PARISH PROFILE
- a pre-school mission -
TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE & LOVE OF GOD AS REVEALED IN JESUS CHRIST
A Neighborhood Montessori School
The St. James’ School is a weekday licensed educational center for children who are at least one year old on September 1 through pre-K. St. James’ School strives to provide a rich learning environment which supports the spiritual emotional, social, cognitive, and physical needs of the developing young child.
St. James’ School opens in mid-August and closes mid-May. Hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with Extended Day options each day until 2:00 p.m. Registration options include Two Days per Week (Tuesday and Thursday), Three Days per Week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), or Five Days per Week (Monday through Friday).
Our program provides opportunities for each child to grow and learn through a variety of structured activities and free play experiences to meet the needs of each child at his or her own stage of development. The St. James’ School’s mission is to give young children the finest preparation for life by fostering self-confidence and cultivating enthusiasm for learning. Additionally, our children and their families experience a unique curriculum that combines the Montessori education philosophy with more traditional models of classroom instruction.
Our Montessori approach uses classroom areas devoted to practical life and sensorial materials. These materials encourage development of the child’s sensory system and develop life skills. The Montessori philosophy also drives the creation and lay-out of our physical space, the preparation of materials, and the establishment of classroom rules. Classroom spaces are arranged with beauty and focused at the child’s eye level. Materials invite the children’s engagement and are available for each child to use and explore.
Traditional models of education have been combined in a way to stimulate the children in the areas of math, science, geography, art, language, and dramatic play. Basic religious teachings are woven into our model to complete our church school teachings. Of course, materials that allow for free play and exploration are additionally available for a complete childhood experience.
Our theme-based curriculum rotates on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, introducing the children to alphabet letters, colors, numbers, and shapes. Teacher-led small group learning is targeted to age-appropriate educational goals. Classroom projects, parties, field trips, and daily circle time add another level of enhancement to our program.
Family members are encouraged to visit the school to observe the high-quality educational experience offered to each child.