WHY ST. JAMES?
WHY ST. JAMES?
A GUIDE TO CHOOSING A HIGH SCHOOL
Questions to consider when choosing a high school for your kid
ACADEMICS
“Seeking Truth in a manner that reveals the complexities of God’s creation and inspires wonder, deepens understanding, and empowers students to change the world.”
In a world of increasing pressure to specialize, each St. James Academy student receives a well-rounded curriculum taught through a Catholic worldview rooted in the liberal arts tradition. We also believe that exposing students to practical experiences in multiple fields within the context of community and prayer can help them find God’s call amidst all the other voices surrounding them. We know that to fulfill that call in a changing world, they will need a foundation in thought and virtue that a well-rounded, Catholic education is so well-suited to provide.
What is our philosophy about Academics?
- All students can learn with proper guidance, spiritual support, and the right community.
- High expectations help us strive for greatness, not comfort.
- We prepare students for healthy, lifelong relationships.
- Our faith-based mission helps students discover meaning and purpose in their lives.
- We are rooted in the liberal arts, creating range and versatility in our graduates as creative thinkers, curious about the world God has created for them, learning to learn and learning to love learning.
How many AP tests did you administer last year?
- In 24-25 we offered 16 Advanced Placement Courses and 21 Honors Courses (including dual-enrollment).
- 739 AP Exams were given to 359 students for the 24-25 school year.
- Many schools will enroll kids in AP classes, but never administer the actual exam. At St. James Academy, every kid who has “AP” on his or her transcript will take the AP exam.
- Our College Exploration class provides students with a Princeton Review ACT prep curriculum taught by a certified ACT prep teacher.
- All students take multiple practice ACTs at school.
- ACT prep is integrated into core classes.
Achievements
Last year…
- ALL STUDENTS:
- Composite in any year for an enrolled student: 47 students scored 30 or higher on the ACT
- Composite including Super Scores in any year for an enrolled student: 64 students scored 30 or higher on the ACT
- SENIORS ONLY:
- Composite in any year for a senior student: 30 students scored 30 or higher on the ACT
- Composite including Super Scores in any year for a senior student: 45 students scored 30 or higher on the ACT
- 132 Kansas Designated State Scholars (KS Board of Regents Kansas Scholars Curriculum Completers)
- 1 National Merit Semifinalist
- 2 National Merit Commended Finalists
and…
- Multiple award-winning faculty, including the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Distinguished Teacher, and the 2017 Kansas Finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and the 2022 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award Teaching (only school in the state of Kansas to win this award).
- 100% college acceptance rate.
Academic Support
- ThunderBlock: a free period built into our schedule ensuring availability for meeting with teachers.
- Spark Center for Academics
- School-wide weekly grade checks and a tiered intervention system across all classes to provide support when it is needed.
- All students take multiple practice ACTs at school.
How does your school serve all of God’s children?
- We have a place for your student, from high academic achievers to those who struggle to everyone in between.
- One of the area’s strongest Advanced Placement (AP) programs, offering more AP classes and administering more AP exams than most high schools.
- Our Student Services department has four staff members, supporting students on IEPs and other learning plans.
FAITH FORMATION
At St. James Academy, we believe that educating our staff, students, and school families in the teaching of the Church and creating an environment where praying together and sharing our faith experiences is not only acceptable, but the norm. We create an environment for young people and the wider community to grow closer to the heart of Christ.
FAITH FORMATION & CURRICULUM
- We are rooted in relationship, faithful to the church’s teachings. The Trinity is the headwater and everything we do flows from the source. We have a Director of Faith Formation with two full-time Campus Ministry teachers.
- We have the lens of a Catholic Worldview. We are a faculty of believers; our teachers attend a weekly faith formation class and integrate faith into their lessons and classes.
FAITH OPPORTUNITIES
Students have many opportunities to get involved and deepen their faith at St. James Academy.
- Spiritual mentorship with teachers and house mentors
- Uplifting prayer experiences
- Faith-sharing groups like GRACE, Fiat, Sons of Thunder, and Thunder for Life.
- Christian Stewardship Project, Serve Day, Class Retreats, Draw Near, our monthly adoration and worship night
- Mission Trips, Biannual Rome Pilgrimage
- State and National March for Life
- Attend daily mass, participate in weekly confession offered by our chaplain, attend monthly all school mass as well as be a part of liturgical ministries.
NON-CATHOLIC OR STRUGGLES WITH FAITH
First, let us say that we can’t wait to meet him or her! Building relationships is the foundation of building a faith life. Your kid will still take religion classes, go to mass, and attend retreats as part of a community of faith, just as all kids do.
- Your student will be loved and cared for, as we have a desire to share Christ with him or her.
- Our non-catholic brothers and sisters, students and staff, have an incredible experience; just ask any of them.
- We meet kids where they are. Our approach has always been to listen first, to get to know each student individually, and support them by walking with them and answering their questions.
- We are dedicated to providing authentic witnesses and tools to help students understand God’s plan for their lives.
Our Community System also helps build bonds so kids are more comfortable talking about their faith life.
Religious Vocations
- 11 graduates are currently seminarians. 4 graduates have entered the religious life.
- We have priests and sisters on staff to lead discernment groups and help kids understand God’s plan for their lives.
- View our alumni in Religious Vocations
COMMUNITY SYSTEM
St. James Academy’s Community System further enhances our mission by providing a vehicle for developing strong bonds between all members of the school community. It promotes the development of relationships and presents opportunities fo each student to develop their leadership skills.
What is the community system and how does it work?
- We have 8 Communities, each named after a saint. Students are called to a Community when they first arrive.
- Within the Community, students are placed in Houses with mixed grade levels and a Mentor Teacher.
- “House” meets daily.
- Nearly all activities run through our Community System as Communities compete for the annual Thunder Cup.
- Students remain in the same House for four years, maturing in relationships and leadership and building authentic bonds with their peers and their Mentor Teacher.
Why is it important to have a Community System?
- Being in authentic relationships is the most important part of developing students’ spiritual lives. We do this intentionally everyday in House. Kids must walk with peers and mentors who are in relationship with Jesus in order to feel comfortable getting to know Him.
- Our Community System teaches “other-centered” instead of “self-centered” by sharing in daily “play,” charity, and Community competitions.
- Also, when students feel known and loved, they are more free to excel in all areas of their life, especially academics.
How does the Community system support leadership opportunities for my student?
- A traditional high school student council only gives opportunities to a limited number of students. Our Community System provides over 200 leadership positions for all grade levels, giving them opportunities to plan events, provide mentorship, and lead.
- Our seniors go through a three-day extensive leadership training summit, and continuous training throughout the year.
Blog
READ OUR BLOG
Our goal is to help families like yours find the information that leads you to consider being part of the St. James community! Read compelling topics that are common to our junior high constituents’ decision-making process.
More Than Numbers
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My Experience Transferring to SJA
Considering Transferring to St. James? St. James has been the brightest light I have had in my life so far. This school is the most amazing place I could have ever possibly imagined learning at. Any person who walks into this building can immediately feel the love...
