Admissions FAQ
The first step in applying to St. James is to schedule a personal tour with our Head of School by calling the School Office, (361) 883-0835, or submitting a request on our Request Information page. At your tour, you will receive an Application for Admission.
If you live out of town and are unable to visit the campus in person, our Head of School will call and visit with you over the phone.
We offer tours year-round.
Applications should be turned in prior to March 1 for the upcoming school year beginning in August as contracts will be offered to all new applicants at that time.
New scholars are accepted throughout the school year if there are available spots in the child's grade level.
Below is a list of our top priorities. Should you choose to schedule a tour, our Head of School, Mrs. Hoffstadt, will further explain each of the items on this list with you in detail.
- Faith-based Education
Chapel, Spiritual Formation, Old Testament and New Testament, Positive Connections with the Church of the Good Shepherd - Curriculum/Critical Thinking
Breadth of Learning: “What we teach” - CoreKnowledge.org, FROG Curriculum, Spalding Phonics, STREAM Studies - Circuitry, Coding, Computer Graphics, Digital Communications, Mechanics & Structures, Robotics & Control Technology, Scientific Data & Analysis, Software Engineering, and Sustainability
Depth of Learning: “How we teach” -Critical Thinking using Depth and Complexity, Scholarly Behaviors, Multiple Intelligence Strategies, Global Themes - Character Development
Positive Phrasing and St. James Discipline Plan
Levels of moral development - Doing the right thing... - PE/Athletics
Be the best for the world, not in the world! Competition is designed to make everyone stronger. It’s ALL about the TEAM. Competitive Athletics begin in 4th Grade and include volleyball, flag football, basketball, cross country/track, tennis. - Outdoor Education
4thGrade–8thGrade
4th--Camp Zephyr
5th and 8th---MO Ranch
6th--Canyon of the Eagles, Camp Capers
7th--Capitol, Camp Eagle, Alamo
8th--Philadelphia/D.C. - Enrichments
Pre-Primary –Pre-Kinder: Bible, Chapel, Library, Music, Spanish
Junior Kinder - 4thGrade: Art, Chapel, Computer Lab, Frazier STREAM Innovation Center, Library, Music, Spanish, Spiritual Formation
5th-8thGrade: Art, Broadcasting Studio, Chapel, Computer Lab and Library (5th only), Frazier STREAM Innovation Center and Broadcasting Studio, Music, Spiritual Formation
- Pre-Primary scholars must be 2 years old by September 1 and potty-trained
- Primary scholars must be 3 years old by September 1 and potty-trained
- Pre-Kindergarten scholars must be 4 years old by September 1
We offer only a five-day program for all ages.
- Pre-Primary scholars are asked to come meet the Head of School or Director of Academics for a brief introduction.
- Primary-1st Grade scholars spend a morning in the classroom from 8:00-11:00.
- 2nd-8th Grade scholars spend a full day in the classroom from 8:00-3:30.
Absolutely not. Our non-descrimination policy states, "St. James Episcopal School celebrates and welcomes a diverse population. We recognize that diversity encompasses differences in gender, race, religion, ethnicity, physical and academic abilities, family composition, and socioeconomic circumstances. St. James does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of the admission and educational policies, scholarship and financial aid programs, employment practices, and/or other school administered programs generally made available at the School."
St. James accepts families and scholars of all religious backgrounds. All scholars attend chapel twice-weekly and Spiritual Formation classes. We teach ethics and Bible stories, and we celebrate and welcome a diverse population.
Tuition covers all classroom supplies, Friends of St. James Membership, ERB Testing (Grades 2-8), Science & Computer Lab Fees, Booster Club Membership (Grades 4-8), Art Supplies, Organizational Study Skills (Grades 1-8), Interscholastic Athletic Fees, Gesell Observations (PK-K), Vision, Hearing & Scoliosis Screening.
The only costs tuition does not cover are Uniforms, Cafeteria, Field Trips, Outdoor Education, and After Care.