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.
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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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.