Saint Thomas More Academy: A History of Catholic Education in Kent County
The landscape of Catholic education in Kent County, Delaware, has undergone significant transformations over the decades. From the early establishment of parish-led schooling to the creation of diocesan institutions, the journey of Saint Thomas More Academy (STMA) reflects a persistent commitment to faith-based learning and community collaboration.
The Foundations: Holy Cross Parish and High School
The story begins in 1952 with the opening of Holy Cross Elementary School, marking the first Catholic school in Kent County. By 1957, the parish expanded its mission by opening Holy Cross High School (HCHS). Both institutions shared a campus on State Street in downtown Dover, with HCHS operated as a parish school under the guidance of the Felician Sisters.
However, by the 1980s, HCHS faced mounting financial difficulties and declining enrollment. Following the departure of the Felician Sisters—whose convent was subsequently converted into the parish rectory—Holy Cross High School officially closed its doors in 1987. The building was renamed the Donohoe Center in honor of Fr. John Donohoe and transitioned into the Junior High School building for Holy Cross Elementary School, a role it continues to serve today.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Rise of Saint Thomas More Academy
The closure of HCHS sparked a movement among local laymen and women to establish a new Catholic secondary education option in the region. This effort led to the incorporation of Thomas More Academy. After securing a gift of land, the group conducted a feasibility study and launched a fundraising campaign, successfully raising over $1.6 million for the initial construction.
Recognizing that a high-quality institution required resources beyond the founders' immediate reach, a delegation approached the Most Rev. Michael Saltarelli, Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington. The Diocese agreed to take over the school, transitioning it into a Diocesan high school—an institution managed by the regional church authority rather than a single parish.
Growth and Expansion
Saint Thomas More Academy officially opened in 1998 and celebrated its first graduating class in 2001. The school underwent a major expansion in 2003 with the support of the Diocese, adding several key facilities:
- A chapel and lobby
- An office suite and cafeteria
- A media center and fine arts wing
In 2011, the school dedicated its various halls and wings to the patron saints of the local parishes represented by its student body. Additionally, the gymnasium was named the Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli Gymnasium.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Administrative Shifts and Final Years
The school's identity evolved over time. While it opened as an "Academy" in 1998, the name was changed to "Preparatory" in 2007, before returning to its original name, Saint Thomas More Academy, in 2011.
A significant administrative shift occurred in July 2017. By agreement between Fr. James Lentini, Pastor of Holy Cross Parish, and Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, Bishop of Wilmington, the Diocese relinquished control and financial commitment of the school. STMA returned to the administration of Holy Cross Parish, becoming a parish high school once again. This transition brought the institution full circle, returning to the parish-based model that had characterized the original Holy Cross High School.
Despite these efforts, the school faced challenges with student numbers. In 2020, it was announced that Saint Thomas More Academy would close its doors due to low enrollment, ending its tenure just over two decades after its inception.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1998 (following the 1987 closure of Holy Cross High School).
- Initial Funding: Over $1.6 million raised by lay founders.
- Governance: Transitioned from a lay-led project to a Diocesan school, and finally back to a parish school under Holy Cross Parish in 2017.
- Major Expansion: 2003 (added chapel, media center, and fine arts wing).
- Closure: 2020 due to low enrollment.
| Year | Event | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Opening of the first parish high school | Holy Cross High School |
| 1987 | Closure and conversion to Donohoe Center | Holy Cross High School |
| 1998 | Official opening of the new academy | Saint Thomas More Academy |
| 2003 | Major facility expansion | Saint Thomas More Academy |
| 2017 | Transfer of control back to Holy Cross Parish | Saint Thomas More Academy |
| 2020 | Permanent closure | Saint Thomas More Academy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the original Holy Cross High School building?
After closing in 1987, the building was renamed the Donohoe Center and became the Junior High School building for Holy Cross Elementary School.
Who funded the start of Saint Thomas More Academy?
The school was initially funded by a group of laymen and women who raised more than $1.6 million before the Diocese of Wilmington took over the institution.
Why did the school change its name in 2007?
In 2007, the name was changed from "Academy" to "Preparatory," though it reverted to "Saint Thomas More Academy" in 2011.
When did STMA transition from a Diocesan school to a parish school?
The Diocese of Wilmington relinquished control to Holy Cross Parish effective July 1, 2017.
Why did Saint Thomas More Academy eventually close?
The school announced its closure in 2020 as a result of low enrollment numbers.