St. Thomas Aquinas High becomes first Catholic School in the U.S to partner with Cambridge Education

By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

FORT LAUDERDALE | St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA) has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in academic excellence by becoming the first Catholic high school in the United States to partner with the prestigious Cambridge Assessment International Education program. This groundbreaking collaboration provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to engage in a globally recognized curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world.

The Cambridge program, renowned for its rigorous academic standards, is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for success in higher education and beyond. By integrating Cambridge courses into its curriculum, STA continues its mission of preparing students for academic excellence while nurturing their faith and moral development.

The official announcement was made at a media event held Feb. 12, 2025 at the Bienes Center for the Arts on the STA campus. Guests in attendance included Jim Rigg, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Miami, and Donald Meyers, Cambridge Regional Manager for School Deployment and a proud STA alumnus. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Rob Biasotti, STA’s Executive Director and alumnus, who led the program with enthusiasm and pride for this milestone achievement.

A significant part of bringing Cambridge to STA was the tireless work of Vice Principal Robert Mulder, and Director of Guidance Jillian Fackenthal. Their dedication and commitment played a crucial role in making this vision a reality.

Reflecting on the impact of the program, Fackenthal shared, "Had this been available when I was in school, it would have been a game changer for my family."

“We are honored to be the first Catholic school in the country to establish this partnership with Cambridge,” said Principal Denise Aloma. “This collaboration enhances our already robust academic offerings and provides our students with opportunities to engage with a challenging, internationally recognized curriculum that aligns with our mission of fostering lifelong learners and leaders in faith.”

The program, which will be available to rising ninth and 10th graders, offers a range of advanced coursework in subjects such as science, humanities, global perspectives, and mathematics. Students enrolled in Cambridge courses will develop skills in independent research, problem-solving, and communication—qualities that are highly sought after by top universities worldwide. 

Superintendent Rigg commended STA on this historic achievement, stating, “This partnership with Cambridge underscores St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s unwavering commitment to academic innovation. It is inspiring to see a Catholic institution embrace such a rigorous and globally respected program while maintaining its strong faith-based foundation.”

For decades, St. Thomas Aquinas High School has been committed to providing an exceptional education grounded in Catholic values. This partnership with Cambridge further demonstrates STA’s dedication to academic innovation and student success. The school joins an elite network of institutions around the world that offer Cambridge programs, giving students an edge in college admissions and beyond. 

As STA pioneers this initiative among Catholic high schools in the United States, it continues to lead the way in academic excellence, faith formation, and global engagement. With this exciting new chapter, St. Thomas Aquinas High School reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.

Students and families interested in learning more about the Cambridge program at STA are encouraged to visit the school’s website at www.aquinas-sta.org.