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About
Fidelity & ExcellenceThomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
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A Liberating Education
Truth MattersTruth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the College’s curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
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A Catholic Life
Under the Light of FaithThe intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
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Admission & Aid
Is TAC Right for You?Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
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Students & Parents
Mind, Body & SpiritThere is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
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Alumni & Careers
What Can You Do with a Liberal Education?Nothing speaks more to the versatility of the College’s academic program than the good that our alumni are doing throughout the Church and the world.
Spring Open Houses for High School Juniors, Seniors & Parents!
High school juniors and seniors — and even their parents! — will have several options to experience the intellectual, spiritual, and community life of Thomas Aquinas College at open houses on both coasts this spring.
“By God’s grace, rising interest has compelled us not only to expand the size our student body, but also to increase the number of open houses we host each year, so that we can better accommodate prospective students,” says Director of Admissions Jon Daly. “And because we’ve received numerous requests to give moms and dads some additional insight into the TAC experience, we will be boosting our parent offerings, as well.”
New England
In New England, the Admissions Office will hold two separate student open houses — one for high school seniors and one for juniors, on March 21-24 and April 11-14, respectively. “We are looking forward to welcoming our guests to Western Massachusetts,” says Associate Director of Admissions John Jost. “These extended visits allow prospective students to experience our classical curriculum for themselves — to see how the College pursues truth in the company of friends and under the light of the Catholic faith.”
Both Open Houses will include opportunities to tour the campuses, stay in the residence halls, and take part in the College’s academic program. “Visiting high schoolers will first get to sit on classes and listen as our students discuss the Great Books,” says Mr. Daly. “Then they will get to try out the Discussion Method for themselves at their own seminars, led by members of our teaching faculty. It’s a wonderful way for students to experience the transformative difference that comes from taking an active role in the learning process.”
Since the Discussion Method depends entirely on student participation, quality discussions rely on the mutual friendship of the student body. Attendees will experience how campus life strengthens that friendship, through camaraderie on the athletic field and at meals, Mass in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel, and various social activities where they will get to meet current TAC students. Attendees can also look forward to panel discussions with a TAC tutor and a “Faith on Tap” session with Head Chaplain Rev. Greg Markey.
For the first time ever, the New England campus will also host a Parents’ Open House, which will coincide with the Saturday of the seniors’ visit on March 23. Arriving at 1:00 p.m., parents will begin with a tour of the campus before attending talks with President Paul J. O’Reilly and College and Career Advisor Daniel Selmeczy. Then they, too, will get to participate in a faculty-led seminar, followed by dinner in the historic campus Homestead.
“We are excited to give parents their own taste of the TAC experience,” says Mr. Jost. “And we encourage all interested moms and dads — whether you have students at the Senior Open House or not — to join us.”
California
Juniors and seniors alike are invited to the College’s California Spring Open House from March 21-23 . “Spring is a gorgeous time of year in California,” says Mr. Daly, “and we have jam-packed schedule for our visiting students.”
The event will begin Thursday evening with a campus tour, open to parents and families, which will include Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel and the Pope St. John Paul II Athletic Center. That evening, the visiting high schoolers will enjoy dinner in St. Joseph Commons, pray with the College’s students at the nightly Rosary, and spend their first night in the campus residence halls.
At the heart of the Open House, however, are four separates class visits, where attendees will witness the Discussion Method in action. “Reading about the Great Books is one thing,” says Mr. Daly. “But seeing students discuss the works that have shaped our world brings out the power, wonder, and strength of the program. We want our Open House attendees to experience this phenomenon, and we want them to meet our students.”
Outside of classroom time, guests will experience the full range of campus life, including Masses in the Chapel, sports on the athletic field, bonfire soirees in their dorm courtyards, and various social and informational activities. As in New England, there will also be a “Faith on Tap” event, at which attendees can have anonymous questions about the Faith answered.
All of the events on Saturday, the last day of the Open House, will also be open to parents and families, including Masses in both the ordinary and extraordinary forms, a campus tour, and lunch. “We especially recommend that students and their families attend the day’s Alumni Panel,” says Mr. Daly. “We will have graduates from a wide range of class years and fields who can speak to and answer questions about the lifelong value of a TAC education.”
All Open Houses on both campuses are free of charge, but space is limited, so guests are encouraged to register soon. “We hope our prospective students and their parents will leave having experienced at least a sliver of what Thomas Aquinas College has to offer,” says Mr. Daly. “Enjoy the program! Don’t leave without having asked what questions you have about the education — or life afterward!”