Admission

Beyond School

Beyond School

After School Classes

Whether your child is a budding artist, explorer, dancer, pianist or soccer star, our Beyond School program has a wealth of elementary grade offerings each trimester to choose from. The upper grade students have the opportunity to play competitive sports on the St. James’ basketball, soccer, volleyball and golf teams. During the winter trimester, in addition to the 50+ Beyond School classes, we present the school musical at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

Beyond School classes offer an opportunity for students across different grades to participate together in after school activities. In addition to Beyond School classes, students have the choice to go do homework in the library or enjoy free play on the field until 5:30pm each day at no extra cost.

Academics

  • Math Magic
  • Phonics Express
  • Write Right
  • Intro to Korean Language
  • Habalamos Español

Sports

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball 
  • Intro to Sports
  • Flag Football
  • Golf Team

Arts & Culture

  • Creative Writing and Performance
  • Artistic Impact: Crafting Change through Design & Visual Activism
  • Creative Dance
  • Dance: Hip Hop and More!
  • Paper Mache Explorations
  • Chess
  • Yoga

Music

  • Piano – Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Strings – Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
  • Choir
  • Orchestra
  • DJ Workshop

Technology

  • Engineer’s Playground
  • Design, Code, Create!
  • S.T.E.A.M. Universe
  • Lego Robotics
"St. James' has many aspects that make it feel like home. The connected community is inclusive, kind, engaged and proactive in their support of each other and the school’s mission. Our son is able to be challenged academically while also having co-curricular classes in the arts that are equally resourced and developed. The aspect of school life that I feel sets St. James' apart is the Beyond School program which is an expansive after school program that offers a variety of electives that enrich the student’s experience. Because of Beyond School our son is part of the orchestra, plays sports, and is making a collaborative movie. The overall experience at St. James' is rich and we are grateful for our loving 4th grade families.."
Beth S.
Beth S.Parent
admission
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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.