St. James Academy

I have had the opposite experience from some previous posters: I love this school, the teachers and the principal. First grade was fantastic for my child, and we love the teacher. She is great with the kids - loving, patient, kind, firm, and dedicated. She taught them so much! I don't know why anybody would ever leave St. James!
--Submitted by a parent

Another Christian value is honestly. How many of last year's graduating class tested into geometry? The year before the school shared with the parents the high school math placement scores. They bragged about the high number of kids that tested into geometry. Last year's class parents could not get an answer out of the principal - because she knew the scores were a reflection on the poor math teaching skills this class had received. Last year's class was taught math for two years by in inept teacher and their math scores reflected it. This inept teacher is still at the school.

Good grief ! The negative comments seem more focused on the personal struggles parents have rather than the quality of education children receive here. Enrollment is down like many private schools in poor economic times. Also, there are some excellent alternatives nearby in the public schools and a competing Catholic school which opened within the past five years. St. James Academy is a traditional, Catholic education for K-8 students. The standards are high and parents are expected to help bring their children along in the Faith, volunteer for the school or parish, and help in fundraising efforts. We're expected to act like ...well, Christians and I am glad the standards are what they are here. It shows in the results. The results are indisputable. SJA graduates go on to high schools like Cathedral Catholic, St Augustine Prep, Our Lady of Peace, Santa Fe Christian, as well as the fine public schools. It is not an exception to hear that SJA graduates attend Notre Dame, Boston College, Villanova, Stanford, Berkeley, Gonzaga, Santa Clara, UCLA, USD,DePaul, USC, among others, SJA Graduates become achievers. Submitted by Brian Brady
--Submitted by a parent

I feel badly for parents who may be conned by the glowing reviews. They probably have been written by St. James employees or parent volunteers. In a nutshell, the teachers simply do not care. The cold, unapproachable principal's main concern is money. Parent volunteers are allowed to play favorites. It is true that St. James does rely heavily on parent volunteerism. These parents truly run the show. One parent coach played her own daughter and her daughter's friends heavily while letting other equally skilled girls sit on the bench. Many parents were furious and complained, but the principal did nothing. Another BIG volunteer and PTA member put extremely inappropriate photos on her Facebook regarding her child's class project. The principal was made aware. Again, she took no action. The parent is still a HUGE presence at the school. This, and the poor quality of teachers compelled us to find a new school. Our children BLOOMED in their new school. The teachers actually care about their students. Volunteers are not authority figures. The teams are coached by professionals. The Christmas program is run by teachers. It is such relief it is to be out of such a poorly run school.
--Submitted by a parent

Opinions are subjective. Lets be fair as to what this school is about. 1) Small school - 1 class per grade. 2) Solid academics - The bar is set high and can be challenging at times for all. 3) Well funded. - active parents organize and raise A LOT of money that not only fill a $900 gap per student but provides for additional expenses. 4) excellent facility. - Smart boards in every class, updated computers, very nice buildings. Strong financial management. 5) Strong family connections -'parents in prayers' groups, parents in class. Social fund raisers. 6) Noticeably well mannered and mature students. The expectations are high at this school and it can be challenging for almost all at times - for parents as well. 1 class per grade and they don't teach to Lowest common denominator. This may not be best for some, although as they strive to hit the bar and meet the challenge they learn more than a mediocre experience. No school or teacher is perfect. Not all parents will get along. Maybe because its smaller the little issue become larger in scale to some. St James is an academical above-average school that will more than prepare your child for the next step.
--Submitted by a parent

Saint James Academy, I give it two thumbs down. Moving on after this year is over.
--Submitted by a parent

A once great school that has gone to the dogs. The staff, parents and new principal all deserve their current miserable state. The school is in major financial trouble despite the flood of Range Rovers, Mercedes and other high-end vehicles driven by the "Housewives of Orange County" wannabes. It's perhaps one of the only Catholic schools I've ever seen where the priest is so detached most kids have no idea who he is. The parish is in financial ruin and so is the school. With the value of the land - and many rumors about the dioceses selling the land - I doubt SJA will be around in 5 years. Go someplace else...St. John in Encinitas or Notre Dame in Carmel Valley. We moved our one child and it's like shackles were removed.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two boys at this school and although they are not above average they are doing fine. There is no perfect school. This school has its issues, but the new principal is very approachable and willing to work with each family if you have a legitimate concern. Everyone from the front office staff to the junior high staff really cares about the kids. The curriculum is challenging (but that's what we want, right?) and the kids are definitely not taught down to, but the teachers are willing work with your child if needed. There are lots of after school options, and activities from sports to homework club. If you are looking for a challenging curriculum, good teachers, and a place where your kids can grow spiritually and academically this is a good school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

We drive far so our child can attend here because the school fosters a sense of community & encourages stewardship: teachers look out for the kids, families look out for other families, older kids look out for younger ones. It s also academically challenging in the best way. I love the organic garden the kindergarten class nurtures, while at the same time learning the science behind it, the Spanish classes that teach our children a valuable skill & cultural appreciation, the music & arts programs that instill a love of culture and builds confidence among the kids. I love the feedback mechanism the school has: always an open door by the Principal & teachers where feedback is heard & acted upon. I love the family concept they have with the kids, grouping one kid per grade & forming school families of K-8th graders. These kids care about each other & that s fostered by programs the school puts in place. I can t think of a better place for my kids to go to school, to be challenged academically, to grow spiritually both in a religious sense as well as a larger sense of understanding how one can impact the world around them. It s a rare commodity & one that is taught 100 fold at St James
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a hidden gem! It is a wonderful community of people that really care. My son is learning so much and is only in kindergarten! He is now reading at a first grade level thanks to the curriculum at St. James. I can't say enough positive things about my experience here so far. The principal is doing a great job as well - I can only imagine how difficult it can be dealing with parents in general, but particularly in this community but she handles it with grace, helping everyone feel included and appreciated. For the most part, the parents are all great, active in the community, kind to one another and love each and every one of the kids. The staff is wonderful, curriculum is robust and overall it is a great place!
--Submitted by a parent