I have been honored to lead St. James Catholic School in its 135th year of education in the Washington community. Our priority is to continue to provide a solid education rooted in the Catholic tradition while maintaining a small school setting. St. James is committed to an overall student to teacher ratio of 15:1. This allows us to provide quality, individualized instruction. Enrollment is open to all students, preschool to sixth grade regardless of race, culture, gender and/or religious affiliation.
The St. James staff is committed to a quality education for all. Among the ways that we accomplish this goal is through multi-age school families. All of our students in kindergarten through sixth grade are placed in multi-aged families that allow us to do special activities from learning about various cultures and religions to celebrating Mass together. These multi-age families allow relationship building and allow for us to provide mentoring with students throughout the building.
This year the St. James staff had the opportunity to collaborate with the public school on in-service days. This allows for quality professional growth for our teachers and enhances learning for our students. Results show that St. James Catholic School children continue to consistently perform at or above proficiency levels on standardized tests. Title I services are also provided for those eligible, and special education services are available through the public school. St. James offers co-curricular opportunities such as St. James Singers, puppet ministry, plays and intramural basketball. We continue to search for ways for our students to explore their individual gifts and to develop positive academic, social and sportsmanship skills.
One of St. James’ biggest assets is the strong family, parish and community support. This support includes spiritual, financial and physical support throughout the school year. We remain blessed to have strong volunteerism throughout the school, including the Home and School Association and Earthly Blessings.
St. James takes great pride in its students, staff and families. We are striving to make St. James a school where lifelong learning with a strong faith base is in the forefront.
Blessings,
Teresa Beenblossom, Principal
