St. James School

Saint James School is an amazing school! The academic curriculum is the strongest in the city and is recognized as the strongest by many university faculty members. Saint James offers a wide variety of opportunities to the students through the award winning Arts Program(both visual and performing), outstanding Speech and Debate program, accomplished Athletic Program, unique College Elective Courses for the high school students, Leadership Opportunities, Community Involvement, and much, much more. What sets Saint James apart from the other area schools is the Innovation. Saint James School is constantly embracing the need to grow and change and the students benefit from this! We were the first area school to have a complete 1:1 Middle School iPad program and a complete 1:1 High School MacBook program. My entire family are proud Saint James School graduates!!

I am a student at Saint James and it is an awesome program and if you were in ours seats you would NEVER leave!!!!!

Both of my daughters attended St. James from Kindergarten through middle school. For high school, they attended public magnet schools, LAMP and BTW. Switching to public magnets was the best decision we ever made for them! I am glad that they started out at St. James just because it was a nurturing environment for little ones. But, if I had know how terrific the public magnets were in Montgomery, I'd have transferred my daughters after elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a member of the class of 2012, I must say that I feel prepared for my future coming out of this school. Truly, a Saint James education, while expensive, is worth the investment. I don't dread going to school; learning here is invigorating. A student's courseload can be tailored to be anywhere from average to Ivy League caliber. Few schools can rival the preparation Saint James gives its students. Attending this school for all of middle and high school has been a remarkable experience, and, while I've had my ups and downs, Saint James has always been there to help me along the way. Send your child here. Challenge them to be their best... and enjoy the results.

We are a military family and the overwhelming feeling is that the school is ultimately concerned with money and fundraising. Alternative school options in the area are poor and this school is undoutedly the best, however, you pay over the odds for it. I find it ugly that the school is constantly asking for extra donations from parents on top of the high school fees - a large proportion of which is spent on glossy brochures, printed banners and unecessary leaflets sent home through the mail!! Children are under pressure to achieve high grades and the school is very academically driven. Focus on individuals is good, but I get the impression this is for statistics purposes. It can be difficult for some children mixing with spoilt rich kids who have everything they want.
—Submitted by a parent

I know what you think, this school is just full of snobby rich kids but its not. My dad is in the military and we move so I dont get to stay in one place for long and im always excited about moving but this time I dont want to go. This schools althletic program is very welcoming and so is extra help and tutoring.
—Submitted by a student

I agree with the person below. I am a student at Saint James and I adore it there. I find everybody very friendly and understanding. Saint James is a great school and I recomend it to anyone who is looking for a great education.
—Submitted by a student

I would have to disagree with the review below. Saint James might be challenging, but the education you recieve is worth it. The people there are very friendly, and the teachers always offer extra help if needed. Everyone is very understanding and kind. Saint James is a college prep school so it should be a little challenging. I appriveate all the time and work that the teachers spend on students.
—Submitted by a student

I would have to disagree with the 'snobby rich kids' writer. We are a military family, with 4 kids. So we are not rich. My kids entered St. James and were welcomed with open arms. Even my introverted one. Of course, there are some cliques, but I challenge you to find me a High school that doesn't have cliques. As for academics.... STJ is a college prep HS. If you aren't planning on succeeding at college then STJ academics maybe a challenge. My kids have never had a problem with getting extra tutoring. STJ will prepare any child for college but they are not going to just hand over a diploma. You child will have to work for it. The support is available. Tuition costs are high, but not as high as other local private schools. The public schools are terrible so our money goes to STJ.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not all that it is made out to be. Some say that it is the best school in montgomery and they may be right by the academic standards. I know by experience that St. James is a tough environment for the average teen. It is full of snobby stuck up rich kids who think they are the best. The teachers also do not offer as much help as you would think. They do not fully explain the lessons fully in class or in tutoring. I would recomend this school for someone who is academically advanced, but for average joes, not so much. The price of tuition also is an issue. It is astonishing how high it is considering the amount of money that they have in their savings account. The numbers are rediculous. Just be sure that you and your child are prepared before you make your decision.
—Submitted by a student

The finest school in Alabama. Excellent teachers, counselors, and administration. My child comes home and tells me so many things the he learned at school - things that I never knew. It is a rigorous environment for learning, but the teachers are human, not some stuffy professional with a 'better-than-you attitude.' Great school. We are Saint James School.
—Submitted by a parent

One of, if not the finest educational facility in Alabama and the Southeast. Recently celebrated 50th anniversary of founding. Many current students have parent(s) that attended St James. College preparatory curriculum second to none. Highly decorated debate teams and drama department. Athletic programs, both girls and boys, consistently state champions in multiple sports. Girls athletic program top female program in the state (2005) Fantastic faculty and staff coupled with virtually 100% parent and even grandparent involvemnet. Students often recognized by the community for character, academic, spiritual, and athletic accomplishments both at and away from school. The educational and extracurricular experience at St James that provides students with the knowledge and skills to not just succeed but excel in life is more than worth the expense.
—Submitted by a staff

Both my son and daughter attended St James from K-5 through high school graduation. The best word I can think of to describe the experience is awesome! The quality of the staff, the educational principles and the facilities itself are second to none. It is a safe and 'homey' environment. I feel extremely lucky that my wife and I were able to put both of our children completely through. My kids stay in touch with the school and still have some involvement. I don't know to spend money any more wisely than to invest in your children's future by sending them to St James.
—Submitted by Bolling Holt, a parent

Main focus of staff and administration is academic and social development of each individual student. Equal devotion to forensics, athletics, chorus, band, theater, photography, journalism and art with priority on academics. Strong bond between K4-12th grade fostered by the senior buddy program, new student mentors, and high school student involvement with elementary students. All grades included in special activities such as Homecoming and Fall Festival. Every child is made to feel special, competent and important. Entire faculty, administration, and board of directors readily available for parent contact or student tutorials. I have three children at STJ. Saint James School has been one of the best things I have ever done for my children. Well worth the tuition and associated sacrifices.
—Submitted by Julie Orender, M.D., a parent

Very strong science program, stong committment to sports and the arts. Open board meetings. Teachers and staff responsive and helpful. Each students is treated as an individual.
—Submitted by Bill Furr, a parent

We have absolutely loved St. James. It is a wonderful learning atmosphere - the children and the teachers love being there, and our child has grown so much in knowledge and character. We have never second guessed out decision to send our child to St. James and are thrilled with all that we have seen. We highly recommend St. James to anyone considering a private school in the Montgomery area.
—Submitted by a parent