St James School

820 North Arlington Heights Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on January 26, 2024

I’m going to have to disagree with the below reviews, though they ARE old, they are not an accurate depiction of what the school is today. I noticed some of the information on this page for the school is dated, like the director of the school is no longer Judith Pappa. I am not sure what it was like when she was in charge but it’s a wonderful school with Dr. Michael Kendrick as school director!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2024

This is a private school that has great teachers and is continually improving and growing in a positive way. Communication with the teachers is very easy and they are very responsive. Currently, we have two boys that are attending and both have been on a real positive incline academically, especially compared to the public school they were attending previously. The religious education is really phenomenal, I have seen a real change in my kids’ behavior, in regards to kindness, manners and thoughtfulness of others. Honestly, the only downside to the school, I. My opinion, is the lack of grass for the kids to play on. They do their best with what they have for recess. Fortunately, kids do find ways to have fun on the black top, no problem. There is a playground for Pre-K. Additionally, there is a new gross motor room which is amazing and also a great space for PT and OT for the kids who need it!
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2023

It has been my experience that the teachers are what make this school what it is. Unfortunately the exceptions to this rule are horrid. The amount of family engagement to help support the school more financially than already with tuition is at an all time high. Almost all of the engagement activities include alcohol for adults which is insane. There is not a social worker there or a counselor to help some of the kids get through difficult times. Safety continually seems to be upgraded, yet there seems to be regular emails on security breaches. I had very high hopes for my children to be at this school, but have been disappointed by the bigotry of some of the families and the continual asking for more money and then putting "catholic guilt" onto the families that may not have the extra funds.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2018

My son is learning so much! The teachers are amazing, and it's a great school community.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2017

My kids have been at St. James School since pre k3. Now they are in middle school. We have never encountered any problems. Best school ever when it comes to academics, faith, respect, and anti bullying. Teachers and staff is very caring. The environment of school is welcoming. They have amazing band program, and other extracurricular activities. My friend travels 30 minutes to St. James, because she can't find a better school that's closer to house. St. James School is the best school ever!!!!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2014

While the academics at St. James are outstanding, the athletic programs and the social culture are horrible. The teachers do a wonderful job of getting students to learn at their potential, and this school does a much better job than any of the public school counterparts in the area. When it comes to athletics, the emphasis on winning is all that counts, despite having a "no cut" policy (that was vigorously opposed by the athletic board). Unless your child is athletically gifted, don't expect your child to get any fair chance of playing on ANY athletic sport. They place your child in less desirable positions, sub them out without giving a chance when it's their turn, and do nothing but emphasize winning, resulting in unfair play (I have seen it in all grades). The athletic board is entirely at fault and this results in a competitive social culture at school that fosters silent bullying (your child gets ignored by other students and the administration does nothing about it). You must be part of the click or forget it. Until they replace the ENTIRE athletic board to those who care about ALL the kids (not just their own), I would avoid this school. Shame on you St. James.
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2014

The teachers here create a terrible learning environment as my sin went here and we transferred him for many reasons including that this school is similar to a military academy and this school is ran by all women and the boys are discriminated against. Also this school says that they teach religion but really it is used as a study hall .the teachers here create terrible learning atmospheres for children to learn and grow spiritually I wish I never sent my child here Whatever you do do not send your child to this school at all costs.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

St. James is an amazing community. It is truly more like a family than a school. Our family moved here a few years back from out of state and St. James took us in and made us their own. The teachers are like no other. They treat the children as if they were their own. Our Principal knows every student by name and greets our kids at the door every morning. The Priest too are amazing! They are there to greet the children when they walk in to school and when they walk out. Academically we are always above the grade. It truly is a family like no other and has been by far the best decision our family has ever made!!
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2013

I will have to agree with the last review. This school is great in academics but the child's spirit will suffer. The teachers are very rigid and the expectations are very high. Young children spend hours doing homework at home when they should be allowed to be children. I feel like my child had lost most of his childhood and self esteem in this school and I regret sending him here. I am glad he is now in a different school and thriving.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2013

I must give this school only two stars. Not because the academics are inadequate, but because the pressure on the child to be an achiever is too much. I had my child enrolled here for in kindergarten. We did not have him enrolled in any advanced reader and match program prior to entering this school. Our child is bright, however he was instantly behind with reading. We were also getting notes that he did not tuck his uniform in, and that he was talking when not permitted or hugging others. He was 5 years old!! We did not intend to have our child treated as if this was a military academy. We were to spend hours on homework every day. which was impossible, since we are both working parents. Our son s spirit was being squelched and crushed right before our eyes. My son would cry every day. This was unbearable. We moved him to another catholic school in the area, and he is blossoming.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2012

St James School forms critical thinkers who make decisions formed by compassion, faith, love, and service to the community, family, and God. I am impressed with the quality of the education and the formation of the students throughout their experience at St James. Its graduates enter High School with a solid foundation for life-long learning coupled with a respect for their peers and teachers. The St James School community is inclusive, warm, kind, faithful and held in high regard. The product that St. James strives to produce is outstanding. What a refreshing atmosphere for learning and growing in today's society!