List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• Where is the 6th grade located?

  The 6th grade is self-contained as part of the new middle school model located on the third floor of our main building in the south wing. The 6th grade classrooms are located in close proximity to a stairwell, restrooms and the main office.
  
  Though the 6th grade students have access to the numerous outstanding facilities that Aquinas has to offer, they move as an entire class with adult supervision when visiting different areas of the school.

• What is the 6th grade curriculum?

  The 6th grade curriculum meets and exceeds the New York State core curriculum. The curriculum includes Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Religion. Courses in LOTE, physical education, fine arts, technology, and library skills further enhance the 6th grade schedule. Field trips outside of school are utilized to enhance the curriculum.

• Do the 6th graders have a dress code?

  The 6th graders wear the current Aquinas Middle School uniform, along with the 7th and 8th graders. The uniform must be purchased through one of Aquinas' approved uniform vendors:  Stichworks or Lands’ End. 

  
  For specific information on the uniform, please review the current Aquinas Middle School Parent/Student Handbook.

• Are athletic programs available to 6th grade students?

  Aquinas 6th grade students have the opportunity to participate in CYO sports programs, as well as intramural programs held here at the school. 

  
  Please note, New York State law does not allow for 6th grade students to play modified sports.

• What extra-curricular programs do you offer?

  Our 6th graders are as active and involved as 7th-12th grade students at Aquinas. Some of the co-curricular opportunities our 6th graders participate in include:
  

  • Lego Robotics
  • Student Government
  • Intramurals
  • Theatre/Improv
  • Yearbook
  • Instrument Lessons
  • Book Club
  • Esports
  • Video Game Club
  • Art Club
  • Li’L Irish Little Lifters Club 

• What resources are available to 6th grade students?

  Our 6th graders have access to all of the resources that our 7th and 8th graders have, such as:

  • State-of-the-art classrooms with Interactive Whiteboards and LCD projection systems
  • Dell Latitude 5400 laptops, allowing our students to be creators of content, not just tablet consumers.
  • Black box theatre, art, choir and band rooms to enhance all fine art programs
  • Fieldhouse and fitness center for physical education classes
  • The Mary P. Hastings & Ann K. Wegman Library, with an additional two computer labs
  • A full-time classroom aide will be provided for every two sections of 6th grade classes

• How is transportation provided to 6th grade students?

  All local school districts are required to provide yellow school bus transportation to Aquinas. Our 6th grade teachers ensure students get on the appropriate bus.

• How will religion be a part of my child’s 6th grade experience?

  Faith is a key component of all Aquinas students’ lives here and that is no different for our 6th graders. We start every Monday by gathering as a 6-12 grade community in the auditorium to begin the week with prayer and a celebration of our Aquinas family. Sixth graders also take part in daily prayer, as well as religion class. Also, 6th graders attend monthly school-wide masses and take part in community service.

• What is the tuition for 6th grade?

  Tuition and fees for 6th grade for the 2024-2025 academic year for is $9,210 with an additional $200 fee for registration.

  
  Typically, Aquinas’ tuition for grades 6-12 will increase 5% each year.

• Are there academic scholarships?

  Academic excellence is a staple of every grade at Aquinas, including the 6th grade. The two Middle School Merit Scholarships available to incoming 6th graders include:
  
  The Aquinas Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence
  

  • Any new student entering 6th or 7th grade with an average of 92 or above in his/her previous year’s core courses (English, social studies, math, science and religion, if applicable) will receive a $750 scholarship for his/her first year at Aquinas.

  
  The Kenneth P. Schleich ‘46 Placement Exam Award
  

  • All placement test takers, including current AQ 6th graders are eligible
  • Students with the top 5 scores on this exam receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship

• Do you offer financial assistance?

  Thanks to our generous alumni and friends of Aquinas, our $20 million endowment allows us to award 60% of Aquinas students with more than $1 million in financial aid and/or scholarships each year. The average financial aid currently given to middle school students (grades 6-8) is $2,500.

   

  Aquinas uses FACTS Management for Financial Aid and will only review the applications of families that have officially enrolled. Families who wish to be considered for financial aid must apply each year their son or daughter attends The Aquinas Institute.

• How do I apply?

  To begin the admissions process, students should submit an application through the Aquinas website, www.aquinasinstitute.com. When submitting an application, parents will be asked to create an account. This account will allow parents to login and track the progress of their child’s application. The Office of Enrollment will also require the most recent report card from the current school year, last year’s final report card, and any standardized test scores that your current school has on file. 

  
  Potential students will then be required to sit for a placement examination—dates to be announced.

  
  Please note that class sizes are capped at 22 students for each section. Additional sections will be added depending on enrollment.

  
  For additional admissions questions, please contact the Aquinas Enrollment Office at (585) 254-2020, Ext. 1071.