Academics & Enrichments
Cultivating Confidence, Purpose, and Opportunity for High School and Beyond
Students at St. James do not simply attend school – they engage in a comprehensive learning experience that extends across the day, week, and year. Rooted in strong relationships and high expectations, this experience supports each student’s academic growth, well-being, and sense of purpose.
We graduate 8th graders prepared for high school and equipped for lives of confidence, purpose, and opportunity. This is made possible through small classes, rigorous academics, and personalized instruction that supports each student’s growth, along with a deep commitment to whole-child formation and wellness.
Our curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science lab, music, and religion, offering both strong academic foundations and spiritual and creative formation. After school, our Enrichment program invites students to explore their interests more deeply and discover new gifts in a supportive and engaging environment.
How We Close the Skills Gap
Most students arrive at St. James two to three years behind, needing additional time and support to reach grade-level expectations in reading and math. Our goal is to ensure that every student is prepared for high school and equipped for continued growth in learning and life.
To support academic progress, we take a multi-layered approach designed to help students make accelerated growth each year. During the school day, teachers, staff, and academic specialists work closely together to provide targeted support through small-group instruction and individualized learning.
We also use schoolwide literacy programs, adaptive instructional technology, and intentional teacher continuity across grade levels to strengthen learning over time.
Beyond the school day, students participate in an extended learning model that includes Enrichment programming after school (Monday through Thursday until 5:00 pm), Saturday academic support, and Summer Camp learning in July, ensuring consistent opportunities for growth, discovery, and confidence-building throughout the year.
Enrichments Expose Students to New Possibilities
Students choose from more than 30 Enrichment offerings that take place from 3:15–5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. Each experience is designed by teachers, staff, or external partners to broaden horizons while supporting the development of the whole child: academic, creative, physical, social, and spiritual.
These clubs, sports, and activities invite curiosity, encourage exploration of new interests, and create space for students to discover and develop their God-given gifts. Offerings rotate quarterly to keep the program fresh and engaging. With their families, students select their top choices and typically participate in four different Enrichments each year.
A sampling of offerings includes Mindfulness Through Movement, Art, Spanish, Black Girls Love Math, Chess, Robotics, Band, Choir, Soccer, Golf, Garden Club, Girl Scouts, Crochet/Knitting, Student Council, Xylophone Ensemble, Improv Theater, Cooking, Hair Club, and Food Justice.
On Saturdays, Students ‘Go for the Gold!’
We infuse our Saturday academic clinic with fun and games involving teachers, staff, volunteers, and family members. We call it Go for the Gold because it is designed to help students reach gold – the color on the statewide Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) chart indicating grade level performance. The program builds academic confidence through enjoyable learning activities such as math and phonics games. Family members who participate can easily replicate the games at home to further reinforce the skills.
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.
