St James School

25 Graham Street

Biddeford, ME 04005

7 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 03, 2023

This school says they have small class sizes, differentiate education, and can help kids who need an IEP. They didn’t have any of that. The pre-K class had well over 30 kids in it (with close to 30 coming on a daily basis), so it seemed like most of the day was spent in transitions (waiting for 30 kids to use the bathroom at once). My child was there for 6 months and they never figured out they could already read or do addition and subtraction. There were so many assistants and only one head teacher and they all had different expectations and reactions to behavior. We had an IEP going into the year and they kept saying they wanted to wait for a meeting to set up their own ISP until they knew her better, but they didn’t follow her IEP or agree to a meeting. They kicked us out after I formally requested a meeting because they “have asbestos in their ceiling and (my pre-k child) threw blocks at the ceiling.” No notice, just a call to tell us not to come back the next day. No goodbyes to teachers or classmates, nothing. The teacher even admitted she didn’t believe me when I told her what was needed. Even CDS offering more services didn’t change their mind. My child still has emotional scars from the experience and had months of nightmares. The things that were on her IEP were things that help all kids, like advanced notice about schedule changes, visual supports, and motor breaks. When we switched schools and they followed her IEP she was able to remain at the school without any additional supports than what she was getting at St. James. If you have a child with average intelligence and not a truly gifted child with the asynchronous development that comes with it, this is probably an okay school, but the classroom size is still way too large to really have much instruction time and they didn’t have all of the specials that were advertised like French lessons. Their reading instruction was also not science based. They were teaching the kids to look at the pictures to guess the words.
Submitted by principal on May 21, 2020

This school is a small family community where kids come first and the whole child is taught to be a responsible, caring citizen of the world. It is a tremendous value to set the foundation for students to succeed. The academics are rigorous but the teachers are there to ensure success for all. This is an amazing school!
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2015

We are in our 10th year at St. James (began with 2 years of pre-k) and are happy with the many opportunities for learning St. James provides. Expectations for academic work, behavior and respect are high and the smaller class size affords teachers the ability to maintain the raised standards. Students of different ages interact with each other at recess(yes, even middle schoolers get physical activity during the day!), lunch and as church buddies fostering a true community within the school. As a parent, it is reassuring to know the values of hard work and respect are integrated into all aspects of the school day.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2014

I would recommend St James School to anyone. I think St James is a five star school. The teachers are great. They know their students and can give them extra help if they need it. It's nice to have small classes also. Mrs. Naimey is a very good principal. The final piece to making St James a five star school is wonderful parent involvement. It's great to have a choice. My son is in 8th grade so I'm posting my review from experience. Call 282-4084 if you would like to schedule a visit.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2013

I cannot say enough good things about this program! I have sent both of my children here over the past three years and have had a wonderful experience on both occasions. The staff is extremely welcoming and they are all focused on my children s well-being. Three years ago, my husband was relocated to the area. My oldest child previously hated going to preschool. However, after only two weeks at St. James preschool, my child had an entirely different outlook on school. The program recently expanded so I was able to send my second child to preschool for a full day program. I was also very pleased with this and could not recommend a better place for my children. As a whole, the program is extremely accommodating, and chances are if you ask, they will do whatever they can to help you. Not to mention that the prices are also extremely reasonable given all that the program has to offer!
Submitted by other on February 06, 2013

I went to school here, and it was very nice actually. Though it was a small school, the teachers were very nice and always patient with whomever it was and whatever the need was. They always put the kids first. I moved away when in second grade, and I guess they don't have a lot of people there anymore. Now I'm in public school and I love it more then ever!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2012

Everyone at the school was so nice the first 2 times i met them..but when the first week of preschool started for my daughter, i was called 3 times...first one was the day after school asking if my daughter knew how to eat a sandwich, and "if i were mom i woujld pack her mac n cheese for lunch" "maybe you could tell your daughter to eat like a "good girl" at school" Your daugter is fidgety during story time and rest time" " your daughters attention span is 1-5 mins you should get her checked out" I did an they said there was nothing wrong with my daughter. so i switched preschools. went in a few days ago to collect my daughters things and the preschool teachers were not speaking very nicely to 3 and 4 your olds in my opinion. A school you are paying money for should ask "what can i do for your child so she/he gets the best learning experience " not tell you what you should do and how you should do it. my daughter was at this school for 3 weeks and i pulled her a few weeks ago and found a preschool that lets my daughter be who she wants to be!
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2011

A gem of a school! To experience St. James, step inside the school where the halls echo with excellence, creativity, love, respect, smiles, and compassion. St. James has extraordinary teachers, administration, and staff devoted to quality education. Our two children have attended for almost a decade and we are extremely grateful to St. James and the supportive parish. Students attend from various communities and religious affiliations. St. James has offered Preschool, full-day Kindergarten, French, Choir, Band, bi-annual Musical Productions, Extended Care, Harvest Festivals, Easter Eggstravaganza, and more traditions. St. James is not just a school -- St. James is a family and a second home for our children. St. James provides weekly newsletters which include school activities and events, study tips, parenting articles, and recommended reading. In writing this I realize educating my children has been the easy part for St. James; perhaps it is us, the parents, who have the most to learn. .