Academics at St. James

Donna Lamonte
Assistant Head of School

Louisiana State University-B.S.
Louisiana State University-M.Ed.

Academics at St. James

St. James offers a rigorous curriculum focused on developing the whole child while encouraging each student to reach their highest potential. At the core of our academic program is the desire for all of our students to become critical thinkers, independent problem solvers, skilled communicators, and confident learners.

- Donna Lamonte, Assistant Head of School

How to Apply

technology & innovation

Curriculum

St. James offers an integrated and accelerated curriculum designed to exceed national and state standards. Our teachers use a variety of innovative teaching practices in their classrooms to foster collaborative efforts such as project-based learning, problem-solving groups, and authentic assessments. Instruction is differentiated to meet the unique needs, interests, and abilities of our students. Innovation is at the core of our instructional practices, appropriately integrating technology into lessons to enhance the learning and engagement level of students.

HUMANITIES

Beginning with our youngest pre-kindergarten learners who participate in emergent literacy activities, our English/Language Arts curriculum is focused on the development of strong independent readers and skilled writers. To achieve this goal, teachers in the primary grades use a guided reading approach. Students are taught in small groups, using a variety of leveled fiction and non-fiction texts to become strategic, independent readers. In grades 3-5, the instructional focus in reading shifts to the development and application of core reading comprehension skills through whole class, small group and independent reading, including novels, short stories, poems, informative articles, and historical texts. Students at the upper elementary level are taught to read, analyze and compare multiple texts on the same topic.

MATH & SCIENCE

Our math curriculum addresses both the math content and the math practice standards. Teachers help their students become mathematically proficient by encouraging them to engage in the math practices of explaining their math reasoning, attending to precision, using math models and drawings, and persevering with problem solving attempts. Our teachers help students acquire new math skills and concepts through structured hands-on learning activities. Through the use of Singapore math strategies and other problem solving techniques, students learn to apply their math knowledge to problem solving situations. Students at all grade levels are encouraged to use mental math techniques, along with calculation skills to demonstrate their math proficiency. Through classroom inquiry and project based learning, students explore science topics. An integrated curriculum approach supports the acquisition of science topics in the reading and writing instructional program as well. Weekly STEM lessons support and enhance the classroom science curriculum.

Enrichment Classes

All of our students participate in our wide variety of enrichment offerings.

Art, Christian Education, Guidance, Library, Music, Physical Education, Spanish, and STEM Lab

Academic Enhancements

A team of highly qualified and specially trained teachers work with those students in need of extra classroom support, additional small group instruction, or accelerated learning activities. When students need services above and beyond what the school provides, parents can secure the services of contract professionals, such as speech therapists and occupational therapists. In many instances, these service providers can work with the students on campus during the school day at times that are mutually agreed upon by the professionals and classroom teachers to minimize the loss of instructional time.

In-Class Support

Small Groups

Accelerated Learning

Additional Support

Visit St. James

We would love for you to visit our thriving campus. It’s the best way to see what we’re truly all about. Schedule a private tour during the school day and one of our admissions staff will show you around. We are conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Baton Rouge.

Schedule a Visit