New England
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September 12, 2025
On October 11, Thomas Aquinas College, New England, will host a Parents, Students, and Friends Open House for all those looking to know more about the College, its classes, and its students.
“This year’s Open House is for anyone interested in Thomas Aquinas College: not only high school students, but also parents, families, teachers, and priests,” says John Jost, New England Director of Admissions. “We’re offering an occasion that is enjoyable and accessible for all who want to get to know the College better and experience it for themselves.”
To ensure families can enjoy the full Open House experience, the College will offer complimentary babysitting during the day’s talks and seminars. The day will begin with Mass and a tour of campus and include lunch, dinner, and pre-seminar receptions for all attendees.
The Open House will also feature a number of talks to help attendees gain a better understanding of Thomas Aquinas College and its alumni. The keynote speaker, Dr. Sean Cunningham, will provide an explanation of the College’s mission, Great Books curriculum, and teaching method from the perspective of a longtime faculty member. Mr. Jost and alumna Emily (Barry ’11) Sullivan will then show attendees what paths TAC alumni take after graduation, demonstrating how they share their faith and education in a multitude of careers and vocations. Finally, current students will offer attendees their experiences, plans, and advice in a question-and-answer panel.
After the talks, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the Discussion Method for themselves. They will take part in two seminar classes — the first, on Plato’s Crito, a Socratic dialogue exploring questions of justice and moral obligation; the second, on St. Thomas Aquinas’s treatment of justice and mercy in Question 21 of the Prima Pars of the Summa Theologiae — considering the connecting theme of justice and comparing the pagan and Christian views of the virtue. High school students and other visitors will be separated for the seminars, but both will discuss the same readings under the guidance of members of the College’s teaching faculty.
“This is the only time in the whole year that guests can come and get real, firsthand experience of a classroom discussion from fulltime members of our teaching faculty,” Mr. Jost explains. “Whether you choose to participate in the discussion or not, you get a sense of how this education could be beneficial for you or your student.”
Attendees will receive a copy of the readings once they register and are encouraged to read and analyze the texts at home prior to the seminars. “We expect you to put yourself in the shoes of a student: study the readings diligently to ensure you get the most out of the seminars, and participate in the discussions if you feel comfortable doing so,” says Mr. Jost. “This Open House is a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of Plato and St. Thomas, experience a community united in faith and wisdom, and learn what makes Thomas Aquinas College unique.”
Space is limited, so to attend the Open House, reserve your spot now!
