St. James School, Rockford's first Catholic parish, was founded in 1853.
Our school was founded in 1886, at the time there were 3 teachers and 85 students.
We now have a full staff and over two hundred eighteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
St. James School strives to provide our students with a curriculum that enables academic excellence, while instilling the basic skills necessary to succeed.
Instruction in Reading, Math, Language, Science, Social Studies, and Handwriting are the foundation of our academic curriculum.
We recently added a new science lab, art room, computer lab, and school chapel.
The students also have weekly access to library skills/resource education and physical education.
Our students receive religious education at every grade level; this is the foundation of their spiritual preparation.
Students are encouraged to participate in school masses and prayer services held throughout the year.
Our goal at St. James School is to foster a gospel-centered learning environment supported by parents, students, and staff as a team effort.
As a Catholic community, it is important for every member to demonstrate fair treatment of one another.
In an effort to encourage positive Christian behavior, we recognize responsible and acceptable school behavior with our "Pride" program and on an individual basis.
Our discipline policy can be found in the student handbook.
Uniforms play an important role in the philosophy of our Catholic School.
They minimize the importance of competition or preoccupation with what we wear, and help reduce the financial burden on parents.
This policy can also be found in the student handbook.
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Student Body
Total Students
155 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
47%
State avg.: 34%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- St. James School, Rockford's first Catholic parish, was founded in 1853. Our school was founded in 1886, at the time there were 3 teachers and 85 students. We now have a full staff and over two hundred eighteen students in kindergarten through eighth grade. St. James School strives to provide our students with a curriculum that enables academic excellence, while instilling the basic skills necessary to succeed. Instruction in Reading, Math, Language, Science, Social Studies, and Handwriting are the foundation of our academic curriculum. We recently added a new science lab, art room, computer lab, and school chapel. The students also have weekly access to library skills/resource education and physical education. Our students receive religious education at every grade level; this is the foundation of their spiritual preparation. Students are encouraged to participate in school masses and prayer services held throughout the year. Our goal at St. James School is to foster a gospel-centered learning environment supported by parents, students, and staff as a team effort. As a Catholic community, it is important for every member to demonstrate fair treatment of one another. In an effort to encourage positive Christian behavior, we recognize responsible and acceptable school behavior with our "Pride" program and on an individual basis. Our discipline policy can be found in the student handbook. Uniforms play an important role in the philosophy of our Catholic School. They minimize the importance of competition or preoccupation with what we wear, and help reduce the financial burden on parents. This policy can also be found in the student handbook.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for St. James Catholic School?
The application deadline for St. James Catholic School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school and elementary school to St. James Catholic School is Keith Country Day School (1.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Ryan Jury Child Development Learning Center (0.8 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Ryan Jury Child Development Learning Center
Daycare / Preschool
Grades: NS | 13 students 0.8 miles 122 Williams Park
Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 489-9501
Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 489-9501
0.8
NS
13
Keith Country Day School
Special Program Emphasis
Grades: PK-12 | 213 students 1.7 miles 1 Jacoby Pl
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 399-8823
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 399-8823
1.7
PK-12
213
St. Paul Cogic Academy
(Church of God in Christ)
Grades: NS-5 | 25 students 1.8 miles 1001 Bishop Washington Ave
Rockford, IL 61102
(815) 965-4308
Rockford, IL 61102
(815) 965-4308
1.8
NS-5
25
Grades: PK-8 | 114 students 1.9 miles 2300 North Bell Avenue
Rockford, IL 61103
(815) 968-2288
Rockford, IL 61103
(815) 968-2288
1.9
PK-8
114
Lydia Urban Academy-rockford
(Christian)
Grades: 9-12 | 15 students 2 miles 2323 S 6th St
Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 966-0039
Rockford, IL 61104
(815) 966-0039
2
9-12
15
Recent Articles
Why Do Private Schools Get a Bad Rap?
The article encourages readers to look beyond stereotypes and consider the unique qualities each private school offers.
Unlocking the Future: The Power of STEAM Education
In this article we look at the benefits of a STEAM education, highlighting its interdisciplinary approach, the subjects involved, and the value it brings to students.
June 11, 2024
6 Schools and Their BeginningsThis article explores the rich histories of several prestigious schools in the United States, including the Allen-Stevenson School, Lycée Français de New York, Catherine Cook School, Shattuck-St. Mary's School, and The Spence School. It explores their origins, founders, growth, philosophies, and enduring legacies, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence and progressive education principles.
