the history

of st. james' episcopal school

The Reverend Dr. Samuel D’Amico founded St. James’ Episcopal School as a mission of St. James’ Episcopal Church in 1968 to provide a high-quality elementary education, grounded in the Christian faith, for families in the parish neighborhood.  Joseph DeBell, a St. James’ parishioner, donated the original school building, a humble apartment on Gramercy Place, which was large enough for the four Kindergarten students and one teacher. Each year from 1968 until 1974, a grade level was added until the school welcomed students in Kindergarten through Grade Six.  From the beginning, the school offered a challenging academic program within a caring environment. In 1981, St. James’ Episcopal School moved to its current location on St. Andrews Place.  The school reached its full capacity of 308 students in 1984.

In 1997, the school acquired a playing field.  In 2001, an additional building was added, including a multipurpose hall, library, technology room, science laboratory, and larger classrooms.  In fall 2012 the St. James’ Preschool will move to a new facility close to the main campus.

St. James’ Episcopal School continues to thrive and develop students for the challenges of the 21st Century.  The School is known in the local community primarily for its strong academic program, for its unpretentious atmosphere, for its diverse student body (which reflects the vast diversity of Los Angeles), and for its commitment to community service.