St. James Elementary School

I previously posted about how wonderful this school was. Was, the key word. The 1st year the new principal was great, and over the last 2 years there has been a steady decline in parent support and respect. Every year there is a huge turnover in staff for such a small school. The new assistant principal is no better. The academics are not bad but not excellent. Parents do your homework before you sign on the dotted line!
--Submitted by a parent

We really wanted this school to work out. it's our neighborhood Catholic School but we had to move our kids to another school after trying for 3 years. The principal is convinced it's always the staff (not her) that is the problem and consistently used the clean sweep every year (not renewing contracts). It made all the teachers walk on eggshells and the school is in a constant state of flux with all new teachers each year. Academics could just never get up to par of the other Catholic schools in the area. Until it is under new direction and has a few years to stabilize I would recommend you look elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

My Son attended St. James Catholic School for two years. We ended up moving him to another Catholic School do to the Principal, which is so sad because the school is very close to our home. The teachers are great if only they would stay, the turn over is very high due to this principal. My advice look at other Catholic Schools. St Pius X in Aurora is an excellent school with a superior principal!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been with St. James for 6 years! Since Preschool, the school has made my husband and I a part of the St. James Family by involving us in all aspects of our daughters academic year. The classes are always favorable with student/teacher ratio. Our daughers academic excellences and concerns have always been addressed immediately. St James offers sports year round to fit anyones interest or talent. Art is also an after school option along with Liturgical Choir. Sports Programs are #1! The Jayhawks Widgets Basketball (both boys and girls) clinched both division titles "Division Champs" Girls, "Best Sportsmanship" Boys! After school care always the right amount of study time, quiet time and play time. Father Felix, St James Pastor, is truly beautiful with all the children, Whether teaching sacramental study or saying mass on Sunday, Father will always stop to say hello to the children and knows all of them by name. My daughter will of course complain about the homework but she wouldn't have anthing other than St. James. . She grew up there from Preschool.Changes and all, we love it. The staff is getting to where it needs to be, slowly but surely.
--Submitted by a parent

Old School = Exception School, the focus of this school is the three r's. The students here LEARN.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and principal are happy, involved and intelligent. They not only teach academics, but teach the children how to be well adjusted members of society, instilling values of Love of God, respect to others, volunteerism, how to make the right choices. There are many opportunities of sports and team spirit. It is a well diversified school!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm very disappointed in the principal and the lack of leadership.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family started at another local Catholic School but soon switched to St. James. The small class sizes (capped at 18 students for preschool and 20 students for k-8th) make a huge difference in the learning environment. The Principal is very involved and accessible. Likewise, i can not say enough about the high quality of the teachers. The specials starting at preschool (Spanish, P.E., Music and Art) truly make it an exceptional school
--Submitted by a parent

My children are thriving here!
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school. We feel it is a much better school with the new teaching staff. My children have never been happier or healthier!
--Submitted by a parent