History

In 1948, the Diocese of Savannah - Atlanta purchased land for a new parish on West Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur, Georgia. A convent, school, church, and rectory were constructed. St. Thomas More School opened on September 1, 1950, with approximately 140 children in grades 1-5. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur staffed the school. Grades 6, 7, and 8 were added in successive years.

In 1955, the lower school building was constructed. This facility relieved some overcrowding and provided space for a kindergarten. Even so, classes averaged 50-60 children until the opening of two additional Catholic schools in the 1960's and 1970's reduced enrollment for a period. By the end of the 1980's the number of students again created a need for expanded facilities. Trailers were rented until the construction was complete. Mulhern Hall provided space for a faculty room, music room, a stage and a cafeteria auditorium. What had been the school stage/cafeteria area was remodeled into four large classrooms and one smaller room. In addition, administrative and clerical offices were added. In the summer of 1994, two rooms were built in the convent basement to house the kindergarten. These additional rooms allowed two existing classrooms to be used for other purposes. One became the computer lab, while the other is used as a classroom for Spanish classes.

The year 2000 brought some bittersweet changes to St. Thomas More School, as the last of or teaching Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur retired. However, the sisters returned in the Fall of 2000 as our special guests to help St. Thomas More Catholic School celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary. On November 11th, students, their families, parishioners, alumni and special friends joined together to celebrate this wonderful occasion. A school-wide musical production, "STM Jubilee 2000-Legacy of Love" was performed and the school also hosted an open house for friends and alumni.

The climax of the celebration was a special Mass, officiated by Archbishop Donoghue. Most of St. Thomas More's teachers, past and present, processed into the church holding candles to symbolize their mission of bringing the light of Christ to STM students. A reception on the plaza completed this wonderful celebration!

2003 brings an exciting development to our school community: our brand new Multipurpose Building which houses a full sized gymnasium, stage, and music and band rooms. This building was officially dedicated on October 26, 2002. Our administration offices have also been enlarged and remodeled and the front of the church experienced a face lift that includes a new chapel.

As a parish school in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, St. Thomas More is guided by rules, regulations and policies set by the archdiocese. On the local level, the St. Thomas More Parish Board of Education oversees the general direction of the school. The board meets monthly.