Admission

St. James' Episcopal School

PRESCHOOL - 6TH GRADE

where every child is known,
supported, and loved

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Admission

Welcome to St. James'

At St. James’ we believe in our students. We support them in becoming curious and compassionate citizens through hands-on learning from ages 2 to 12.

A structured academic program that produces highly successful graduates is complemented by creative specialty classes. This provides a well rounded learning environment that promotes every child’s talents.

Most importantly here at St. James’, we are proud of the young people our students become and the demonstrations of kindness they show to each other, their community, and the world at large.

Diane Rich

Head of School

Our

Beliefs

The Wonder of Childhood

We believe in preserving the wonder of childhood.
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Academic Foundation

We believe in providing our children an exceptional academic foundation.
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Welcoming Community

We believe in the strength of a diverse and welcoming community.
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Spiritual & Social Development

We believe in supporting the spiritual and social development of each child.
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"St. James’ academic excellence speaks for itself as evidenced by its continued outstanding matriculation success, but there are two other key areas where St. James’ stands out from the crowd. Firstly, St. James’ is a true leader in diversity in its student body, teachers and staff. Secondly, it’s the kids themselves. They are kind, empathetic, socially aware and responsible. St. James’ is a community; a family that looks out for each other and fosters a warm, inclusive and joyful atmosphere in everything it does. "
Crispin L.
Crispin L.Current Parent
"St. James’ is a truly special place. There is a palpable sense of community, as both students and parents form enduring friendships. The school is genuinely committed to attracting like-minded and diverse families."
Yolanda F.
Yolanda F.Current Parent
"Our daughter, now in fifth grade, loves St. James' passionately - so much so that she did not want to take summer vacation. Her teachers have made the rigorous curriculum (i.e. geometry in fourth grade) accessible and fun, and have injected humor and levity into the lessons, making learning into a joyous and exciting, rather than stressful, adventure."
Lesley B.
Lesley B.Current Parent

Our

Programs

Preschool

Preschool lays the foundations for a lifelong journey of learning, and its importance cannot be overstated. In our Dolphins, Butterflies, and Kindergarten Readiness Programs, children experience a daily environment filled with joy, wonder, curiosity, and exploration. These early years are all about nurturing a love for learning through engaging and dynamic activities.
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Elementary

So much growth occurs between Kindergarten and 6th grade, and we honor each stage of development by providing tailored academics and creative opportunities. From mastering reading skills in Kindergarten to using reading as a tool for learning in 3rd grade, and culminating with a variety of leadership experiences in 6th grade, such as serving on student council or directing service opportunities, our program supports and challenges students at every step of their journey.
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Co-Curricular
Classes

At St. James’, core academics in Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies are complemented by a diverse array of specialist subjects including Spanish, Music, Visual Arts, P.E., Technology, Performing Arts, and Religion. We believe in enriching the whole child by broadening their knowledge and talents through a varied and engaging menu of co-curricular programs.
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Service
Learning

At St. James’, we believe that serving others is essential to living a fulfilling life. Our students have numerous opportunities to make a difference, from serving our local unhoused community at the church’s soup kitchen to sending thank you cards to first responders.
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Beyond
School

Beyond School offers a truly unique after-school experience, providing students with free play until 5:30pm daily at no additional cost. In addition, we offer over 50 diverse classes each trimester, including Basketball, Lego Robotics, Chess, Volleyball, DJ Workshop, Paper Mache, Orchestra, Dance and S.T.E.A.M. Universe.
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Matriculation

98% of the Class of 2026 received an offer from one of their top two middle schools. 68% are attending Harvard-Westlake, Marlborough, or Campbell Hall. We believe that our extraordinary children should be exceptionally prepared for middle school and beyond.

Admission

You can learn about our approach to education on our website, but nothing compares to experiencing St. James’ in person. We invite you to visit us and see firsthand how our belief in the wonder of childhood, rigorous academics, the strength of diversity, and prioritizing socio-emotional support creates a joyful learning environment.

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Inquire
Apply

October/November

Preschool and Elementary
Open Houses

Saturday, October 19
9 AM – 11 AM

Saturday, November 16
9 AM – 11 AM

Wednesdays

Preschool Campus Tours

Every Wednesday from
October 16 – December 4
9 – 10 AM and 10 – 11 AM

*Closed the week of November 25
for Thanksgiving

Tuesdays

Elementary Campus Tours

Every Tuesday from
September 17 – December 17

*Closed the week of November 25
for Thanksgiving

Our

News

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Oct 23

Open
Oktoberfest is coming to St. James! Ever wanted to wear a Dirndl/Lederhosen and dance to live music with kegs and delicious food all around you? Now’s your chance! Don’t miss PartyBook: Oktoberfest on Saturday, November 14th! SJS parents, you can secure your spot via ParentSquare, just check Key Dates.

Oktoberfest is coming to St. James! Ever wanted to wear a Dirndl/Lederhosen and dance to live music with kegs and delicious food all around you? Now’s your chance! Don’t miss PartyBook: Oktoberfest on Saturday, November 14th!

SJS parents, you can secure your spot via ParentSquare, just check Key Dates. ...

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Oct 2

Open
Please enjoy our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration recap! THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible!!

Please enjoy our Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration recap! THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible!! ...

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Aug 25

Open
Welcome back everyone ☺️

Welcome back everyone ☺️ ...

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Aug 21

Open
P.S. there’s a KRP playground coming up as well 😊

P.S. there’s a KRP playground coming up as well 😊 ...

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St. James’ Episcopal School is a fully accredited member of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).

CAIS accreditation reflects a rigorous, voluntary peer-review process that affirms a school’s commitment to educational excellence, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement.

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About St. James'

Admission

Our Values

Academics

Beyond School

Community

Giving

Laura petersen

Preschool Director

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
B.A. in Administration

Pasadena City College
Child Development 

Certificates/Recognition

Responsive Classroom, Child Care Center Application, Outdoor Classroom

Laura is an experienced educational leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, Laura has worked with children and families across a variety of educational settings, with a particular passion for creating nurturing, engaging, and supportive environments where children can thrive. Prior to joining St. James’, Laura served as the Director of a private school in Pasadena serving children from infancy through sixth grade. She also spent 12 years at Saint Mark’s Episcopal School in Altadena, where she developed a deep understanding of the importance of strong relationships between educators, children, and families.

Laura holds a degree in Business Administration, but has always had a passion for early childhood education.  Laura believes children learn best when they feel safe, valued, encouraged, and genuinely known. Her approach to leadership centers on creating a warm and welcoming school community while supporting teachers in providing meaningful experiences for every child. Outside of her professional life, Laura is a proud mother of two children. She has also opened her home as a foster parent to multiple children, an experience that has strengthened her understanding of the individual needs, experiences, and strengths every child brings with them. Laura  is honored to serve as Preschool Director and looks forward to partnering with families to create a joyful, supportive, and enriching foundation for each child’s educational journey.