We l com e
Our belief in preserving the wonder of childhood is woven through every moment of our youngest students' experience in our Preschool classes. We are a warm, inclusive community filled with intellectually curious, dynamic learners who believe in the power of questions. We ask our questions together, we search for answers together, we make our educational journey together.
At St. James’, we believe that even our youngest learners have the capacity for deep thought and collective action. Thus, all of our preschool to grade 6 students actively engage in service learning. Our excellent academic program, built on solid social-emotional foundations, ensures our students are ready for the next step on their educational path.
I invite you to come learn more about us!
Sincerely,
Diane Rich Head of School
At a Glance
PRESCHOOL:
Grades
PRESCHOOL - SIXTH GRADE
STUDENTS ENROLLED 385
KINDERGARTEN–SIXTH GRADE:
At St. James’, we believe in...
preserving the wonder of childhood.
supporting the spiritual and social development of each child.
providing our children an exceptional academic foundation. the strength of a diverse and welcoming community.
We believe in preserving the wonder of childhood
Wonder of Childhood
As a child, everything is new. Playing together, taking turns, and sharing resources are all very important skills we practice to be compassionate leaders. Our outdoor classroom extension connects students with nature, creating an environment where students thrive in the wondrous exploration of all that life has to offer! We know students build their confidence when they are able to safely experiment with new activities, examine new ideas, play freely, and discover a variety of cultures. With this growth mindset, research tells us that what they can achieve is virtually boundless!
Beyond School After Care
When the school day ends at 3:00 p.m., preschoolers have the option to stay and play until 5:00 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. This program is play-based, child-centered, nurturing, and tuition-inclusive. Enjoy peace of mind as your child explores, socializes, and has fun in a safe environment while you finish your day.
Co-curricular Classes
Our co-curricular classes provide wonder and joy for all our students on a daily basis. These subjects allow even our youngest students to engage with many different programs that emphasize fun and making friendships, which in turn translate into social-emotional intelligence as the children acquire new skills and confidence.
• Art
• Music
• Performing Arts
• P.E. (KRP only)
Academic Foundation
We believe that preschool is where children form their first impressions of the world around them. We believe learning and play are linked, not separate, creating natural curiosity about letters and numbers, thereby setting our children up with an excellent academic foundation. Academic achievement begins with educators who engage children with empathy, insight, and an awareness of the many ways that children learn. A strong preschool curriculum includes empowering young children to feel good about themselves, think for themselves, have integrity, and have a sense of their own imaginative power. Through a combination of explorative play, academic infused circle time, and self-selected centers, students are exposed to early literacy and academic building blocks through an anti-bias and moral curriculum.
The Dolphins class introduces our youngest students to school life. This is often the first shift away from spending the majority of their time at home and we understand the sensitivity that comes with this transition both for children and skills are honed and confidence is built through exploration, play, and learning. Some of these 'firsts' include:
• • understanding and responding to 2-step directions
• naming basic shapes
• fine and gross motor skills
• grouping and sorting objects
• sensory exploration of textures, scents, shapes, and sizes
• early literacy of sounds and letters
The foundations of learning continue in the Butterflies class as our 3 turning 4 year olds begin to learn the first concepts related to math, science, and social studies. Exploration remains at the heart of the Butterflies program while letter and numerical literacy are established. Age-appropriate activities are designed for children to be initiators and for teachers to support them in a process where learning is fun without rigidly defined limits. Areas of exploration include:
• early literacy of identifying letters A-Z in random order
• math concepts of sorting and matching
• science and social studies
Our Kindergarten Readiness Program is a special bridge between preschool and Kindergarten. Our teachers provide a strong introduction into formal academic curriculum in language arts, science, mathematics, and social studies. The program also serves as a vehicle for the emergent development of the These academic introductions include:
• printing, counting, and identifying numbers 0 -10
• beginning to rote count up to 100
• drawing and identifying simple shapes
• printing, identifying, and recognizing letter sounds A-Z
• problem solving
Spiritual & Social Development
Kindness is woven into the fabric of life at St. James'. We recognize and respect the ethnic diversity of all our students. We do this by introducing children to the world's religious and cultural traditions, ensuring they are honored and explained in an age-appropriate way. Nurturing empathy and cooperation through a combination of service learning, social development, and spirituality builds strong self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Service learning
service learning is an essential part of who
we are — from our youngest 2-year-olds to our graduating 6th graders. The herbs and produce grown at the preschool, tended by our youngest learners, are
Grade class takes responsibility for preparing salads and sandwiches for our local Soup Kitchen's Friday and Saturday meal service. This weekly rhythm of giving connects students to the needs of others in a meaningful, hands-on way.
Students provide support in many different ways, including:
• community cards, greeting & gratitude
• community garden
• donation drives
• Los Angeles River stewardship
• marine environmental stewardship
• Soup Kitchen
Social Development
Because children (and adults alike) have moments that feel overwhelming, teachers provide a space where students can go and receive support when time is needed to reflect, regain equilibrium before moving forward, navigate big feelings, or socialize with like-minded peers.
Responsive Classroom
A Responsive Classroom
emotions and interactions are acknowledged with kindness and respect. This approach helps children develop a sense of self-worth and resilience while fostering positive relationships and instilling compassion for others. We at St. James' share the value of raising grateful children who are willing to help others.
We believe in the premise of the book The Wonder Drug that service leads to improved overall well-being. Within this context, teachers work with students on the social-emotional development of:
• listening skills
• problem solving skills
• critical thinking skills
• conflict resolution
• cooperation
• sharing, waiting, and taking turns
Welcoming Community
diversity as a core strength. As a learning community of teachers, staff, and students, we value and respect the differences among us, cultivating a sense of belonging while inviting conversations about different perspectives. In addition to inclusive hiring and admission practices, our curriculum, co-curricular activities, and special events incorporate perspectives and voices that reflect the , including the many heritage groups of our own neighborhood. We also encourage our students and families to celebrate their own cultural identities, faiths, and backgrounds.
Equity & Belonging
that children – frankly all people – thrive most when they feel safe and that they belong. In this environment, children learn best. So we are committed to our Episcopal ethos of inclusivity and believe prioritizing an equitable environment promotes a sense of belonging for the entire community.
2025 - 2026 STUDENT DIVERSITY
2025 - 2026 STAFF DIVERSITY
2025 - 2026 TUITION ASSISTANCE
Multiracial
Cultural events
the cultures of various communities. Our extensive program honors traditions and customs in the form of music, dance, and performance for:
• Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month
• • Christmas
• Día de Los Muertos
• Diwali
•
• Jewish holidays
• Lunar New Year
• PRIDE celebration
•
Parent Association & Parent Involvement
Association upon enrollment. While there are no requirements, volunteer opportunities abound, from the more consistent participation at the Committee level to the more periodic roles for specific events. Some parent volunteer opportunities include:
• Back to School Family Picnic
• Cultural Celebration Committees
• Debbie Allen Dance Academy Block Party
• Every Child Fund Ambassadors
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•
• In-N-Out lunch
• Larchmont Family Fair
• Library Support
•
• Room Parents
• Spring Gala
•
• Staff Appreciation
• Sustainability Committee
• Used Uniforms (elementary students only) & St. James' Merch
Dates & Checklists
• Applications Open: September 1, 2025
• Applications Due: December 1, 2025
• Supplemental Materials Due: December 1, 2025
• Sibling and Priority Action Applicant Decisions shared by December 31, 2025
• Regular Applicant Decisions shared by January 28, 2026
PRESCHOOL APPLICATION CHECKLIST
(2-year-olds & 3-year-olds)
Complete an Application
Attend a Preschool Family Interview
KINDERGARTEN READINESS APPLICATION CHECKLIST
(4-year-olds & 5-year-olds)
Complete an Application
Attend Preschool Family Interview
Submit a Teacher Recommendation Form (must come directly from the teacher)
OPEN HOUSES
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
SMALL GROUP TOURS
Every Wednesday October 15, 2025 – November 19, 2025 9:00am – 10:00am 10:00am – 11:00am
PARENT INTERVIEWS
Parent interviews are held by appointment from October through February.
Additional Admission Opportunities
• Family Partnership Series
• Chapel Services
• All-School Assemblies
• In-N-Out Burger Lunch
• Larchmont Family Fair: October 26, 2025
• Tuition Assistance Webinar
• Priority Action Webinar
Tuition & fees: 2025–2026*
Preschool Tuition (Includes 4-week Summer Program & After Care): $27,830
Kindergarten Readiness Program (KRP) Tuition (Includes 4-week Summer Program & After Care): $32,590
Kindergarten - 3rd Grade Tuition: $37,890
4th - 6th Grade Tuition: $35,600
**Tuition Rates include an annual registration fee. 10-Month and bi-annual payment plans available (additional fees apply)
One-time New Student Fee: $2,250
Parent Association Dues: $150
St. James' preschoolers have the option to stay and play until 5:00 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. This Beyond School Program is tuition-inclusive.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance is offered on an extremely limited basis in the preschool years; more tuition assistance is available for elementary school. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information on the tuition assistance process.