Welcome to St. James'

St. James’ provides a rich educational experience within a warm and diverse community dedicated to academic excellence, integrity of character and spiritual growth. At St. James’ preschool and elementary school, children participate in a vibrant program where they reach new academic heights, make lifelong friendships, and discover new things about themselves and the world around them. Each classroom is a learning laboratory alive with thinking, questioning, and investigating. We encourage our students to lean into curiosity and wonder, while practicing kindness and compassion to one another and the school community.

As you explore educational options for your family, we invite you to learn more about us. We believe the best way to get to know a school is to visit. Parents are actively encouraged to tour our campus during our open houses or campus tours. The inquiry form below will include options for online scheduling of a tour or open house. Of course, you can always call or email us for help along the way.

If you would like a printed copy of the St. James’ Viewbook, please email admission@sjsla.org.

Matriculation

Since 1968, St. James’ has placed graduates in the best middle schools in Los Angeles. 98% of the Class of 2026 received an offer from their first or second-choice school with 68% of this graduating class attending Harvard-Westlake, Campbell Hall, and Marlborough.

upcoming

Tours & Events

St. James’ Tours

Every Wednesday from October 14 – November 18, 2026, families can experience the engaging learning environment offered to our youngest learners. Schedule a meeting with our Director of Enrollment Management, Kara Powers, and connect with our wonderful early childhood educators.

If you would like to book a tour, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org..

Please click on your preferred date below to reserve your spot.

If you need assistance scheduling a tour, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org.

P2 and P3 Tours

October 14, 2026, 9am – 10:15am – FULL

October 21, 2026, 9am – 10:15am

October 28, 2026, 9am – 10:15am

November 4, 2026, 9am – 10:15am

November 18, 2026, 9am – 10:15am

Please click on your preferred date below to reserve your spot.

If you need assistance scheduling a tour, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org.

KRP Tours

September 22, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am – FULL

September 29, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am – FULL

October 13, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am

October 20, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am

November 3, 2026, 9:30 am – 10:30am

November 10, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am

November 17, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am

St. James’ Open Houses showcase our dedicated teachers, engaging curriculum, and vibrant, welcoming community. We are excited to meet you and share what makes our school so special. Calendar your visit to SJS today!

If you would like to attend an Open House, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org..

Please click on your preferred date below to reserve your spot.

If you need assistance registering for an Open House, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org.

Upcoming Events

  • Mondays, 9:00am: Weekly Admission Zoom Chats
  • October 4: St. James’ Fall Carnival
  • October 25: Larchmont Fair

If you would like more information about any of these events, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org..

A great way to meet our school leadership and experience Grades K – 6 in action! Explore our campus and discover the rich educational opportunities available for your child at SJS. Elementary Tours take place every Tuesday from September 22 – November 17, 2026.

If you would like to book a tour, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org..

Please click on your preferred date below to reserve your spot.

If you need assistance scheduling a tour, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org.

September 22, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am – FULL

September 29, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am – FULL

October 13, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am

October 20, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am

November 3, 2026, 9:30 am – 10:30am

November 10, 2026, 9 am – 10:15am

November 17, 2026, 9 am – 10am

Kara Powers

Director of Enrollment Management

First and foremost, I love children. Seeing children for who they truly are inside and what makes them sparkle is my gift. We connect. I became an educator for that simple reason. Over my 29 years in education (24 years in classrooms), I have been most fortunate to have incredible mentors. From brilliant teachers during my years at a school for intellectually gifted children to working with a trailblazer in education and psychoeducational diagnostics for nearly two decades, I have had the tremendous privilege of gaining hands-on wisdom as I nurtured children’s academic and social-emotional growth from ages 4 to 14. Creating programs that allow children to flourish, watching them light up with sheer joy from discovery, gently encouraging as they struggle through a challenge and push through to success- these highly orchestrated balancing acts take thought, care, and skill. No two children are alike- even those with the same DNA. And, children all learn in their own unique way. 

When choosing a school, a home away from home, you want to find a place that will see the special attributes of your child. Being a parent myself, I have been on the other side of the admission process and know how daunting it can be. I also know how joyous it can be- full of moments of discovery and bonding. Ask questions. Visit the campus. Stand and listen to the sounds. Take it in and feel the feels. We are blessed to be in a city with wonderful options. I would love to partner with your family on this journey and help you learn more about St. James’ and what is unique and wonderful about our approach to nurturing the St. James’ graduate.

If you need assistance scheduling a Tour or registering for Open House, please contact us by
calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org.

Ages & Stages

This seminar will discuss the common characteristics and typical behaviors of two-year-old children to nine-year-old children as they develop through early childhood. It is a clear and concise introduction to child development for teachers and parents.

Dr. Peg Oliveira 

Dr. Peg Oliveira is the Director of the Gesell Program in Early Childhood at the Yale Child Study Center. She is a faculty member and Associate Research Scientist at Yale University. She is a developmental psychologist and advocate whose work focuses on advocating for child centered approaches to teaching and parenting young children, and encouraging more play at school and at home. Dr. Oliveira consults regularly with schools and districts to educate teachers and parents on developmentally appropriate practice and play-based learning. 

Preschool
Group Tours

On select Wednesdays throughout the fall season, families can experience the engaging learning environment offered to our youngest learners. Schedule a meeting with our Admission Director, Kara Powers, and connect with our wonderful early childhood educators.

Elementary
Group Tours

A great way to meet our school leadership and experience Grades K – 6 in action! Explore our campus and discover the rich educational opportunities available
for your child at SJS.

Please click on your preferred date below to reserve your spot.

If you need assistance scheduling a tour, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org.

September 9th, 2025 – FULL

September 16th, 2025 – FULL

September 30th, 2025 – FULL

October 7th, 2025 – FULL

October 14th, 2025

October 21st, 2025

October 28th, 2025

November 4th, 2025

November 18th, 2025

Open Houses

St. James’ Open Houses showcase our dedicated teachers, engaging curriculum, and vibrant, welcoming community. We are excited to meet you and share what makes our school so special. Calendar your visit to SJS today!

Please click on your preferred date below to reserve your spot.

If you need assistance registering for an Open House, please contact us by calling 213-382-2315 or emailing admission@sjsla.org.

Why

Choose St. James'

We believe in preserving the wonder of childhood and hold an unwavering commitment to community!

We offer 9 Co-Curricular classes that complement our core homeroom subjects!

Our collaborative teaching model pairs homeroom teachers with specialists, ensuring every child is supported and challenged to their full potential.

At a

Glance

At a Glance

73%

Students of Color

71%

Faculty of Color

12-14

Preschool Average
Class Size

19

K–6 Average
Class Size

9:1

K–6 Student-to-
Teacher Ratio

385

Students enrolled

2

K - 6th Classes Per Grade

$1.6M

Annual Funding for Tuition Assistance

Admission

TIMELINE

Explore key dates and deadlines for the 2027–28 admission process.

Learning at St. James'

Where play and curiosity come together!

Preschool

P2 – Kinder Readiness
An intentional play-based
curriculum for curious minds.

Elementary

Grades K – 6
A learning-laboratory to
inspire lifelong learning.

Join us as we
prepare students
to become
confident learners
and engaged citizens.

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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.