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Community

Alumni

Community lies at the heart of St. James’ Episcopal School and students who attended SJS are part of our family for life.  Hearing about where life has taken our alumni is one of the greatest blessings at St. James’. Please complete the form below if you are a St. James’ alumni – we would love to hear from you and stay connected. 

“The St. James’ students are as adorable as I recall, so full of joy and inquisitiveness. I can’t say enough about how St. James’ has not only held its own but has continued to grow with the the times. I know it’s commonly believed that you can’t go home again but I knew I had done just that when I walked into the gates and felt the genuine love for each other and for learning on that campus. The faculty is just as committed as they were years ago and the administration just as focused and warm.St. James’ is a gem of a school.

If I could clone St. James’, trust me, I would! I wish that the Education department at one of the local universities would study how you do what you do. There’s so much value to the even bigger world to be had in delving into the St. James’ magic.”

—  Carla W., parent of an alumni

Alumni Contact Information

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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.