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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 17 students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program over the past five years. Additionally, 21 ex- ceptional students from Saint James were named Advanced Place- ment Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, and AP Scholars with Distinction this year. STJ offers pre-college major electives, includ- ing robotics/engineering, pre-law, graphic design, and more - pro- viding students real world experience in college courses of study. STJ envelops students in a 21st century learning environment, providing Macbooks and iPads for Grades 3 to 12, and regular ac- cess to iPods, iPads, and Macbooks in grades Pre-K3 through sec- ond 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 laboratory. Use of iPods, 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 915 students. FACULTY: A majority 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 23 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 pre-school 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 at STJ WonderWorks is available for students in grades Pre-K3 through 5 and includes time for study and homework completion. AWARDS/HONORS/RECOGNITION: Saint James School is dually accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/AdvancED. The National Merit Scholarship Program has recognized 17 Saint James students for reaching the highest thresh- old of academic achievement in the past five years. The College Board named 21 STJ students as AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honors, and AP Scholars with Distinction this year. ATHLETICS: Saint James School has won 29 state sports cham- pionships since beginning competitive play, including Alabama’s 2017 4A State Volleyball Championship and Alabama's 2015 4A State Golf Championship. The school offers 48 team sports played in the AHSAA’s aggressive 3A Division, including football, baseball, softball, basketball, cross country, wrestling, indoor track, soccer, tennis, golf, and cheerleading. After winning their recent state title, Saint James Volleyball competed in the 5A Division this year. Of note, STJ offers the only official high school equestrian team in the area. ARTS: Saint James seniors are regularly awarded scholarships to nationally respected arts colleges, based on their excellent choral, band, dramatics, and visual arts training. The 2015 Marching Trojans were ranked third in class nationally at the Bands of Amer- ica Grand National Competition. STJ’s acclaimed Performing Arts Department stages three elaborate dramatic and musical produc- tions each year, using a modern wireless sound system in the school’s spacious theater. There are also studios and rehearsal spaces for band and choral music, and facilities for teaching drama and technical theatre classes. Artwork created by Saint James stu- dents is often displayed at locally galleries, pieces are consistently selected through competition for regional display, and many stu- dents are recognized with Scholastic Gold and Silver Keys each year. Several Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the arts are of- fered to students each year at Saint James. ANNUAL TUITION: New for 2019-2020 - Saint James tuition will include lunch for all students Pre-K3 through twelfth grade - to be served in the school's new Commons facility. Tuition also includes activity fees for Pre-K3 through fifth grade; all school supplies for elementary students; all school supplies for middle school students (will not include calculator, ear buds, or iPad sty- lus); consumable books for Pre-K3 through eighth grade; day field trips for all grades; fall school pictures for all grades; junior and senior class fees; most middle school textbooks; PTO dues for each family; student admission to all home sporting events; technology fee for all grades; and a yearbook for all students. Cur- rent tuition rates are listed on the school’s website at STJweb.org. Additionally, Saint James School makes funds available on an an- nual basis to assist families who demonstrate need in meeting the cost of an independent school education. Please see Financial Assistance and Scholarship details on the school’s website at STJweb.org. OPEN HOUSE: Mark your calendar for two important dates! On Sunday, January 26, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. in the Saint James El- ementary School Leu Media Center, prospective 6th-12th grade students and their parents who are interested in learning more about the curriculum, electives, and extra-curricular programs at Saint James are invited to attend the STJ Pop Up Shop. Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with teachers, sponsors, coaches, and others who are involved in academics, athletics, and the arts. And, on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., also in the Saint James Elementary School Leu Media Center, the school is hosting its annual Open House for families of prospective Pre- K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten students; the afternoon Open House is an annual favorite for new families. Open House includes en- gaging, special activities for the children, in addition to informa- 52 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com 2018 Private School Review ....................................................................................................