St. James Episcopal School

St. James' offers an excellent academic offering. The school works hard to create a respectful culture of kindness that resonates with the students and teachers. It is a rare gem tucked away in Korea town smack in the middle of the hustle of Los Angeles.

As a St. James parent, I cannot say enough wonderful things about the school. My daughter is able to attend a diverse, socially conscious and progressive school, while at the same time receiving a strong academic foundation. She is reading at a 6th grade level in the 2nd grade; she comes home excited to tell me about the different scientists she is learning about (including Albert Einstein and Marie Curie); she corrects my pronunciation of spanish words. In addition to the strong academics, she is participating in the school musical and also receiving a great socio-emotional education. I am so appreciative to have this school during these unprecedented times. St. James has kept my daughter academically engaged as well as secure in her community connection.

As a parent, every box I could possibly hope for in a school is checked. It's a truly diverse and caring community; it has outstanding academic credentials backed up by its matriculation record; there's a wide range of extra-curricula activities that enhance the kids' experience; the school handled the Covid crisis better than anyone thought possible - a testament to the admin and teaching staff; and most of all, with its emphasis on civic responsibility, the school helps the children to develop into the best versions of themselves - kind, thoughtful and engaged with the world.

School overall is good but the classrooms are now very sterile. New rules were put into effect this year that allows art, kids work, etc to only reside on small areas of the walls. So instead of cozy, art filled classrooms, the rooms are more like a hospital. Kids don't like it, teachers don't like it, parents don't like it. Not sure of the philosophy behind it.

Speaking as the parent of a 5th grader, this school has been great! The teachers have all been good, and some (looking at you 4th grade teachers) have been exceptional! There is a wide variety of extracurricular options. The diversity is off the charts, providing kids exposure to a broad spectrum of cultures, food, and fun. The kids are generally well-behaved and well-spoken. Parental involvement is high, which leads to a strong sense of community. We would recommend this school to our friends and family.