Our Holistic “Total Care” Approach

Each student comes to us with God-given gifts, and we actively collaborate with their families to develop those gifts while caring for the whole child. Our “total care” approach was inspired by Co-founder Dr. Audrey Evans, who also founded the first Ronald McDonald House. It includes healthy, fresh food served family-style, an on-site Wellness Center to support physical and social-emotional health, a visiting dentist, and inclusive spiritual experiences for students of all faiths.

Who We Serve

We enroll 94 students in Grades 4-8: one class of 18-20 at each grade level. Our Future Plans include adding Grades K-3. Families of all religious backgrounds may apply for admission if they reside in the school’s catchment area and are eligible for the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program.

Our School Model

St. James School draws upon several school models and the Episcopal tradition, which provides a framework for a dialogue of faith, reason, and experience. We are inspired by the Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal Church – “Seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself” – and honored to walk that covenant path as the only Episcopal school in Philadelphia.

• Our Co-founders, Dr. Audrey Evans and The Rev. Sean Mullen, were first inspired by The Epiphany School in Boston.
• We share a deep connection with similar schools following the Episcopal Urban School Tradition.
• We collaborate with similarly modeled faith-based schools across the country and Canada through the NativityMiguel School Coalition.

Why and How We are Tuition-Free

To live out our school’s purpose of cultivating confidence, purpose, and opportunity in every student, we surround young people with the relationships, resources, and experiences they need to thrive.

Every student receives a full scholarship, made possible through a community of generous individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and partners who believe in the promise and potential of our students. Together, we are creating opportunities that nurture growth, open doors, and support students as they pursue lives of meaning and possibility.

This mission is sustained through the generosity of people who invest in our students through tax-deductible gifts and participation in Pennsylvania’s Educational Tax Credit programs.

St. James School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

To help us sustain and expand the work of St. James School, make a tax-deductible contribution here. To learn more about supporting our school through one of PA’s Educational Tax Credit programs, please contact our Advancement Team at [email protected] or 215-226-1276 x121 or visit our tax credit information page.

Leadership Structure Reflects Priorities

Our Head of School and two Assistant Heads of School work closely together to cultivate confidence, purpose, and opportunity in every student by strengthening the connections between academics, student life, and family partnership.

The Assistant Head of School for Curriculum & Instruction leads the academic program, partnering with teachers to ensure instruction is rigorous, engaging, inclusive, and grounded in culturally responsive classrooms. This role supports professional growth, instructional excellence, and joyful learning rooted in high expectations and deep care.

The Assistant Head of School for Student & Family Engagement fosters a school culture where students and families feel known, supported, and connected. This role strengthens relationships between school and home, oversees student life and family engagement, and helps create an environment grounded in belonging, accountability, and student well-being.