About St. James Academy
For over 70 years, St. James Academy has exemplified the blending of outstanding academic education with caring Catholic values in the heart of Solana Beach.
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1952
For over seven decades, St. James Academy has been North County’s premier Catholic school.
Caring · Encouraging · Believing
St. James is a fully accredited Catholic elementary school (PK-8) that has been serving the San Diego North County Coastal community since 1952. As part of the vibrant St. James-St. Leo Catholic Community, we take great pride in providing a warm, personal, yet challenging educational environment.
In modeling Christ’s teaching, we strive to prepare children to live in the world as responsible citizens and faithful stewards of creation. We provide a student-centered, Catholic-based curriculum which values cultural and intellectual diversity in our commitment to excellence.
Faith · Knowledge · Community · Service
These four pillars guide everything we do at St. James Academy.
Faith
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.
Knowledge
We set high academic standards and challenge our students with a comprehensive curriculum including STEAM, religion, music, PE, and Spanish.
Community
We are family. Faculty and administration work closely with parents to provide the best possible education and support for every student.
Service
We model Christ’s teaching, preparing children to live as responsible citizens and faithful stewards of creation in an ever-changing environment.
Welcome to Saint James Academy. For over 60 years, SJA has exemplified the blending of academic education with caring Catholic values. We invite you to join our community.
Caring, Dedicated Educators
The St. James faculty is united in faith values and dedicated to the principles of Catholic education. This includes instruction in the basic tenets of the Catholic faith in addition to teaching respect for all individuals and encouraging compassion and social responsibility.
All faculty members are committed to their own growth as teaching professionals. St. James employs fully credentialed teachers, with 8 holding master’s degrees. Our 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention for every child.
Fr. Ricardo
Pastor
Christine Lang
Principal
Susan Hanna
Director of Admissions
Christine Leo
Preschool Director
Behind every student at SJA is a team of educators, aides, and support staff who make this community what it is.
Meet Our Faculty & StaffFully Accredited Excellence
St. James Academy is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA). Our faculty are fully credentialed, many with master’s degrees.
WASC
Western Association of Schools & Colleges
WCEA
Western Catholic Education Association
What the Accreditation Committee Found
Findings and remarks from the WASC/WCEA Visiting Committee’s official report.
SJA is an excellent Catholic school that provides programs and services aligned with the mission to enrich the academic program and support the development of student and family life.
The love, pride and admiration for SJA shines bright. Many people said it was just a “feeling” when you are here on campus. You have fostered a wonderful community culture.
Some parents are here for the Catholic Identity, some parents are here for the rigorous academics, and some parents are here for inclusion. SJA competently manages to address all of their needs through its wonderful program.
Think of the nicest people you have ever met. That is what you will find here. Everyone here are the nicest people you have ever met.
SJA is truly special, and it is evident that your Christ-centered approach is making a lasting impact on the lives of your students and families.
Differentiated instruction was observed by the Visiting Committee in every classroom, maximizing the growth of all students.
Awards & Honors
Diocese of San Diego Catholic School of the Year
Named by the Diocese of San Diego, recognizing the highest standards of Catholic identity, academic excellence, and community formation across the San Diego and Imperial Valley region.
Best of North Coast
Union-Tribune Community Press honored SJA as Best Private School for 2018 & 2019, voted by North County residents.
U.S. Green Ribbon School
One of five California schools to receive the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award in 2019.
Carnegie Hall
Our music program has provided students with the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, achieving honors in the arts.
Join Our Community
Experience the St. James Academy difference. Schedule a tour and see why families choose SJA.