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track, tennis, cross-country, cheerleading, swimming, soccer and fishing. EXTRACUARRICULAR: PCA has more more than 25 ex- tracurricular options for students of all ages to find activities that interest them. These activities include school ambassadors, art, drama, Science Olympiad, band, Model UN, student government, honor societies, photography and many others. SAINT JAMES SCHOOL (STJ) 6010 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery, AL 36116 TELEPHONE: 334.277.8033 WEBSITE: www.STJweb.org Rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and nationally rec- ognized arts classes combine to create Central Alabama's most engaging independent school environment at Saint James School (STJ). Montgomery's oldest independent school, Saint James pro- vides the most well-rounded course offerings in the area, blending superior academics and state-of-the-art technology, with absorbing enrichment, exploratory, and pre-college major elective classes. The school's talented and dedicated faculty is a vital component of the learning equation, creating a welcoming yet challenging at- mosphere to help students reach their highest potential. As students make great strides academically, they also grow personally, learning to become young women and men of character who are self-mo- tivated, intellectually curious, reflective, confident, and articulate. Saint James has had 23 students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program over the past eight years as well as 27 excep- tional students who were named Advanced Placement Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, AP Scholars with Distinction, and Na- tional AP Scholars this year. STJ offers pre-college major electives, including graphic design, computer science principles, introduction to business, marketing, and personal finance, and so much more – providing students real world experience in college courses of study. STJ envelops students in a 21st century learning environ- ment, providing iPads for Grades 3 through 12, and regular access to iPads and Macbooks in grades Pre-K3 through second grade. FOUNDED: 1955 FOCUS: From the very beginning, teachers in the preschool and elementary grades nurture, engage, and guide young students, providing a strong foundation enhanced by exceptional, modern facilities including both an indoor and outdoor science lab (the latter complete with pond, bog, and butterfly garden). Elementary students also access an outdoor art sketch garden. Use of iPads andMacbooks is fully integrated into the expansive college prepara- tory curriculum throughout the Pre-K3 to Grade 12 experience. STJ's middle school was recognized by the National Middle School Association as one of four schools in the nation for excellence in implementing middle school concepts. High standards, involved instructors, and engaging coursework prepare high school students to excel at the college or university of their choice. Strong academics are balanced with nationally recognized fine arts offerings and state championship athletic programs. A sense of community, fos- tered at the preschool and elementary levels, continues through the upper grades where meaningful community service and vol- unteerism are emphasized. ENROLLMENT: Approximately 850 students. FACULTY: Almost 50 percent of the school's faculty members hold masters or doctoral degrees. ADVANCED PLACEMENT: Bolstered by Saint James' strong college preparatory program, every STJ graduate continues his/her education at the college/university level. Advanced Placement, Honors, and Advanced Classes are offered in 27 areas, encom- passing both middle and high school. AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: Pre-K3: 15; Pre-K4 and K5: 18; Grades 1 to 12: 18. Saint James uniquely assigns a full-time, pro- fessional teacher assistant to every preschool and Kindergarten teacher, providing two adult professionals in each learning envi- ronment. All-day and half-day preschool options are available in Pre-K3 and Pre-K4. EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM: After-school care through STJ WonderWorks is available for students in Pre-K3 through 5th grade, and 9th Period after-school care is available for students in grades 6-12. Both programs include time for study and homework completion. AWARDS/HONORS/RECOGNITION: Saint James School is dually accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Cognia. The National Merit Scholarship Pro- gram has recognized 23 Saint James students for reaching the highest threshold of academic achievement in the past eight years. The College Board named 27 STJ students as AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, AP Scholars with Distinction, and National AP Scholars this year. ATHLETICS: Saint James School has earned 19 state sports championship titles since beginning competitive play, including 38 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com 2020 Private School Review ...................................................................................................