St. James Elementary School

I have three students that attend St. James and I would say it is a great school. One review said that St. James has a one-size fits all approach to education. This is just not true. As a parent, it is sometimes difficult to realize that the world doesn t revolve around your child. St. James has a firm academic and Catholic approach to education. It s not a watered-down version of Catholicism that you see in a lot of churches and schools these days. The teachers provide a nurturing environment where everyone is welcome. What you want from a school is to teach your child how to succeed on their own and that is exactly what you will get at St. James. The students here are challenged academically and spiritually. If you don t see the importance of both, all you need to do is drive past any public school. The faculty and staff at St. James are wonderful. St. James simply out performs several of the other schools in the area. (Check the archdiocese website.) St. James students continually have some of the highest scores on the high school entrance exam. This was highlighted this year where one student had the highest score on the high school entrance exam.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has great kids that come from wonderful families. Sadly this school has a one-size fits all approach to education and lacks the ability to apply common sense to everyday situations. My child attended St. James for two and A half years and it was a terrible experience for her and our family. In addition, this school is totally disorganized and changes the school calendar at a whim making childcare arrangements very difficult on working parents. Run don't just walk away from this school.
—Submitted by a parent

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

St. James is the answer for parents looking for individual attention, a family atmosphere, and non-pretencious settings. This is a quality school with loving teachers! Plus, the new playground and soccerfield is agreat draw.
—Submitted by a parent

St. James has a comprehensive program, unlike anything that can be offered in our public school system. Not only is it set to help our children achieve scholastic success by implementing the fundamentals along with Spanish, Technology and many choices for Physical Education. This is all from preschool on. On top of this, they are a Catholic school whose main principals are geared towards teaching our children values. The school in this way becomes an extended family and is tight-knit and supportive. This Whole Person approach is truly unique and desirable. I highly recommend our school!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with an emphasis on the Catholic Faith. If you are serious about your child learning the faith, this is the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

St. James is a small, community school with an emphasis on faith based learning. Everyone knows everyone and is treated as a child of God. Children are cared for as if they are part of an extended family. We have great new teachers who are excited to teach and push the kids out of their comfort zones. The teachers want the kids to succeed and learn. Our teachers for the first time have motivated my 4th grader to read outside of school. Yeah! I never thought that would happen. He asks to read instead of playing video games. I am very excited for the future of St. James.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is starting his 6th year at St. James. He is not the best student and the teachers at St James have really worked with him to bring out his best in learning. The community at St James is also excellent. They are very supportive, caring and giving. The new fundraisers are about quality family time. Our son is excited to learn and we love that St James is 'old school'. The focus is on the fundamentals of learning and it shows in the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child is very happy at St James and is getting such a quality education. Great neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

St James has seen a turnover of a significant percentage of teachers and staff over the last 12 months. The new principal is a poor communicator and a worse administrator. After devoting many years to this school and church community we will be leaving at the end of this year, if not sooner. Fortunately there are many other good schools to choose from. Its just sad to see what was once a great school go downhill so quickly and dramatically.
—Submitted by a parent

This was once a good school, there has been a shift toward religious studies over academics. Current administration isn't welcoming.
—Submitted by a parent