St. James Episcopal School

I have 2 daughters at St. James, a 2nd and a 7th grader, and I could not be happier with the young ladies that the school is helping them to become. My wife and I both believe that not only are our girls getting a great education, but the character development that is a running theme throughout the school is helping to steer both of our girls into great young adults. The foundation that they are receiving about right and wrong, how to treat others, and how to look beyond themselves is shaping them into pleasures to be around. I have often said that if you want to see what your youngster will turn out like, walk the halls of the 7th and 8th grade at St. James, and when you see these products of the St. James family, you will know that you have found the right place, and this is exactly how you want yours to end up. These upper grade scholars look you in the eye, have a smile on their face, interact and talk with you, and are welcoming of everyone. In an age when we are competing with a little screen for our kids attention, the focus on public speaking, problem solving, and critical thinking about how to find an answer rather than a simple Google search is something that I know is going to set my kids apart as they go forward in life and allow them to succeed. Because I am just a year an a half away from my oldest starting high school, I ask a lot of the recent graduates and parents of recent graduates how high school is going and how well prepared they are for what they have faced in other environments. Overwhelmingly I have heard that the foundation and the character traits of what it means to be a student that they have formed at St. James has lead them to overwhelming success both academically and athletically as they have moved on and up. I now know that what St James is doing is working, and that my girls are as set for success with a good head on their shoulders as they can possibly be.

I have two grown children and four grandchildren. I have a graduate degree in human development and have always been intrigued by how behaviors are shaped and intellectual growth stimulated. What I have observed over the past couple of years through weekly contact with scholars from SJES is consistent. While each is a unique young person, they share strong values. Their is an air of curiosity, and desire to learn that is not limited to the classroom. At the same time, there is a respectful integrity mixed with playfulness that emerges with individuality from each scholar. These qualities do not happen accidentally. Clearly parents and teachers are working closely together, always keeping the best interests of the children as the focus and getting amazing results.

All three of my children (10, 8 and 2) attend SJES...and they love it. The curriculum promotes thinking beyond understanding numbers and words...it pushes them to understand the 'why' behind what they are learning and how it might be applied to improve our world.

My children come home each day with something new they have learned and are excited about it. They are advanced in multiple educational fields, thanks to SJES. The instructional at the School is personal, one on one at times, and of the highest quality. The teachers are the most experienced in the city and flood to the school for the environment and community at St James.

We love SJES and our four year old does too. We have found it to be a safe and structured environment where scholars as young as two years old receive the best education and also the best character development available. We chose to attend partially based on what we witnessed firsthand with SJES scholars and alumni, who tend to be not only smart, but also kind, respectful, articulate, faithful, and philanthropic.

Even in 4th and 8th grade my 2 boys still love school. That's my best endorsement of St. James! Specifically, their teachers are all very warm and caring, in addition to being degreed and certified, which not all schools can offer. The academics are rigorous (but homework is reasonable) and with small class size there is plenty of time for everyone to be challenged and be successful. The Headmaster uses Depth and Complexity philosophy (a Gifted and Talented approach) for all scholars, which challenges them to learn on a deeper level. And yes, we call them scholars because we teach scholarly behaviors to raise responsible and independent humans. My kids are now curious about the world and want to know the "why" behind the what, where and when. The athletic program is strong and teaches sportsmanlike behavior and character as well as fundamentals of sports. It begins in 4th grade with volleyball and basketball and more programs are added as the children age. PE and Recess every day to get their energy out and stay active. Honors classes are offered in middle school that can transfer to high school. Wonderful art program, drama/Improv, music, exceptional spiritual formation, public speaking requirements... the school has all the bases covered to satisfy its mission of developing each child to their fullest potential- spiritually, intellectually, and physically, to grow in grace. Plus a warm community of friends that genuinely look out for each others' families. Search #WhySaintJames on Facebook to get a feel for how much fun we have at this school! Then come take a tour and join us as a Jaguar!