North County’s Premier Catholic School
Serving the Catholic Community Since 1952
Welcome to St. James Academy North County’s Premier Catholic School celebrating over 60 years of history. At St. James Academy, we are committed to inspiring students to fulfill their academic potential while instilling moral values, stewardship and Christ’s message into the fabric of each day. It is our mission to teach, care and nurture each child as if they were our own because at St. James Academy we are not just educators, parents and students – we are family.
Accolades & Awards
Best of North Coast
Union-Tribune Community Press has honored St. James Academy with the Best of North Coast Award for private schools for 2018 & 2019. This award is voted on by North County residents which makes it an honor because it comes directly from our community.
Green Ribbon Award
Since 2017, St. James Academy has won the California Green Ribbon Schools Award (bronze 2018, silver 2018). In 2019, as one of five schools in California, we were awarded the highest honor. Additionally, St. James Academy was nominated for and won the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award.
Fit to Lead
Developing leadership and teamwork skills is part of our PE program at St. James Academy. The Fit to Lead program gives students the skills to empower themselves with confidence, conflict-resolution skills, and build trust. Through sports, students are applying these skills and incorporating them into their everyday lives.
Our History & Pledge
A Higher Devotion to Excellence Since 1952
Academics
We set high academic standards and challenge our students. In addition to STEAM and standard-based coursework, our curriculum includes music, religion, PE and Spanish. Additionally, our outdoor learning environment gives our students hands-on learning that directly relates to their academic studies. This well-rounded curriculum has proven effective, St. James Academy students score well above average in all standardized testing and in high school placement testing.
Arts
From music and theater to painting and more, we have programs that enrich our students development in the arts. Our students perform and present their works throughout the county and have achieved honors and awards in the arts. We are especially proud of our music program which has provided students with the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Athletics
We offer various athletic programs fully integrated with the school schedule, aiming at the complete development of the student, from preschool to 8th grade. For example, soccer practices are held on campus immediately after school. We are one of the few schools that has a surf team that gives our students the ability to develop a love for the sport and their parents the opportunity to volunteer. Whether it's on a soccer field or the beach and beyond, our sports program offers ample opportunities for personal growth.
Religion
The Catholic Faith Community of St. James Academy weaves Christ's message into the fabric of each school day so that our children can develop in body, mind and spirit. Our program integrates spiritual, moral, academic, social, cultural and physical precepts.
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
St. James Academy has a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Our small class size facilitates deeper connections between faculty, families and students in a comfortable, supportive learning environment. At St. James Academy, you’ll build relationships that last a lifetime.
Stewardship
Our Stewardship Program involves the entire school. Our “school families” comprise a mix of students from each grade. This environment facilitates a culture of support and community while helping raise leaders who treat others with a kind spirit and an emphasis on Jesus’ teachings.
Stewardship
Of Others
Our students are encouraged to participate in charitable programs and outreach opportunities to create awareness, help those in need or simply raise spirits. From the local homeless to soldiers abroad, St. James Academy actively organizes programs to bolster our student's commitment to Christ's teachings.
Stewardship
Of Resources
Pope Francis asks us to “hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” St. James Academy’s efforts to put our faith into action have led the U.S. Department of Education to award St. James Academy the 2019 Green Ribbon School Award for resource efficiency, health and wellness, and sustainability and environmental education. We were the only private school in California to be honored with this distinction in 2019. The State of California has also designated our school as a Green Achiever, the highest state sustainability award.
College Admissions
St. James Academy's alumni include many who have gone on to attend high schools of their choice and in turn some of the top universities in the country.
Words from Our Families
Here are some of the testimonials we've heard over the years as we continue to follow in the footsteps of "A Higher Devotion to Excellence."
"One of the greatest benefits of a St. James Academy education is the commitment of faculty to continued personal growth."
"St. James Academy promotes a spirit of enthusiasm that fosters a sense of community thereby maintaining a strong Catholic mission."
"They integrate Christian values into the curriculum, with an emphasis on spiritual development, positive approach to discipline and community building activities."
"St. James Academy did an excellent job at incorporating a variety of supplemental texts, materials and methods to meet the needs of the students and their various learning styles!"
Book a Tour
Thank you for your interest in St. James Academy!
We look forward to hearing from you and introducing you to our family.