St. James School

This is a national Blue Ribbon school, and rightly so. The teachers are wonderful -- very concerned and willing to go out of their way to work with students and parents. There is a very caring atmosphere. It is well equipped and provides and excellent education at all levels. Our child transferred from another school, so we are really aware of the differences.
--Submitted by a parent

I am giving this school an average rating because I have mixed feelings. The good: strong education, sets high standards for students in areas of academics, civic, personal and moral behavior, supports athletics and the arts. Concerns: Learned through internet search that one of the middle school teachers does not uphold the same personal or moral values expected in this setting. Unfortunately my daughter and her friends found this information on their own. Very upsetting for her to see and for me to try to explain. We love our school, but the school administration needs to be more selective and thorough when hiring staff.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been excellent for my 3 children. It offers discipline while still providing a loving and caring environment. The teachers are amazing and help any child who asks for it. It is amazing in athletics and academics. The academics include Spanish, which helped my children in high school. The school is also very welcoming to new students, which is most likely the reason for the size of the school. My oldest child is graduating high school and going on to UVA., and my other two children are at Northwest Catholic High School and receiving high honors. I love ths school and would recommend it to anyone!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two children at St. James in grades 6 and 8, I am very pleased with the high academic standards that are set and enforced. It has been a great experience for my children and I would recommend this school to anyone and everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

School has a high degree of effort spent on raising money. After paying a huge tuitiion for my daughter, she was told to get summer help. Will go back to public school system as the resources for additional help is more competent. Not racially balanced and school projects a caste system that is way out of line with reality. If you are not part of the Mom's Club you are an outsider. Not a school for projecting compassionate surroundings for others less fortunate. My daughter will not return in September.
--Submitted by a parent

i am a student in 6th grade and i just love this school i wouldnt want to go anywhere else were all a big family and treat eachother very well. all the teachers are very nice and activities we have here are so great!
--Submitted by a student

My daughter and son have already graduated from St. James and my third child is in 5th grade. We made the switch from public school when my daughter was in 6th grade. Her grades were slipping because the teachers had no control over the classroom. She, and my sons, thrived at St. James. There is structure and discipline, but the kids are taught basic religious principles like respect, kindness, compassion for the less fortunate and how to contribute positively to society through community service. The active participation of the parents in school activities makes all the difference. The teachers know we are partners in helping our children grow into fine adults. This school gives a very solid foundation and the students strive to do their best academically. Having volunteered for years as a lunch duty parent, I can honestly say the kids at this school are really fine youngsters.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 1 child going in to 1st grade she has done 2 years of pre school and just completed kindergarten. She has learned so much and is reading so much right now I love the school
--Submitted by a parent

I'm in 7th soon to be 8th grade! I love this school it is so helpful and were all a very large family.
--Submitted by a student

My children have been students at the school since Pre-K3. My oldest child is currently in 8th grade. Choosing St. James was one of the best decisions my wife and I have made for our children's future. It has been a perfect fit for my children academically, spiritually and socially. Academically the school ranks high when compared to others within the Archdiocese. With two classes for each grade, the school is larger than most in the Archdiocese as well. With the larger student population, more academic programs become possible. Religion is part of the core curriculum and a fundamental component of the learning experience. The school's mission is: 'We must work to provide an environment in which parents and teachers collaborate in giving youth a complete Catholic education, striving to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by fulfilling our obligation toward family, church, and society'. Parental participation is the key part.
--Submitted by a parent