St. James School, a fully accredited 3 PK -8 located in Highwood IL, has been providing a quality education for over 85 years.
Particularly during this time of change and challenge, Catholic schools provide long-term benefits to the nation's youth: a high-quality, faith-based education that will continue to pay dividends for years to come. Families and communities can count on Catholic schools to instill in students the faith, knowledge, morals and discipline that will enable them to fulfill their future roles as committed citizens, productive employees and effective leaders.
At St. James School all students are given an opportunity for educational excellence and religious formation in the Catholic intellectual tradition and challenged by a curriculum of the highest caliber in a safe, loving, family centered environment.
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St. James Catholic School is pleased to announce recently released Stanford Early Achievement Test results scored our Kindergarten students in the 98th Percentile for the 2009-2010 school year.
A pretest given in the fall scored the class in the 83rd percentile, an excellent score. Maintaining that score would be a success; to increase to the 98th percentile is extremely successful. According to statisticians from the Archdiocese of Chicago it is a “remarkable feat” as it becomes increasingly more difficult to move even 1 percentile point the higher students rank on the scale.
In the 2009-10 school year, St. James implemented the Rowland Reading Program, a core reading program for pre K through 2nd grade students. Built on systematic phonics, the program combines reading, writing, spelling and grammar to teach children how to read with the goal of creating fluent readers by the time they leave the primary grades. The Rowland Reading Program has designated St. James School a “Super School”. A super school implements the reading program in Pre K through 2nd grades, receives training, coaching and support from the Rowland Reading Foundation. Volunteer “Super Tutors” are trained to provide meaningful support. St. James scored the highest in the nation among schools using this program. St. James scored in the top 2% of all kindergartners nationwide.
If you are interested in learning more about how your child(ren) can build a solid reading foundation as well as experience educational excellence, please call the office today at 847-432-2277.
St. James Parish is celebrating its centennial with events scheduled all year long. We hope you will join us for the celebration which will include the annual Parish Gala, an all-school reunion (June 2012), a Mass with Cardinal Francis George in September 2012 as well as many other events during the year.
We would love to use pictures that you may have of the church/school from the last 100 years. Please drop them off at the rectory marked with your name and phone number so they can be returned once we scan them. To view the list of events, please click here . We look forward to seeing you at the events.
We are gearing up for an ALL SCHOOL REUNION for St. James School June 22-24, 2012. This event will be part of the parish centennial celebration. We want to contact as many alumni as possible. If you are a St. James School Alum, or know someone who is, please send us an e-mail at
Join us for National Catholic Schools Week, starting Sunday, January 29.
This year's theme is "Catholic Schools: Faith. Academics. Service" which focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational institutions. Children are taught faith -- not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. Service, the giving of one's time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.
Please plan on attending our Open House on Sunday, January 29 from 10:00 to 11:30 am. You'll be able to meet the teachers, tour the school, and see for yourself what St. James School can offer your family. If you would like to visit during the week, please call the school office (847-432-2277) to schedule a tour.
Sunday, January 29 - In Our Parish & Volunteers
7:30 am- 12:00 - Pancake Breakfast
8:15 - 12:00 - Scholastic Book Fair
9:00 - 10:00 am - Family Mass
10:00 - 11:30 am- OPEN HOUSE
Monday, January 30 - In Our Nation
8:15 am - 3:30 pm - Scholastic Book Fair
1:30 pm - Spelling Bee
Tuesday, January 31 - In Our Community
9:30 - 11:00 am - Mommy & Me Story Hour for 2 yr olds
Donations for the St. James Food Pantry
Make Valentines for Nursing Home
Wednesday, February 1 - In Our Vocations
8:15 am - 3:30 pm- Scholastic Book Fair
8:20 am - Vocation Paraliturgy with Guest Speakers
Thursday, February 2 - In Our Faculty & Staff
9:30 am - Kindergarten Play ~ The Kitten
Faculty Luncheon
1:00 pm - Academic Bowl
Friday, February 3 - In Our Students
Dress Down & Crazy Hat Day
8:20 a.m. - First Friday Mass
8:20 am - First Friday Mass
1:00 - 3:00 pm - Student activities
For more information, contact 847-432-2277.
Join us as the celebration of St. James Parish 100th Anniversary continues. This Sunday is the annual Pancake Breakfast hosted by St. James Athletic Club. Bring the whole family and enjoy a delicious breakfast and fellowship. All proceeds will benefit the St. James School Athletic Programs.
Yummy!
We are very excited about our upcoming Luau Book Fair. An amazing selection of books is headed our way! At the Book Fair, you will find the latest and finest titles for kids, as well as books of interest to parents. This is an event where the whole family can join in the fun. And, you can contribute books to the school. It's a great way to get everyone excited about reading! See you there.
Sunday, January 29 - 8:15 - 12:00
Monday, January 30 - 8:15 am - 3:30 pm
Tuesday, January 31 - 8:15 am - 3:30 pm
Wednesday, February 1 - 8:15 am - 3:30 pm
Parent and Tot time is a great introduction to preschool while still having moms, dads, or caregivers present. Children will have a chance to participate in song and dance as well as experience free play and arts & crafts. The Parent and Tot Program is a way to build socialization skills and encourage confidence and independence. Please call the school office for more information 847-432-2277
St. James School is collecting eyeglasses which will be distributed to people in Central America. Please start searching for old glasses that are no longer used in your home. Ask friends and neighbors to search and collect too! Bring your old glasses to the school office or place them in the basket in back of church. It's that EASY! And you will be helping many people. We thank you in advance!
Please register for the Instant Alert System. It is mandatory and extremely important that every family is registered for the Instant Alert System. This system will be used to notify families of school closings, emergency closings and other general information. To register please go to