Program Offerings
St. James has three divisions within the school. Early Childhood is made up of students in preschool and kindergarten, our Elementary program consists of grades 1 – 4, and our Middle School serves students in grades 5-8. Please see the early childhood class descriptions and age requirements below. 2022-2023 schedules for all classes are also posted below..
TWO HALF-DAY PRESCHOOL (must be 3 by December 31)
Tuesday/Thursday 8:30 – 11:45 a.m.
This class is meant to be an introduction to schooling. Students focus on learning the routines and social behaviors necessary to succeed in a school setting. Students begin to understand and regulate their own emotions as well as understand the emotions of others. Basic math and language actives are built into the daily routine and fine motor development is focused on as a precursor to writing.
THREE HALF-DAY PRESCHOOL (must be 3 by September 1)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8:30 – 11:45 a.m.
This class is meant to be an introduction to schooling. Students focus on learning the routines and social behaviors necessary to succeed in a school setting. Students begin to understand and regulate their own emotions as well as understand the emotions of others. Basic math and language actives are built into the daily routine and fine motor development is focused on as a precursor to writing.
THREE FULL-DAY PRESCHOOL (must be 3 by September 1)
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Full-day preschool follows the same morning and focus as the half-day preschool. In addition, it offers some enhanced learning opportunities for the afternoon. A period of Choice Time allows for additional language, math and social development. In addition, handwriting is introduced and the students will participate in Mandarin class to beg a foundation for understanding other languages.
FIVE HALF-DAY & FULL-DAY PRESCHOOL (must be 3 by September 1)
8:30 – 11:45 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Five -day preschool follows the same morning and focus as the half-day preschool. In addition, it offers some enhanced learning opportunities for the afternoon. A period of Choice Time allows for additional language, math and social development. In addition, handwriting is introduced and the students will participate in Mandarin class to beg a foundation for understanding other languages.
JR KINDERGARTEN – 3 Full Day (must be 4 by September 1)
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This class is meant to prepare children specifically for kindergarten. Independent problem solving is further developed. Letter of the week and Handwriting Without Tears is continued. Literacy and math centers are introduced to meet children at their developmental level and build individual math and language skills. The afternoon is for students to work collaboratively on an in depth study of a particular topic.
JR KINDERGARTEN – 5 Full Day (must be 4 by September 1)
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This class is meant to prepare children specifically for kindergarten. Independent problem solving is further developed. Letter of the week and Handwriting Without Tears is continued. Literacy and math centers are introduced to meet children at their developmental level and build individual math and language skills. The afternoon is for students to work collaboratively on an in depth study of a particular topic.
KINDERGARTEN (must be 5 by September 1)
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kindergarten balances building the academic skills necessary for first grade with the child-centered inquiry and development that occur through opportunities for open-ended and engaging play. Students begin Writer’s Workshop and Daily 5 to build reading and writing skills. They experience the Everyday Math curriculum and continue their work in Handwriting Without Tears and Mandarin. The afternoon continues to be an opportunity for students to work in depth on their chosen topic while building their skills of collaboration problem solving and presenting their learning to others.
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Extra school care is a necessity for some families to be able to attend St. James. It is our intention to offer as flexible and cost effective a program as we can. Drop off for before school care is 7:30-8:00 a.m. and after school care is available from 2:45-6:00 p.m. More information about our extended day program can be found here.