Frequently
Asked
Questions
Admission
Please click the dropdowns below for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Our preschool is licensed for a maximum of 60 students in four classrooms. Kindergarten – 6th grade classes are typically 20–22 students, and there are two classes at each grade level.
St. James’ is accredited by California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Additionally, we are members of National Association of Independent School (NAIS), Educational Records Bureau (ERB), National Association of Episcopal Schools, Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs, Commission of Schools in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education, and Southern California People of Color in Independent Schools (SoCal POCIS).
In preschool, students are exposed to words and sounds from a variety of world languages.
Spanish is formally introduced in Kindergarten and continues through 6th Grade; the curriculum introduces students to both language and culture. Students receive Spanish instruction multiple times each week, with the frequency and duration increasing at each grade level.
In the elementary school, studies in Spanish, Performing Arts, Physical Education, Music, Art, Design & Technology, Social-Emotional Learning, Religion, and Library Science enrich the St. James’ curriculum. Integration of these co-curriculars across grade levels at St. James’ provides a comprehensive and challenging program.
In our preschool, the homeroom offers a dynamic environment with students fluidly switching between subjects, all within the context of a play-based emergent curriculum. In addition to their homeroom teachers, our youngest learners also enjoy specialty classes with our Music and Performing Arts teachers. The students in our Preschool’s KRP program enjoy a formalized P.E class in addition to Music and Performing Arts.
Each year on average, we welcome approximately 60 new students to St. James’. Most of those new students begin in preschool or Kindergarten. Limited openings in other grades may become available if a family moves out of the area.
St. James’ students embody the rich cultural and social diversity of Los Angeles. Last year, over 38 preschools were represented in the applicant pool.
Approximately 18% of St. James’ families are Episcopalian. St. James’ has always been a diverse community representing a multitude of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
In partnership with Educational Records Bureau (ERB), St. James’ students, beginning in 2nd grade, take the CTP5 tests each year.
Admission to St. James’ is very competitive. We receive many applications each year. We offer enrollment to children who we believe are a good fit for our learning environment. Above all, we want to welcome children who have the potential to thrive at St. James’.
The Admission Committee considers applicants on the basis of academic and social skills, developmental readiness, school experience, teacher recommendations, and character. Because diversity is central to our mission, we also consider applicants in the context of bringing together a balanced group of students who have the ability to be successful in our community, both academically and socially.
No. Personal letters of recommendation are not required.
For Kindergarten Readiness (preschool ages 4+) through 6th grade applicants, a recommendation form from your child’s current teacher is required as part of the application process.
Teacher recommendation forms for preschool (ages 2-3) are not required, as we do not presume that all applicants at that age are currently enrolled in a preschool program.
Absolutely. St. James’ parents will be available at our admission events, including the Tours and Open Houses. Once families apply, they can also meet current parents at various receptions and school events.
If there is someone you would like to speak with (e.g. alum families, affinity group, co-curricular teachers), please ask and we will make the introduction.
No. St. James’ families come from all over the Los Angeles area. We currently have 45 zip codes represented in our community. Carpooling is one of the recommended benefits of our strong community; with respect for Mother Earth, carpoolers are helping reduce our collective carbon footprint.
Yes. The purpose of our school uniform is to discourage competition in clothing, to minimize the visibility of economic differences between families, to simplify the daily task of getting children ready for school, to encourage students to approach the academic day with purpose, and to promote a sense of unity and pride. We do allow our students periodic breaks from the uniform dress code by having school spirit dress days. Preschool students are not required to wear a uniform.
Parent participation is important at St. James’, and opportunities for involvement abound! We are thankful to have a community of parents who enhance our programs with their time, talent, and expertise. We encourage all our parents to become involved in the school. Through programs operated by our Parent Association, we regularly see St. James’ parents on campus helping with hot lunch and in the library, preparing for community events, supporting service projects, or helping with school fundraisers. There are many ways to be involved at St. James’ but there are no requirements for parents to volunteer. For working parents there are opportunities for engagement outside of the regular work day.
Like all independent schools, tuition and fees only cover approximately 80 percent of the cost of a St. James’ education. The school depends on tax-deductible gifts to the annual Every Child Fund to finance the rest of the school’s operating budget.
The school expects that every family will contribute financially to this campaign in whatever way they are capable. The funds raised are critical to the fiscal health of the school.
Tuition covers all core and co-curricular subjects including any supplies and materials.
Tuition also covers free play after care until 5:00pm at our Preschool (except Wednesdays) and 5:30pm for our K – 6th Grade students.
Field trips, both day and overnight, are included in tuition. Overnight field trips begin in 4th Grade and all expenses, travel, accommodation, food, and activities, are included.
Admission
