St. James Catholic School

Posted: July 26, 2022

My husband and I love St. James! The small class sizes are great for personalized learning. Our son loves going to school and enjoys his teacher and classmates. The principal, Mrs. Vazquez was very helpful in answering all my questions as the new year began! The school community is like no other! My family has joined an amazing community of other parents that truly want the best for our children while learning about Christ.

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: July 26, 2022

Posted: April 27, 2020

We can't wait to start the new year. The change we made this past year to this school has been a blessing for our family. I highly recommend this school to everyone.

Posted: April 27, 2020

We have been so satisfied with the homework our son gets. At his previous school he was bombarded with homework that his anxiety level was so bad that we had to get him medical attention. Instead of spending three hours on homework a day he only spends anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes a day. It's been a blessing.

Posted: April 27, 2020

My sons teacher has been so supportive. She goes out of her way to work with him and even through all of this COVID-19 stuff, she reaches out to make sure we are ok during these times and making sure our son doesn't fall behind.

Posted: April 27, 2020

Being in a Catholic school has made a huge difference in our household. Our son comes home talking about his faith and even has us practicing our faith too.

Posted: April 27, 2020

We have no concerns in this area. Everyone seems to work together for the well-being of our son and other kids.

Posted: April 27, 2020

My son came from a school where he was being bullied because of his grades and seeing the compassion and understanding that the teachers at St. James have done for my son has changed his attitude. He is becoming more confident in his studies a change for the better!

Posted: April 27, 2020

His attitude towards school has changed so much this year. My son is confident, and now loves school. We are so sad that he was not able to finish out the year because of the virus.

Posted: March 6, 2020

I am extremely disappointed in this school. There is no reason why I should be paying for an education that my child is not receiving. The proof is in the test scores yet her grades in class are As and Bs that makes no sense. Reading is not required instead they write a journal for a reading grade because the kids dont want to read. Kids are not challenged are lazy and lack motivation or accountability, they are literally being set up for failure. However the majority of them will go to the Mount and thats no better. Spanish class is used to teach kids how to translate Spanish into English instead of learning how to speak the language in other words ESL. They focus entirely way too much on fundraising for random items such as laptops, a roof, etc instead of focusing on education which makes no sense for a church that owns everything and few surrounding properties out right. Teacher turnover has been high for various different reasons. This school is a systemic failure through and through and the only one’s suffering are the students. Like I have said throughout my review the culture needs to change the simplest of rules are enforced on a case by case basis and are usually excused by the fact that many families are low income and honestly that means nothing to me as far as following rules, paying your dues and being involved are concerned. The school can do better, but unfortunately they are blinded by this “private school” title and the fact that most parents aren't involved in their children’s education.

Posted: March 6, 2020

I am not a fan of the whole “no homework” campaign, I get there are studies and all
of this stuff, but at the end of the day these kids have no sense of accountability and become lazy.

Posted: March 6, 2020

I genuinely believe the teachers mean well, however there needs to be a huge culture change from the current one that is in place. I feel like there is a “good enough” attitude when it comes to education at this school. Focus is put more on other things like sports and fundraising than to actual education.

Posted: March 6, 2020

My kid has been lying more than ever before, there has been incidents of other students bullying and stealing, so no this category falls far from the tree.

Posted: March 6, 2020

I have been taught that if something is failing the problem starts from the top. That goes all the way from the priest (who has way too much say as far as I’m concerned) to the lowest substitute and so far no one has done anything to change the issues.

Posted: March 6, 2020

I have no idea if they do or don’t, but based on the fact they don’t teach regular students, I am going to assume no.

Posted: March 6, 2020

They try to address it, but at the end of the day the culture at the school needs to change.

Posted: July 28, 2018

Posted: July 28, 2018

St James is a family. My children are loved and their best interests are always put first. Their is always going to be issues with children, no matter what school but the principal's door is always open and welcoming to any suggestions or to talk about any issues. The principal handles thinges swiftly but always makes sure the children still feel loved and have a good moral knowledge of right and wrong.

Posted: July 28, 2018

Posted: July 28, 2018

Posted: July 28, 2018

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Posted: June 27, 2018

Last year was our first year at this school and the experience that we had was amazing. First the communication between parent and teachers was great. Also, this year we had a semi-bullying situation and the principal nipped it real quick. I was amazed how fast it was handled. We came from public schools and this would of never happened. We hope that this school will be the one that we can definitely stay at for a long time.

Posted: March 18, 2018

My three children have attended St. James for four years and I have subtly watched the care and management of my children’s education decline especially in the recent year. While I realize sports recreation may not be at the forefront of St. James priorities in terms of success. The simple fact of offering extra curriculars such as soccer and basketball should ensue hard work and discipline; not mediocre effort and subpar performance (mainly basketball, soccer is more independent skill). The mediocre effort I am referring to is the lack of practice, and poor coach choosing (volunteers with no experience) which has led to our children losing by thirty or forty points on a constant basis and frankly embarrassing themselves due to the mediocre service the school is providing. In neither of the sports do the children receive an award or any attempt to receive an award. While I realize these are volunteers and shall not be held responsible for their lackadaisical coaching approach, I cannot help but call into question the negative message this sends to the children. This sends a message to “Just do it” and expect nothing in return. Do not expect any accolades nor any improving skill levels. At a school with such prestige I naively imagined my kids would be given the best chance to be successful in EVERYTHING they do whether it is loving God, school work, or extra curriculars.

Posted: March 18, 2018

The principal even brought up that I asked a student where his belt was while attending lunch with my kids. She attempted to show authority by stating “it is not your job to correct our students!” What she was not aware of since this was relayed through their backwards third- party communication method was that the student was on the basketball team and knew my sons. The correction was made in fun as I could care less if the students of St. James wore belts. This was just another sad attempt to deflect the true issues and attempt to make us look bad. I would also imagine a caring institution would want a parent to speak up when they see kids doing the wrong thing as I did the day I saw a younger student bullying another student at the park while unattended by the staff. I was told to speak up instantly instead of waiting to tell the principal by the principal. I am not sure if this is an agreed upon practice of the Catholic schools and whether the Archdiocese is aware of the careless and pompous attitudes, but this should not be acceptable. Luckily for myself and my children I can afford the upper echelon schools but for those that cannot this should not be the level of service they receive. I have waited to send this letter due to the petty nature of the Pastor and principal. We did not want our children to possibly be removed from the school due to our speaking up even though as of March 06, 2018 my children were expelled from school two months prior to the end of school due to a review I wrote on this situation. I was not aware that exercising your right to free speech and defending your son against clear injustices warranted expulsion. I have reviewed the Code of Conduct Policy and still do not understand how this drastic measure falls under this policy. This is yet another example of how St. James cares for their students. I noticed how the school waited to cash my check until this action was taken. It is all about the money and less about the wellbeing of the students as exemplified in the administrations actions. I am not upset my children may no longer attend St. James, however, I want to bring this sad and petty situation to light.

Posted: March 18, 2018

I understand that education may be the focus of this institution, however I also have discrepancies on this subject as well. On January 31st, 2018 my eldest son was given after school detention by his theology teacher. She claimed that during a reading of a scripture the term “relations” was used and my son made an inappropriate comment as to what “relations” meant and performed a sexual gesture with his hands. Currently, I only have her story and I allowed him to serve the punishment. Upon further investigation I learned my son in fact did not make the gesture nor the comment. One of the culprits admitted to his homeroom teacher to have made the gesture but explained it was part of a popular “looking game” they were playing, and this gesture mimics the gesture she claimed was made. Also, another student was reading the scripture and was the one who made the inappropriate comment. Neither one of these students were given after school detention. When I asked my son why he did not explain this when I asked him why he had detention he responded, “my teacher (homeroom) said she’s the adult and teacher so she has to believe her.” What kind of message is that to send to a child in a world where bigotry, pedophilia and other evil deeds plaque or school systems. Our children need to be taught to speak up for themselves when injustices like this are being committed. This teacher blatantly lied on my son in attempts to exhibit power. Then another teacher practically told him there’s nothing he or she can do since an adult lied on him so “just do it” (the punishment). His mother and myself had a meeting with three of his teachers. A meeting which we called to address the lying teacher. It appeared they wanted to have a meeting with us to FINALLY discuss my son’s behavior which I had no idea was a problem up to this point. During the meeting the lying teacher rarely had a response instead looked for her colleagues to be her voice and make excuses for her such as “she’s a first-year teacher” but at no point was a true reason given as to why this serious situation was downplayed in the way it was. This issue was created by the third-party communication method used by the teachers. Apparently, the principal advised the teacher to call us regarding the downplayed situation which implies she is aware of the seriousness but has not spoken to us on the subject.

Posted: March 18, 2018

As parents we take this situation very serious and would not want our son making crude remarks anywhere especially a Catholic school. Her lack of response to our accusation of her lying is proof she had no excuse or justification. This is just another example of the lackadaisical care the children at St. James receive. The careless attitudes extend further than this. If I want any information in my daughter’s pre-k 4 class I must inquire. The teacher barley greets me when I come to lunch with my kids. There is a kid that hits other kids in the class on a regular basis according to the students and my daughter, yet I have not been told of this ongoing issue. This is also because most of the teachers do not care. I am a very active parent and am at the school to have lunch with my kids on a more than regular occasion yet only my son’s 5th grade teacher speaks to me and informs me of the goings on in my son’s class. I see the 6th grade or pre-k 4 teachers and if I get a hello it is a surprise. Yet the 6th grade teachers have an issue with my son’s behavior and only want to make light of it when their colleagues are caught lying. Which raises the question “is there really an issue with my son or is just another lie?”

Posted: March 18, 2018

A Recap of Absurdity
On the 7th of February 2018 we attended a meeting with the principal and the Pastor of the church to discuss the letter I wrote to address this uncaring organization. To start the meeting, they felt a police officer needed to attend the meeting as if I was going to commit some act of violence or something. This was totally unnecessary, but the principal and Pastor were offended by my use of words like “mediocre, lying, and lackadaisical” so it is not hard to believe they felt the protection of the police was necessary. The issue of the pre-k kids not having coats on was addressed by the staff first. The Pastor’s only excuse for this sad incident was “they tell the kids once to put on their coats, but some kids did not put them on.” So apparently this school thinks a four-year-old child only needs to be told once to put on a coat and if they do not comply it is the child’s problem. So, the teachers do not need to make any more effort to ensure the safety or care of our children? The teachers had coats on! Why did they not all put on coats at the same time? After hearing this outlandish excuse, I am immediately aware this meeting is nothing more than an excuse session for the staff and no accountability shall be taken. The staff then brought up my use of the word liar to describe the lying teacher. Apparently, there are layers and degrees of lying. According to the Pastor because the teachers lie was not “premeditated” it is not a lie but “a mistake.” I asked the Pastor “if I leave this meeting and tell people you cursed me out and threatened me knowing that’s not what I saw or heard is that not a lie?” No rebuttal! The issue of the sports program was also mentioned as they were offended by my opinion of the basketball program and their approach to help our children be successful in all they do.

Posted: March 18, 2018

Pastor claims that the program is designed to provide a “father figure”. Apparently, the Pastor is under the impression that some of the kids do not have fathers, so they are looking out for them and providing one. The Pastor has not been to one practice or game as I attend all of them which explains why he has this false notion of missing fathers.The children are not missing father figures instead missing the support of spiritual mentors and a supporting staff. There are seven kids on the team and I know and see all their fathers at the games. According to the Pastor, lack of discipline of the basketball kids is due to the missing fathers and because the moms are doing the discipline. This sexiest comment states that woman cannot properly discipline their children therefore it is up to St. James to provide this “father figure” to implement proper discipline although their “father figure” of choice has failed in this regard as well.The poor facilities and supplies of the team was also mentioned, and this is due to the low (relative) tuition rate as to why the gym is not waxed and balls are deflated. This costs money that is not part of the 10k a year we pay for our children to attend according to the Pastor.If parents want adequate basic equipment they need to pay more in tuition apparently. As a budget school we should except the poor care and inadequate supplies necessary for our children to be successful according to those in charge. I was curious how the high staff would respond to my letter and hoped that this was a better, more caring institution in which I incorrectly judged, however I found my assumptions were correct. The purpose of this meeting was not to rectify the situation but to deflect the obvious issues and attempt to reverse the situation on us.

Posted: March 18, 2018

Terrible experience! This school is a disappointment and let my children down with their petty careless nature!

Posted: March 7, 2018

It has been a great experience so far!

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

I'm so happy to see how my child has changed so much. She wakes up in a better mood. She has made friends and she even reminds us that we need to pray everyday.

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

Posted: March 7, 2018

It's amazing to see how the teachers and principal work together to make sure any issues between students stop immediately.

Posted: October 12, 2017

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Posted: October 12, 2017

Posted: July 27, 2014

This school is a great place for my children to learn and grow! It has changed and improved so much since Father Pruett and Mrs. Codding have been a part of our school family!

Posted: May 29, 2013

I am truly saddened this school did not meet my expecations and was a big disappointment. My child was injured by another student, who has control issues, and broke the nose on my child. It happened in the morning and I was not called about it. When they brought my child to the car they told me about an incident in the morning, but did not notice her swollen nose until she brought my child to the car. The teacher asked if it was there before, and I said no, the teacher said to me she did not know my child well enough in the face to notice her nose was swollen. The kicker is the child that assaulted my child, his parent was told he had a bad day. Really! He was not suspened or addressed for his bad behaviour. I was angry discussed it with the principal, and she said she would take care of it, but no, their response was to call me each time my child got a bump or bruise, but did not receive a call when it really mattered. Poor Communication as well. Horrible horrible experience. Save your money or go to a school that cares. They did not keep my child safe or communicate properly. Poor poor administration. Very saddened they did not meet the expectations.

Posted: February 8, 2013

I am so happy my daughter is attending St. James. She loves the school and her teachers. Every day she talks about all she is learning. It is so nice to have her attending a diverse school that meets her educational needs, reinforces her faith and our family values. The faculty is so caring to both her and myself. It is such a great feeling knowing she is attending a safe and caring school.