From SJES: Learning, laughing and reconnecting

FROM SAINT JAMES’ EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

The halls of Saint James’ are once again filled with the sounds of students learning, laughing, and reconnecting with friends! We officially kicked off the 2026-27 school year on Aug. 19, welcoming our elementary students back to campus along with new families and several new members of our faculty and staff. Our preschool students joined the fun Aug. 31, and we are excited to have our entire School community together again.

We began the year in a way that is uniquely Saint James’ — gathered together in worship. During our opening Convocation service, Father Ben spoke to our fifth graders about the special responsibility they have as the leaders and role models of our School. He encouraged them to “be a blessing,” lead with kindness, and be a friend to others. It was a meaningful way to set the tone for the year ahead and a wonderful reminder of the important connection between our Church and School.

Students returned to quite a few changes around campus! Summer brought a number of improvements to our building, including freshly painted classrooms, new furniture and learning materials, and the transformation of last year’s third grade classroom into two new spaces to better serve our students and programs. Our Science classroom also received new furniture, creating a more flexible space for hands-on learning and discovery.

The HUB received a makeover as well! The space was reconfigured with Art moving to the front and the Library to the back, allowing us to install a new sink to better support our Art program. The HUB will truly live up to its name this year as a shared learning space for Art, Library, Makerspace, and Mindful Minutes — bringing creativity, exploration, and discovery together under one roof.

We continue to look for new ways to enhance the educational experience at Saint James’ as well. This year, Nature Studies has been added as an enrichment class, giving students another opportunity to learn about the natural world and build upon the hands-on experiences that are already such an important part of our Outdoor Education program. From caring for our chickens and trout on campus to monthly visits to Chapultepec Farm for our kindergarten through fifth grade students, learning extends well beyond the walls of the classroom.

As we begin this new year, we are especially grateful for the relationship we share with Saint James’ Episcopal Church. Our students worship in the Church, learn from Father Ben and Mrs. Taylor, participate in Religious Formation, and experience firsthand what it means to be part of a larger community rooted in faith, service, kindness and love.

If you haven’t visited the School while classes are in session, we would love to welcome you! There is so much happening on campus, and we are always happy to share a glimpse of the learning, growth, and joy taking place each day. We also need helping hands! Contact Liz Rose at advancement@saintjamesepiscopalschool.org if you would like to volunteer at the School.

Thank you for continuing to support, encourage, and pray for our students, families, faculty, and staff. We are looking forward to another wonderful year together!

Contact Saint James’ Episcopal School at office@saintjamesepiscopalschool.org or 540-347-3855.