Our Episcopal Identity

What is an Episcopal School?

An Episcopal school is comprehensive and inclusive.

A distinguishing characteristic of Episcopal schools is the integration of religious and spiritual formation into every aspect of school life.  As an Episcopal school, we exist not merely to educate, but to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth of all human beings as creations of a loving God. 

An education in the Episcopal Church tradition integrates spiritual formation into all aspects of the educational experience. Importantly, Episcopal schools are diverse ministries of educational and spiritual formation which welcome people of all religious, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

At St. James, we value faculty and students of diverse heritages and customs because we believe St. James is strengthened by unique and diverse perspectives. Because we wish to be broadly inclusive of the community we serve, we value and respect differences. Most importantly, St. James looks for the values and ideals that unite people as opposed to those that divide.

Weekly Chapel:

“Episcopal schools are created to be communities that honor, celebrate, and worship God as the center of Life” (from the National Association of Episcopal Schools). The chapel program is the symbol of what makes an Episcopal school unique. We pray, we sing, and we say the Lord’s Prayer. The traditions of other denominations and faith groups are respected, and the school welcomes families of all religious faith groups and Christian denominations. Episcopal school worship embraces the full breadth of the human family!

Our School Prayer 

Dear God,

Thank you for this day,

This day that you have made

For our families, friends and teachers,

For our work and play

Lord please bless St. James our School

And be with us today

to love to learn and learn to love

like You in every way

Help our hands, our hearts and minds,

to be loving, true and kind

And help us to remember, too,

We are always loved by You.