Potential Magazine Winter 2016 | Page 28

Saint James School 6010 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL (334) 273-3021 • www.stjweb.org About: Saint James School began as a kindergarten in 1955 and throughout its decades of growth and expansion has always remained true to its original mission: “We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives of responsibility, service, and achievement.” Class Size: Saint James has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 with an average class size of 18 students. Career-based Programs: In middle school, Saint James conducts a Career Assessment in 7th grade and Career Week program in 8th grade with career research, job application, resume building, letter writing, and professional shadowing. In high school, Saint James offers 20 AP and advanced courses, and a full range of electives including unique initiatives aimed at sharpening students’ abilities in future college majors and promoting learning for a 21st century world. Athletics: Saint James School offers 48 competitive athletic teams from girls and boys basketball and soccer, football, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, an equestrian team, track and field, wrestling – the list goes on! The Saint James head coaches and assistant coaches have vast experience playing and coaching collegiate and professional sports. This experience creates connections for Saint James athletes who want to pursue playing sports at the next level. In recent years, athletes from Saint James School have moved on to play in Division I sports programs at Auburn University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Vanderbilt University, Florida A&M, and more. Music/Fine Arts: Saint James offers music and art appreciation from Pre-K3 through high school. In middle school and high school, students are able to select from a number of acclaimed art, photography, and music courses. Each year, many of the Saint James students in these programs earn local, state, regional, and national commendation for their talents. Academics: The college preparatory curriculum at Saint James School blends superior academics and state-of-the-art technology with absorbing enrichment and exploratory classes, and innovative electives. 20 AP and Advanced high school courses are offered. College Prep: Saint James School offers a college preparatory curriculum with college counseling beginning in 9th grade. The school offers parents and students many opportunities to attend workshops and educational seminars regarding college applications, financial aid, etc. The high school counselors at Saint James begin individual college-counseling sessions with students in their junior year. The students are invited to meet L4 | Winter 2016 college representatives when they visit Saint James throughout the school year. This year the college counselors at Saint James School began using Naviance as a resource tool with their students. This robust program identifies students’ strengths and interests, helps narrow their college search, and assists students through the application and admissions process. Several opportunities are offered for parents and teens to prepare for college including College Planning Night, Scholarship/Financial Aid Workshops, and Standardized Test Workshops. The Saint James School Class of 2016 earned $4.5 million in scholarships and the Saint James School Class of 2015 earned $8.4 million in scholarships. www.potentialmagazine.com