I am wondering what is your policy on substitutions and supplements to your philosophy and religion texts. I don't dislike what you have chosen, I just have other books/materials I would want to use in place of or in addition to.

You are encouraged to supplement as often as your time, interest and opportunity allow, though it is never required. We also welcome some course substitutions, but recommend that you discuss them with your advisor in order to set academic goals and reasonable time investment plans.

Our policy regarding course substitutions can be found here: Personalizing the Course of Study. The policy is mainly directed towards high school students that wish to complete the diploma program.  The St. Thomas Aquinas Academy high school diploma program has been carefully balanced and outlined to achieve maximum efficiency in acquiring quality study skills, Catholic formation, liberal arts literacy, and a good measure of student independence.  Trading out large blocks of our recommended materials leads to weaker integration of the subjects and more planning, preparation, and supervision on the teaching-parent's part, as you can imagine.  

There is a great deal of flexibility in materials for Grades K - 8.  But be aware that we are very persuasive.  We chose the materials and methods of presentation very specifically, book by book.  When trying to decide if your own selections would be a good fit for you, our advisors will clearly outline the general goals of the course and how our materials work with those goals.  The final decision is up to you, of course.  Just keep in mind that if you are participating in the semester reporting and transcript process, the materials must be of appropriate academic rigor for the grade level (identified special needs excepted), the religion courses must be Catholic, and materials with overwhelming anti-Catholic bias will not be eligible to appear on a St. Thomas Aquinas Academy transcript.

To open the conversation about materials you have on hand and are eager to use in the upcoming school year, attach a short note to your student's assessment test when you return it.  Your advisor will keep your preferences in mind during the initial Course of Study proposal and discuss the substitutions with you during the evaluation/planning appointment.

What questions can we answer for you?

We would love to hear from you!  Please reach out with your questions by phone or email, schedule a courtesy telephone consultation with an advisor, or submit an enrollment application if you are ready to start planning for the upcoming school year.

 

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

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California

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

Denise

Michigan

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

Texas

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

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Kansas

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

Pat

Idaho

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.

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Maryland

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

California

Our 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.

Colorado

Since I am writing, I will also sing more praises of the Greek Studies plan. [My daughter] moaned over the timed-essay and then did very well. So easy to implement with the choose one reflection topic from each subject and then get ready, get set, go! Apparently the school also gave suggestions for the process essay in "Format Writing." Thank you! For a mom of many this is real time saver.

Alisa from Indiana

mother of 9th grade daughter and several STAA graduates

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.

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Illinois

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Cerita

Texas

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

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Anonymous

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Illinois

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Florida

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California