Welcome to St. James Catholic School. Our school has been an integral part of our community since 1910, the year 14 students graduated.
Most parents would agree they want a good education for their children but ask what ingredients make up a 'good' education. Although there is plenty of room for debate, St. James Catholic School believes that an essential ingredient to that success is teaching our children with Christian values give them a foundation for a strong, healthy life. St. James Catholic School exists because hundreds of families in this area believe in the value of a total Christian education for their children.
They believe God does have a place in the classroom.
They believe no education is really complete without spiritual instruction and moral guidelines as part of a five-day-a-week curriculum.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked IL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 114 students
- Yearly Tuition: $3,850
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. James School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1910
Student Body
Total Students
114 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
57%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
20%
Average Class Size
13 students
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
PreK-8 Plaid skirts, navy pants, red/blue polo shirts, Middle School - khaki/navy pants, red/blue polo shirts, plaid skirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
There is a discount for more than one student. Financial assistance is available.
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Greg Wilhelm
Admissions Associate
Mrs. Coco Zeman
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bowling Club
Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Bowling Club
School Notes
- To model and teach children the message of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church as an umbrella to traditional academic areas of study. We do this in order to prepare our students for a meaningfulpersonaland academic life upon leaving Saint James School.
- St. James is proud of it's tradition of educational excellence. Students at St. James consistently achieve higher standardized test scores than their public school peers. Students attend classes in reading, writing, math, music, physical education, technology, Spanish, and Religion.In the fall, St. James tests studentsfor achievement using the Iowa Testing of Basic Skills tests. St. James consistently performs significantly higher than their grade leveland higher than local public schools, which test their students the following spring. We are proud of our students' achievements.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. James School cost?
St. James School's tuition is approximately $3,850 for private students.
What schools are St. James School often compared to?
St. James School is often viewed alongside schools like Immanuel Lutheran School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of St. James School?
The acceptance rate of St. James School is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 90%.
What sports does St. James School offer?
St. James School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is St. James School's ranking?
St. James School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Illinois for: Least expensive tuition and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. James School?
The application deadline for St. James School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: St. James School vs. Immanuel Lutheran School
People that viewed St. James School also viewed these schools: Immanuel Lutheran School, Montessori Private Academy, Spectrum School and Keith Country Day School.
The nearest high school to St. James School is Montessori Private Academy (6.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Immanuel Lutheran School (0.8 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Immanuel Lutheran School
(Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
Grades: PK-8 | 267 students 0.8 miles 1225 E 2nd St
Belvidere, IL 61008
(815) 547-5346
Belvidere, IL 61008
(815) 547-5346
0.8
PK-8
267
Grades: PK-9 | 137 students 6.3 miles 8101 Sayer Rd
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 332-8101
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 332-8101
6.3
PK-9
137
Grades: PK-9 | 138 students 9.6 miles 4848 Turner Street
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 877-1600
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 877-1600
9.6
PK-9
138
Grades: PK-12 | 236 students 11.6 miles 1 Jacoby Pl
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 399-8823
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 399-8823
11.6
PK-12
236
School Reviews
5 9/22/2020
I love my time at St James but because of Corona virus it cannot stay open. My teachers are wonderful, and the students are great. I would really love to get the money to keep it open but due to Corona virus I'm very sad I cannot. If I could have one wish, it would be either to keep St. James open or to have at least one more year to give gifts and to say Good Bye. I love and miss you St. James School!
5 5/17/2016
My daughter is very comfortable with friends, teachers, the principal, and the church staff. They are all friendly and will help each child. It's nice to see them all work together to provide a great school atmosphere.
5 7/24/2015
My daughter receives a well-rounded education from St. James Catholic School. The teachers, principal, the church staff, and the other students have a close sense of community.
5 7/24/2015
At school, my children have learned to respect and love everyone. I love that the environment is so nurturing and it is like one big family.
5 2/10/2014
I loved my time at St. James. The teachers truly care for the students as do the staff and administrators. Mr. Wilhelm is a phenomenal principal who has done wonders for the school. During my time at St. James, I learned about myself, my faith, and gained a quality education that prepared me for higher learning. I absolutely recommend St. James to others. I loved having a small class because I got to know my classmates really well as well as kids in other grades. It was nice to have friends who were different ages, building social skills.
5 10/27/2012
The school really makes a difference. My children all said that after leaving the school to go to college they really missed how things were run. They loved the teachers and the structure. The school is run very well.
5 10/27/2012
I''m very happy with my choice to send my kids to St James. They have really prepared them for continuing their education and gave them a great base. The teachers always kept me informed of what was going on.
5 6/1/2012
My kids absolutely love going to St. James Catholic School. We moved to the area 4 years ago and were referred to this school by a friend of mine. The teachers are so friendly and the school is amazing. My kids come home every day with new stories and new lessons that they have learned. Everything about the school is great and I could not ask for anything else. I recommend St. James Catholic school to you and your family.
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