Saint Thomas School

Nestled in Medina, a serene suburb of Seattle, stands Saint Thomas School. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to a vision that took root in 1951. Back then, it was simply St. Thomas Day School, a humble parish school of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Picture a small, portable wooden structure across the street from where the current school stands. Seventeen first and second graders filled its rooms, their laughter echoing in the nascent community. Reverend Arthur Vall-Spinosa, the rector of St. Thomas Church, had a dream. He saw a need for an alternative to the increasingly crowded public schools, bursting at the seams with the post-war baby boom. Saint Thomas School became his answer. The school quickly outgrew its temporary home. By 1954, the first permanent buildings were erected on the very site where the modern school now thrives. The connection to St. Thomas Church remained strong, but in 1968, Saint Thomas School took a bold step toward independence. A board of trustees was formed, and the school became its own entity. This didn’t sever the ties with the church; the school still leases its land from them. This symbiotic relationship continues to this day. The school’s evolution continued under Headmaster Ronald L. Smallman, who introduced a dress code in 1970. He oversaw the expansion of the curriculum, the addition of foreign languages, and the creation of a robust physical education program. A new library, expanded preschool facilities, and a dedicated music house all became part of the Saint Thomas School experience. A significant transformation occurred in 1990. The school doubled its physical footprint with a major building project. This upgrade brought new administrative offices, a health room, combined art and science rooms, a technology center, new classrooms, and enhanced library and media resources. The Extended Day program was also introduced, providing before and after school care for students. Saint Thomas School doesn’t just rest on its laurels. A commitment to sustainability led to the construction of a state-of-the-art, LEED Gold certified building in 2008. This 55,000 square foot marvel, designed by Bassetti Architects, is a testament to the school’s forward-thinking approach. Today, Saint Thomas School continues to evolve and inspire, preparing its students not only for high school but for a future as responsible global citizens.