Thomas Aquinas College, Private Catholic liberal arts college in Santa Paula, California, US.
Thomas Aquinas College is a private Catholic liberal arts institution in Santa Paula, California, built around direct study of original texts across mathematics, philosophy, theology, and natural sciences. All classes are conducted as seminars where students engage deeply with these primary sources.
Founded in 1971, the institution introduced a distinctive teaching approach centered on seminar discussions and the Great Books of Western civilization. This founding vision continues to define how the college operates today.
The college hosts musical performances where students participate in choir and orchestra throughout the year. These events are woven into campus life and reflect the broader commitment to the humanities.
The 130-acre campus includes six residential buildings, a library, and modern athletic facilities spread across the grounds. Plan extra time to explore the different areas and get a sense of how the campus is organized.
The college deliberately excludes modern textbooks from its curriculum, requiring every student to earn the same Bachelor of Arts degree by studying only primary source materials. This unusual approach sets it apart from nearly all other institutions in American higher education.
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