studies, Greek Studies, Roman Studies, European Studies, and Science)