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About Us » Principal's Message - Ann LaBarge

Principal's Message - Ann LaBarge

Welcome to St. Thomas More Cathedral School (STM)! We are a Pre-K to Grade 8 Catholic school in the Diocese of Arlington, VA, founded by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) in 1944. Here at STM, we are guided by the examples of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. We focus on forming the whole child by helping our students to grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally to reach their full potential. We guide our students to be critical thinkers and life-long learners in a global society, keeping our Gospel values at the forefront of all that we do. With our Rector, Father Posey, and our Parochial Vicar, Father Barnes, we share responsibility in partnership with parents and the Catholic Church to form our students as they grow in faith and knowledge.


At STM, we understand the spiritual development of each child is the primary purpose of Catholic education. Through daily religious instruction and prayer, as well as weekly participation in the Mass at our newly-renovated Cathedral, our students develop an appreciation and love for the Liturgy. Students attend Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered to our students on a weekly rotating schedule. Preparation for First Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist form the core of religious instruction in Grade 2, and preparation for Confirmation takes place beginning in Grade 7. All students participate in service projects throughout the year.


We have a rich tradition of academic excellence rooted in our Catholic faith - our students truly are Designed for More:

  • We utilize MAP data to inform the needs of our students;
  • The Orton-Gillingham (OG) method of instruction is our literacy program in the primary grades, growing into Grade 5;
  • Middle School (MS) students have the opportunity to study advanced courses including high-school-level 9th grade Algebra, 10th grade Geometry, and 9th grade Spanish I;
  • We have a newly-renovated Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STREAM) lab featuring robotics, 3-D printer, and more;
  • We are proud of our student achievement data, but our primary focus is the academic growth of every student. In order to meet the needs of all students, we have a Resource Specialist dedicated to each of our K-2, 3-5, and MS Teams.
  • 95% of our 8th graders are accepted into their first choice for high school.

It is a great privilege to be a servant leader in a community that embraces inclusion. Our Mission specifically addresses meeting the needs of ALL learners. At STM, inclusion is an integral part of the culture. We ensure everyone is welcomed, recognized, and fully supported as a member of this community. Our school is blessed with the presence of students from a variety of family backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures. Exposing our students to diverse perspectives enhances their creativity, their critical thinking, and their problem-solving abilities as they learn to approach challenges from different angles. We approach diversity through our Catholic faith - knowing that we are all uniquely created in God’s image - we show respect for and display loving kindness to everyone. Bishop Burbidge reminds us that we celebrate our diversity and inclusion through the Mass, because it is the source of our unity and it reminds us that we are all one family - God’s family.


Thank you for choosing St. Thomas More Cathedral School as your spiritual and educational home! Our school community is enriched by your involvement, as your child’s first “teacher”, so we welcome and encourage you to volunteer, attend events, and engage in our vibrant parish life.

We understand the school year brings both opportunities and challenges, and we are here to support you and your child(ren) every step of the way. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child(ren)’s education. Together, let us foster a nurturing environment where faith, learning, and personal growth go hand in hand. May God bless us with a fruitful and joyous school year!


Serving together in Christ’s light,


Ann LaBarge

Principal