St. James School students are growing up in North Philadelphia, where the downward pull of poverty has been felt for generations. Our purpose and the greatest measure of our success is empowering students to gain the knowledge, skills, confidence and inner strength to forge their own upward path to the future they imagine.
To fulfill our purpose, we act daily to realize the bold vision of our founders that St. James School would be a place where students are encouraged to discover their academic, social, emotional, physical, spiritual and creative gifts.
We actively collaborate with family caregivers to raise healthy, joyful young people who are inspired to learn.
As the only Episcopal school in the city of Philadelphia, St. James is providing 85 students in grades 4-8 with a top-quality, faith-based private education.
Thanks to more than 1,000 annual donors and scores of volunteers, our school is tuition-free.
Throughout grades 9-12, our Graduate Support Team stays in close contact, mentoring and tutoring graduates to ensure their success. Support continues as they apply to and enter college, technical school or a career.
Graduates of St. James School never stop being "our students.".
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 4-8
- Enrollment: 84 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
St. James School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 4-8
Year Founded
10
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Tue. May 26, 2026
Campus Size
2 acres
Student Body
Total Students
84 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Students wear a white button down SJS shirt, with khaki pants/skirts, along with a tie that correlates with their grade. Students can choose to wear their school blazer or sweater. Students have a casual uniform for PE class days.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
All of our students are on full scholarships! We request that families participate in our Monthly Family Fee program, where they submit $30 a month. We are able to with families on this goal of $30 a month and strive towards 100% participation.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer Programming is a mandatory part of our school programming, thus the payment information is the same.
Admissions Director
Sarah W. Carroll
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
15 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Boys GroupCreative Writing Club
Engineering ClubGirls Group
Mathematics EnrichmentMeditation Club
Reading EnrichmentSchool Newspaper and Yearbook
Student Reconciliation Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Missoula Children's TheaterPiano Lessons
Tune Up Philadelphia - Trumpet and ClarinetViolin Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Running ClubSports Clinics
School Notes
- School Motto: 'Educate, Inspire, Transform'
- As the only Episcopal school in the city of Philadelphia, St. James is providing 85 students in grades 4-8 with a top-quality, faith-based private education. Thanks to more than 1,000 annual donors and scores of volunteers, our school is tuition-free.
- Our maximum class size is 18 students, and we typically have 2+ adults working in each classroom. Our school is extended day and extended year - offering programing from 7:50 AM through 5 PM on weekdays, math clinics 2 Saturdays a month, and a fun, enriching STEAM program through July.
- Throughout grades 9-12, our Graduate Support Team stays in close contact, mentoring and tutoring graduates to ensure their success. Support continues as they apply to and enter college, technical school or a career. They never stop being "our students."
- To qualify to attend St. James School your student must live in our immediate school area, and be eligable for free and reduced lunch. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all 5 grades.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does St. James School offer?
St. James School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Climbing, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Flag Football, Football, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming and Tennis. St. James School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for St. James School?
The application deadline for St. James School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is St. James School located?
St. James School is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 43 other private schools located in North Philadelphia.
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