St. James Episcopal School

As a faculty member at SJS, I must say that I am a part of a team of gifted educators. I feel supported and encouraged by administration. The community of families promotes an atmosphere of mutual care and respect. I have worked at other independent schools, and SJS exceeded my expectations. I feel Blessed to be a teacher here amongst such gifted colleagues and caring families. I am always telling others about this great educational community that I am a part of.
—Submitted by a teacher

I adored this wonderful school. Our daughter came here new in the fifth grade and was instantly welcomed by many new friends, parents, and teachers. She graduated in 6th grade and will always remember this school. They have a great and challenging academic program, and a very good english program as well. The kids go to church once a week, but there are many other religions taught as well in the religious studies program, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The only thing lacking is that they do not have afterschool sports. They do, however, have afterschool sport enrichment classes such as volleyball, fencing, piano, chinese, Paw Prints, (the school newspaper written by students) and even Boy Scouts. They have a wonderful community with wonder diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

St. James provides a well-structured academic program in warm and supportive environment. We love the religious association of the school and feel that it provides insight and inspiration to our child s life. While we re genuinely happy at St. James, we have become increasingly disappointed by their decisions to raise tuition each year. They attempt to justify the increase by claiming that they are several thousand dollars less than other independent schools. However, they seem to forget that they are not perceived as an independent school due to the religious affiliation. With these increases, they are pushing out the mid-level income families that selected the school based on the academic curriculum, religious affiliation, and what was once, an affordable tuition.
—Submitted by a parent

My children love the school. The kids are bright and friendly. The school fosters good citizenship and moral characters. However, there are serious flip sides. The new principal is very tentative, and seems to minimize the importance of a strong academic program. The teachers are a mixed batch of good and bad. During the past several years, tuition has been increasing. Still, the school pushes the parents to increase their annual giving. As much as my children and I will miss our friends at this school, we are looking at other schools. It is sad to see a once-great school to continue losing its edge.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic standards are high and St. James students are known for getting into some of the most competitive junior highs/high schools in Los Angeles. My child is in 4th grade and has been attending since kindergarten. She has had some excellent, inspirational teachers, and really only one that I would rate as 'fair.' She loves going to school and likes staying after to play. Parents are very involved. The arts programs leans heavily toward the ecclesiastical music that supports St. James' Church, which is great, but there could be a greater emphasis on visual and performing arts. There has been principal turnover in recent years, and the policies of the latest are still being implemented, too early to comment. Overall, it is a warm but not coddling atmosphere. Very ethically diverse, a true mirror of L:A.
—Submitted by a parent

A spirited amazing intercity school. Diversity reigns here as does excellence in academics. Strong placement into the best middle schools in Los Angeles. Strong parent and teacher involvement has created a beautiful environment to learn in. This school develops character. This school has chapel at St. James' parish on the same shared property. First desegragated church in Los Angeles. Check out the organ, kid's choir, handbell choir. Field trips, music and exploration abound in this structured Episcopal progressive environment.
—Submitted by a parent