St James School

PO BOX 310

Bernards, NJ 07920

18 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 19, 2023

I have two children at SJS and will soon have all three there. The youngest is beyond excited to go because she sees how much her brothers love it there. We have been so happy with our experience there, from the extremely dedicated teachers and classroom support staff to the administration. As a child, I was subjected to extreme bullying and abuse at the hands of my peers as well as certain teachers, and I was certain I wanted a better experience for my own children. Saint James has provided everything I was looking for and more. I can't say enough good about this place. A note to non-Catholic families: the school will make you feel welcome even if you don't practice the same faith. A non-trivial number of students are not practicing Roman Catholics, and everyone gets along just fine.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2023

Saint James School was a lifesaver for my family. My daughter had it rough in public school and her Catholic School closed. The Saint James Family welcomed us in. My daughter got all of the special services she needed right away and they were flexible with us as my daughter went to national equestrian events. Bullying is not tolerated at all. We will miss SJS very much, but we are please with the emotional and educational values she received while at SJS.
Submitted by student on March 16, 2022

The teachers are Great then learning experience is great. Everything is great except the students. I got blamed for everything. The students treat me rudely. People gossip about me. Though It’s ok overall.
Submitted by student on June 28, 2021

everyone may politely exit. i do not like anyone and i got blamed for everything and i lowkey got bullied but that's fine bc the kids are homophobic so they are irrelevant
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2019

I am extremely happy with this school, the community of parents are inclusive of everyone and with the church presence is phenomenal.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2017

We have two children that graduated SJS and moved on to RHS and one child presently attending SJS. Our high school aged children were more than adequately prepared for high school. They work hard and are doing very well. SJS feeds into RHS and many of the area's high-caliber high schools. SJS students as a whole, are doing phenomenally well in high school and beyond. Aside from academics, we honestly feel that SJS has helped us raise our children. As parents we feel strongly supported by SJS in the Catholic and Christian foundation they provide and weave through everything they do at the school. The partnership between parents and the school provides a strong grounding in morals and character development right through 8th grade which has helped my teens with the many and difficult challenges they face in high school.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2017

My two older children attended Saint James and my youngest is a student at SJS now. My older children were more than adequately prepared when they continued their education at the public high school in town.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2016

I have children in both the middle school and elementary grades. At the end of this school year, I am taking my children out of SJS after nearly 8 years in the school. The new principal does not deal with discipline issues effectively. There is still a lot of bullying even now mainly because the Administration will not suspend or expel repeat offenders, despite claims indicating otherwise. Also, I liked that SJS offered a computer science class to all students in past years; the project based learning concept does not adequately make up for this, and is not adding anything better to the curriculum. All that brand new computer equipment is underutilized-- my elementary aged child has hardly been in the computer lab/media center this school year. Until this school gets serious about weeding out the children with serious behavioral issues, and properly implements academic changes, along with qualified people in place for project based learning adequately trained to handle this change in teaching approach, the school will not get any better. In fact, it's getting worse. To see a once happy and thriving school sink to this state is saddening.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2016

We currently have one daughter at SJS and three have graduated. We continue to find SJS a great school that challenges and prepares the children very effectively. I understand that bullying issues, which are not common, have been dealt with head on, resulting in departures from the school. While any change in the learning approach will result in questions, the project-based learning has resulted in our daughter's subject areas better resonating with her. We were also notified recently that a very significant donation was made to enhance technology and STEM learning. SJS is a solid school that is moving in the right direction.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2016

Our experience this past year at SJS has been quite unsettling. There is bullying in the middle school that is not being effectively stopped by the Principal. Computer classes have been discontinued. The project based learning experiment has left both students and teachers with more questions than answers sometimes. It is unfortunate that the substantial tuition increase for next year is not being justified by the results of this academic year.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2016

Both the new Pastor and Principal demonstrated their commitment to our school immediately. In a short period of time they have introduced new policies and are working on new programs to benefit our children. Their care and devotion, along with that of the teachers, is admirable. We've had children in St. James for over 10 years and are excited about it's future!
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2016

This is our family's 7th year at Saint James and we couldn't be happier. Our daughters are challenged academically and are thriving. The school staff puts their heart and soul into reinforcing the Catholic values we're teaching at home. The new principal and pastor are wonderful and very committed to continuing to raise the bar at this great school. Can't imagine our kids going anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2016

As a parent in the school for the past 7 years, I have watched this school decline in overall quality. There is no longer academic enrichment nor a computer/technology class.Teachers are not held accountable by Administration to deliver quality academics. Discipline is virtually nonexistent; there are no consequences for students who engage in harassment and bullying other than verbal reprimand. The enrollment has dropped nearly 50% over past 3 years. If the situation is not turned around quickly, more students will leave, including mine.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2015

We have been at St. James for 6 years, with children at both the elementary and middle school levels. The school started out being better than average, but each year has declined. This is reflected in 4 of their 8 grades now consisting of just one class instead of two classes - people are pulling their children out because the academics have become so awful. Teachers are very defensive if you attempt to ask any questions. The school is doing a lot in the community to beef up their enrollment, but until they address their weak academics, the lack of any after school clubs, and very little in the way of sports programs, they will continue to sink deeper and lose more students. Our children have generally gotten all A+ grades, with a few A grades here and there. But this is because we tutor them at home to prepare them adequately. If you don't have the time to prepare your kids and fill in the gaps, this school would be a bad choice for you. This will definitely be our last year at St. James.
Submitted by other on June 05, 2015

My son is thriving in this school. It is worth every quarter. He will be going to 8th grade this coming year. Its a great school.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2015

Our 4th child is now attending St. James School and we have been very pleased with the education they've all received. Our children have learned three different languages at the school, and all have participated in the academic enrichment program, which offers extra academic involvement for students who excel. Math and science are taken in small-group environment starting in 6th grade, which gives the students greater student-teacher interaction, and is especially helpful during labs. The science curriculum is a bit advanced for some, but teachers offer daily before-school assistance. There are many after-school activities for those who are interested: basketball, softball, cross country, track, art classes, scouts, children's choir, youth ministry program, etc. There are opportunities for parents to be involved, even in the higher grades. Lunch &recess are designed for students to unwind with classmates and enjoy outdoor basketball, playground, grassy areas, kickball, football, etc.. Full time counselor and nurse, academic assistance program. I rated at 4 stars instead of 5 because the 3rd grade is hideous. Most parents here agree.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2013

We chose St. James for its combination of high academic standars, parent and teacher involvement, and emphasis on the core values of the Catholic faith. We have not been disappointed in our choice, but have been increasling pleased and satisfied
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2013

We left another school to come to St. James and are so happy we have found this amazing school. Not only is the basic curriculum filled with depth and imagination, but so are the specials such as art, music and computers. My child in kindergarten knows the varies periods in art history because the teacher loves what she does and teaches students how their project ties into the history of art around the world. My 5th grader is already speaking French. The school does a phenomenal job with activities such as the annual science fair, geography bee, presentation of saints, Battle of the Books (where children read books and then participate in a book-reading "bee"), writing workshops, etc. The principal is visible and attentive. Parents are encouraged to be as involved as they can be; the HSA does a great job focusing on fund-raising events that encourage family time, such as Family movie night, Family Game Night, Advent Wreath building, etc. The academics are strong and challenge students to achieve an A. There is a true in-school academic enrichment program for those who excel and need something more. The new cross-country team was a great addition this year and kids loved it.