Saint James School

1. Saint James School Mission Statement DEVELOP CHRIST-CENTERED ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN ALL OF OUR STUDENTS Student Motto THINK…PRAY…CHOOSE…

2. Saint James School Philosophy • Our school community encourages and instills values that affirm the goodness of each person. • These values are nurtured by our beliefs, attitudes and behavior.

3. Saint James School Philosophy • We provide an academic environment which challenges the students to develop their cognitive abilities. • We build upon each student's innate desire to learn by stimulating his/her intellectual curiosity and creativity.

4. Saint James School Philosophy • The individual differences of each student are respected in our academic and Christian environment. • We believe that students who have good self-esteem will learn to their fullest potential.

5. Saint James School Students • The St. James student body comes from over 16 communities and 16 parishes, representing a variety of talents and backgrounds.

6. Saint James School Students • Each Student is expected to assume responsibility for gaining both knowledge and judgment, which will strengthen their faith, their participation in the life of the School, and their contribution to the broader society. In short, while St. James students receive much from our school, they are also expected to give much.

7. St. James School: 2013-14 Profile • Early Childhood (Age 3) to 8th grade • 340 students; 205 families • Average class size: 20 students • Students coming from 23 school districts

8. St. James School Technology • A Smart board per grade • Most classrooms with projector and laptop • Ipads readily available Elective Languages • French, Italian, Spanish

9. St. James School Enrichment Program • Starting at 2nd grade • An extracurricular program for children who enjoy exploring the wonders of learning, by doing academic projects that benefit both the student and the school, while challenging the student.

10. St. James School Extras • Various clubs including Academic Club, Service Club, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. • Sports include basketball, softball, and cross-country team • After care provided daily from 3:00-6:00PM in the school

11. St James School: Graduates

12. Catholic School Advantage • Excellence in Academic Achievement • Spirituality • Family and Community • Extra-Curricular Programs • Smart Investment

13. Catholic School Advantage Spirituality • Reflected in the philosophy that permeates the total education program and the lives of the faculty and students. This philosophy challenges students to improve the world by sharing Gospel values and living Christ's message of salvation. • They grow to understand the roots of their faith and their responsibilities as Christians while accepting the challenges of being a Christian in tomorrow's world. • Catholic Schools stress the value of self-discipline and commitment. • Faculty and staff are role models who share their faith, their talents, and their time. • Values which promote understanding and service to the elderly and the handicapped, the poor and the ill. As a faith community, we emphasize those values which encourage students to accept others rather than exclude them, to understand the difference between right and wrong, and to commit themselves to serve God by serving others.

14. Catholic School Advantage Excellence in Academic Achievement • High standards, strong motivation, effective discipline and an atmosphere of caring combine to foster excellence and a high quality of student performance. • Catholic School students score significantly above the national averages on standardized testing. • Research shows that because of a greater emphasis on homework and study, Catholic School students develop more effective writing skills. • Catholic High School students attend post-secondary education at a rate in excess of 98% and are more likely to complete their program of studies. • Catholic Schools have an excellent success rate in educating minority students. • While providing a stimulating and demanding education, Catholic Schools give students a high level of individualized attention and personal sharing. This commitment is reinforced by participation in programs for advanced students and also for those experiencing difficulties in reading, writing and math.

15. Catholic School Advantage Family and Community • A Catholic School recognizes the parents and family as primary educators and joins with them to form a living community of shared visions. • Catholic Schools encourage family input and involvement in the ongoing education of their children. Research shows that such a partnership results in higher attendance rates and lower dropout rates. • Catholic Schools join with the family to help students understand their special place in the family, the Church, and society. • Catholic Schools strive to create a special bond among the students, the home, the school, and the church, so that all share the strong sense of community. • Catholic Schools help students understand that each person is unique and valuable. • Every child shares in an educational environment filled with love and concern -- a community joining together to help create a better world.

16. Catholic School Advantage Maintaining High Standards • Catholic Schools engage in an ongoing process of evaluation, certification, and accreditation of both teachers and programs. • Curriculum meets all state regulations and guidelines. In addition, diocesan guidelines require a strong religious education curriculum. • Faculty members are fully qualified professionals committed to bringing out the best in their students as they grow in knowledge, skills, and values. • Association with agencies such as the AdvancED and the National Catholic Education Association, as well as with Diocesan Education Offices, helps provide programs and instruments for internal and external evaluations on an ongoing basis.

17. Catholic School Advantage Extra-Curricular Programs • Catholic Schools are committed to the development of the whole student. Extra-curricular activities are regarded as an important part of the total learning experience. A variety of choices is offered to reflect the uniqueness of each student fostering both leadership and creativity. • The emphasis is on participation by all students. • Drama, forensics, and community service programs are integral parts of the educational process. • Appropriate social and cultural activities, under school sponsorship, provide relaxation and creative outlets. • Athletics may include football, soccer, track, basketball, cheerleading, bowling, and volleyball.

18. Catholic School Advantage Smart Investment • A Catholic School education is worth the cost. It's money wisely spent. Your child's tuition is an investment which pays lifelong tangible and intangible dividends. • Tuition cost is often supplemented by the parish, so the Catholic community shares the cost of education. • In addition to a strong program in the "basics," as well as challenging programs for gifted students, Catholic Schools add the significant "plus" of religious, moral, and spiritual development. • Standardized test scores and a college acceptance rate of over 98% reflect that our students are self-disciplined, self-motivated, responsible, and creative.