Admission

Beyond School Opportunities

Beyond School

When the school day ends at 3:15pm there are a whole host of opportunities for St. James’ students. Preschoolers have the option to stay and play until 5:00pm and Kindergarten – 6th grade students can enjoy unstructured play on the field under teacher supervision until 5:30pm. Our Beyond School Program for PS – 6th grade offers classes in a wide variety of subjects including sports, music, academics and the arts. 

Field trips are an integral part of our curriculum and are included in tuition. Younger students embark on day trips to local museums and neighborhood landmarks like the firehouse. Starting in 4th grade, students experience overnight adventures such as Idyllwild Pines Camp, Pali Camp, and SEACamp. All these overnight trips allow our students to build some resilience, enjoy outdoor team-building experiences, and have FUN!

Free Play

Enjoy peace of mind with our tuition-inclusive free play program, available every day until 5:00pm for preschool and 5:30pm for Kinder – to 6th graders. Your child can explore, socialize, and have fun in a safe environment while you finish your day.

After School Classes

Our after-school program, Beyond School, offers an exciting selection of over 50 classes each trimester for Kinder to 6th graders. From Orchestra and Chess to Lego Robotics and Cooking, there’s something for every interest, helping your child explore new passions and develop valuable skills in an engaging, nurturing atmosphere.

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Sports

 Our after-school sports program offers a dynamic range of classes, including basketball, flag football, soccer, volleyball and more. These classes provide an excellent opportunity for kids to stay active and build teamwork skills.

Learn More

Field Trips

 Our field trips are an exciting way for students to explore and learn outside the classroom! Lower grade students enjoy day trips to local museums, while 4th graders and above can participate in enriching overnight adventures. Best of all, all trips—day and overnight—are included in your tuition.

Learn More

After School Classes

Our after-school programs, Beyond School and After School Enrichment, offer an exciting selection of over 50 classes each trimester for Kinder to 6th graders. From Orchestra and Chess to Lego Robotics and Cooking, there’s something for every interest, helping your child explore new passions and develop valuable skills in an engaging, nurturing atmosphere.

Sports

 Our after-school sports program offers a dynamic range of classes, including basketball, flag football, soccer, and more. These classes provide an excellent opportunity for kids to stay active and build teamwork skills.

Field Trips

 Our field trips are an exciting way for students to explore and learn outside the classroom! Lower grade students enjoy day trips to local museums, while 4th graders and above can participate in enriching overnight adventures. Best of all, all trips—day and overnight—are included in your tuition.

admission

Beyond School

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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.