Diversity

Equity

Inclusion

Justice

Belonging

DEIJB

At St. James’, we know that children – frankly all people – thrive most when they feel safe and that they belong. In this environment, children learn best. So we are committed to our Episcopal ethos of inclusivity and believe prioritizing an equitable environment promotes a sense of belonging for the entire community.

Equity & Belonging

At St. James’, we know that children – frankly all people – thrive most when they feel safe and that they belong. In this environment, children learn best. So we are committed to our Episcopal ethos of inclusivity and believe prioritizing an equitable environment promotes a sense of belonging for the entire community.

Diversity Statistics

72.8% students
of color

35.5% Asian , East Asian, or South Asian
4.4% Black
5.0% Hispanic
2.8% Middle Eastern
25.1% Multiracial

70.8% Staff
of color

36.6% Latin/o/a
19.5% Asian or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
11.0% Black
3.7% Multiracial

2026 - 2027 Student Diversity

2026 - 2027 Staff Diversity

2026 - 2027 Tuition Assistance

Equity & Belonging Committee

Open to all families interested in creating a sense of belonging in our community, this Committee meets once a month under the leadership of the Head of School and the Director of Enrollment Management. 

Purpose: 

  • To help foster a community where all members feel they belong and are treated equitably.
  • To be a “boots on the ground” sounding board for ideas and concerns coming from the School and/or the family community.
  • To support the School administration and the Parents Association, in an advisory capacity only, as they implement programming for students, families, and employees.

Equity & Belonging within St. James' Curriculum

Responsive Classroom

Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline that creates safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school communities. Morning Meeting helps set a foundation for each day while also providing space to practice social skills. We take a restorative approach to discipline, understanding that children are learning and need guidance on expected and unexpected behaviors as well as developmentally appropriate consequences.

Windows & Mirrors in the Curriculum

6th Grade

Seedfolks

Out of my Mind

The Giver

When you Trap a Tiger

5th Grade

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

When My Name was Keoko

Bridge to Terabithia

4th Grade

Esperanza Rising

Number the Stars

Rain Reign

Equity & Belonging Committee

Open to all families interested in creating a sense of belonging in our community, this Committee meets once a month under the leadership of the Head of School and the Director of Enrollment Management. 

Purpose: 

  • To help foster a community where all members feel they belong and are treated equitably.
  • To be a “boots on the ground” sounding board for ideas and concerns coming from the School and/or the family community.
  • To support the School administration and the Parents Association, in an advisory capacity only, as they implement programming for students, families, and employees.

What does belonging look, feel, and sound like for you?

Black History Month

During Black History Month, our student gospel choir sings at an all-school chapel service. All students participate in a day of celebration that includes professional dancers, a soul food lunch and courtyard decorations that reflect classroom discussions. 

Pride

Pride is a joyous celebration where students create colorful posters expressing their thoughts on acceptance, tolerance, and belonging. The highlight of the event is a spirited parade around the field, where students proudly showcase their signs to upbeat music and enjoy rainbow-colored popsicles. 

Women's History Month

St. James’ hosts an engaging all-school assembly where inspiring women from diverse fields share their talents and experiences with students. Past guests have included a female magician and St. James’ moms who are accomplished writers and showrunners. 

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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.