My two children have been a part of the St. James community since 2018 and our experience with the nursery and PreK programs has been incredible. The teachers are so supportive and genuinely take the time to get to know each child. Each school year is filled with educational events that my sons were so excited over: fun with bubbles, learning about sea life and wildlife through experiential presentations with real animals, history through music presentations- it's an endless list of memorable activities for the kids. The parent community is equally special and incredibly supportive. While so many parents dedicate their time and talent to our community, I have always felt like whatever time and effort I have to offer to our community is absolutely enough and always appreciated. Every family I've interacted with has been so kind, and I've felt personally lucky to have this community. read more

All four of our children have attended this world class school. It's a gem! Children are challenged to play, explore, and be creative everyday in dynamic classrooms, outside in nature under the beautiful mulberry tree and amongst the herbs, veggies and flowers of their community garden. The diversity of physical activities, dance, art, language and STEM after-school programming enriches their growing minds and bodies! The families here thrive in-part beacof the fun parent community and lifelong friendships made. read more

St James Parish Day School - Class picnic in the park! - Preschools Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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My 4 year old LOVES St. James and can't stop talking about the teachers and the fun things he has been learning in school. I love how much he's blossomed socially and how he has learned to show kindness and empathy toward others. The community of parents has been great, too. Everyone is so friendly and so supportive of the school. I can't sing enough praises! read more

In 2021 my husband and I began our search for a nursery school for our daughter to attend. Being new parents and dealing with everything the pandemic had just thrown our way meant we were unsure of where to look but we knew it was time and our very outgoing 3 year old was desperate to be in a learning environment with other kids her age so I reached out in the parent group I participated in with my employer and asked if anyone could recommend a school in the area. One of the parents highly recommended St. James - she explained to me that her husband, brother-in-law, niece and daughter had all attended there and her son was about to begin that summer. You can't get a better recommendation than that! I immediately reached out to the director and scheduled a tour. As soon as we got back into the car after we wrapped up the tour my husband and I both knew that St. James was the place for our family. We decided to immediately sign our daughter up for the Summer program where she was assigned Ms. Claudia as her teacher. It was the best thing we could have done for our daughter, she absolutely loved every minute of school and was so excited to attend that fall with Ms. Claudia again as her teacher and Ms. Alissa as the class assistant. The combination of Ms. Claudia's experience and Ms. Alissa's excitement to be a new teacher was such a powerful combination. There was not a day where our daughter woke up and wasn't excited to go to school and learn. This most recent year she had Ms. Jenn as her teacher and Ms. Janine as the class assistant and again our daughter was always so excited to start the day knowing she got to be with her friends and amazing teachers. Although we're closing this chapter of our daughter's life as she prepares to begin Kindergarten at another local school, we're very much looking forward to returning next year with our son in the Fall of 2024. This school has meant so much to our family and we're so grateful to have found it because it truly is a "loving place to learn". read more

St James Parish Day School - 2023 Pre-K and Kinder Graduation Party - "Adios Amigos" - Preschools Near Me - South Pasadena, California

The sweetest nursery/pre school in the area! We have been attending St James for 4 years and have been so happy. My children love going to school and bring home fun art projects and happy stories. The parent community is wonderful. If you like to volunteer you can but if you can't that is okay too. My daughter went on to a private school in the area and was fully prepared for Kindergarten. It is a warm and friendly environment with play based learning and academics. My family is very happy here! read more

St James is a wonderful school and community. Small classes, loving teachers, friendly staff, and a warm atmosphere. My 4 year old son was apprehensive for pre-school at first, but has had a wonderful year there and has grown intellectually and socially. We're excited to send his little brother this fall! read more

I'm so thrilled we found this preschool! Next year St James will accept 2 year olds with no potty training required and we're so happy our younger one can go! Every teacher is amazing and focuses on teaching the kids kindness and personal responsibility in a very loving way. We've enjoyed many of the after school offerings including yoga and dance. We're also happy there's a kindergarten program as an option. The administration is well organized and responsive to parents. The school environment is inclusive in an authentic way. We are also lucky that the school offers a summer camp!! read more

We've had a fantastic experience sending our daughter and son to St. James for nursery/pre school - it was the first school experience for our children so we were naturally a little apprehensive. We looked at several of the surrounding options but as soon as we stepped foot on the grounds, we were immediately at ease. The kind, playful, and wholesome nature of the education was immensely obvious - from the warm welcome by the staff to a lovely central courtyard with a play house with gated playground behind, and the great classrooms covered in creative artwork from the students, this showed us St. James is doing all the right things. And the best part of all are the teachers - incredible in all aspects, the teachers truly put our children first and give them the absolute best early childhood education we could ask for. We love St. James! read more

We've started attending St James this year on a recommendation from a good friend in the community. The teachers are magical and make my child feel safe and secure! In a very positive way, my child has learned how to socialize and interact in a school setting. It is a warm, loving environment using play-based learning and mindful practices. My child loves the afterschool classes, taking movement/dance, science, and yoga -- which we do together as a fun way to play at home! read more

We attended a total of 6 walk-throughs in South Pasadena and neighboring cities. To our surprise, this facility surpassed all the wonderful things about the other schools with additional greatness. What made this school different, was the playful-yet-nurturing and caring interaction between the teachers and students. We paid close attention to the structure of the classes, the students' happiness, well-being, and attitudes. We were impressed with the school from outside-in. Some people call my wife anal, and I must agree when it comes to the care of our children. She thoroughly examined this school before we choose to send our child there....she has a history of Early Childhood Education, so before our daughter was officially enrolled, she subbed at the school. She wanted to see, firsthand, if she liked this school in depth. I have to say...not only did she love the school from outside-in, but she loves this school from inside-out as well! According to her, the things the children learn, the type of interaction they get from fellow children, and the attention they receive from different classroom teachers and administration are amazing. Our daughter is 3 years old and is currently attending St. James only twice a week. She wants to go to school EVERYDAY (weekends included!). If she were older, I would enroll her 5 days a week. She comes home with amazing art projects that teach fine motor skills, has wonderful stories to tell, and talks highly about her teachers and friends. We will also send our second child there as well. read more

I was very disappointed with this school. From week one teacher kept making mean faces to me. When I decided to take my child out of this school I was told that I have to pay the next month tuition as well even though my child would not be attending. It is their policy. Also non stop fundraising notices. Overall impression is: this is a church based school. But it is very money oriented even money loving. read more

The teachers are great. Most are out-of-this-world excellent. The curriculum is just the right mix of play-based, experiential learning and academics. Chapel is offered to the children every week. They will get an introduction to basic tenets of Judeo-Christianity. This was done well, with a minimum of proselytizing. When my daughter attended, which was a few years ago, the administration was just OK. I've heard that the administration has changed but I cannot speak to whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. The parking is terrible. Beware parents who need to pick up their preschoolers with babies/toddlers in tow: unless you plan to snag a parking spot 30 minutes before school lets out, you will need to park far away, most likely on busy Monterey or Fremont. You will also need to carry your baby in since there are no ramps allowing a stroller to get onto campus. I found this to be a hassle, especially when the temperatures soar into the 90's and beyond. The parent culture...... let's put it this way. Do you consider Volvo to be a low-end vehicle? This might be the school for you. Overall, it's a good school. But don't take it from me; tour the school in person. Check it out for yourselves. Finding the right preschool is about getting the right fit for both your child and your family. read more

We love the teachers, they make the school amazing. I am preparing to send my 3rd child there, next year. My first two have "graduated" and moved on to elementary school. As you have read, parking is tough. But, I don't let it bother me. I happily park down the block and walk my children in to school. I use these last minutes to hold hands, talk, and "bond" before starting our day apart. It allows me some calm time before I have to rush to work. On campus, there are Mulberry trees that offer natural shade. Other areas have shaded canopies. And some areas are open air. These are the perfect combination for outdoor play. The campus is small and gives that warm-loving-and-fuzzy feeling. I saw one single person rating this school with 1-star. I know it's easier to believe negative comments vs. all the 5-star ratings (I'm guilty as charged). But, from first hand experience, I believe that's an extreme bash. *You would need to check this loving school out for yourself and make your own judgment.* read more

St James Parish Day School - My daughter at St. James Parish Day School. We LOVE all the teachers that make is school amazing! - Preschools Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Our twin boys are in their third year at St James. We couldn't be happier. Every teacher and aid has been perfect in their own way and have had a very positive influence on the social, emotional and intellectual development of our children. In nursery school they were given the perfect amount of nurturing, positive discipline, and the freedom to explore and learn. In Pre-K they start with a very basic academic program (writing and early math) that is so cleverly disguised into fun creative projects they don't realize how much they are learning. Now they are in kindergarten and once again we are thrilled with our decision. Mrs. Pomerantz is a miracle worker and knows how to bring out the best behavior and eagerness to learn in every child. It is a great community of teachers, staff and parents. While nothing is perfect, St James sure comes close in my book! read more

My child didn't attend this Day School, we needed all day care, but if we could have made after-school arrangements, there is no doubt but that this would have been our first choice. The teachers and administrators are warm, supportive, and most importantly, well grounded in early childhood pedagogy. The Parents Association is exceedingly active and is evidence, in and of itself, of the quality of teaching that occurs at this school. While clearly a God-centered institution, the religion is not heavy-handed. Chapel once a week exposes the children to worship, but a parent needn't fear indoctrination of the little ones. read more

There's no better preparation for your pre-school child if you are aiming for the best private schools in the area. In terms of academic development and social development these folks are the best. Ms. Bonnie, Ms Sicka, Ms. Claudia; they were all great - caring and supportive with high standards and tons of positive motivation. Ms. Heupler introduced our son to classical music - now he's playing cello in the Los Angeles Children's Orchestra with a trip to Carnegie Hall in NY on the horizon. The director has built an outstanding program and has tremendous rapport with the staff, parents and kids. There's incredible attention to detail, down to parking lot protocol with the best of the kids always paramount. The school has a strong affiliation with the St. James church family, but families from other religious backgrounds are welcomed warmly. We are grateful to the St. James Parish Day School for giving our son a tremendous advantage to his scholastic journey. Highly recommend this school! read more

St. James is a tried and true education resource for pre-school aged children. After trying another preschool for 2 years - I found myself touring St. James and greatly regretting not sending our 2 boys there to start with! Our family has been so grateful for the gracious educators at St. James. My older son returns often just so he can visit with his favorite teacher. read more

My daughter loves it here! We live our teacher and everyone in owl class!!! Ms heidi sicka rocks!

I have had 3 children attend St James. It is a wonderfully nurturing & loving school. My children's self confidence & self esteem flourished as a result of their developmental approach to learning. They love school because of St James! read more

We have three children - all of whom attended St. James, and our youngest will graduate from St. James this year. I can already feel the tears welling up... I just have to share what an amazing place St. James has been for our family. Each of our children is their own person, and I was thrilled to see how each child thrived at this one school. That is undoubtedly attributed to the quality and commitment of the faculty and staff. Each teacher brings their many years of experience, unique personality, and continued education and learning to their classroom each day. Our children have learned the lessons needed to walk into their kindergarten classrooms fully prepared academically, developmentally, and emotionally - ready to move forward with confidence. The curriculum at St. James maintains the right balance of developmental academics, and play for pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. Daily each class offers art, various manipulatives to help developing fine motor skills, indoor and outdoor free-play, and an academic lesson based on the curriculum for each age group. As a parent I have always felt welcome and supported by the staff, faculty and director of the school. I remember a time when I had a serious concern for our first child. I hesitated sharing my concerns with the director, worried about how she would react if I went into her office to discuss my issue. Her door was immediately open for me and she listened patiently while I spoke. She began her response with " Do not ever hesitate to speak to me or anyone else when you have a concern about your child - you are your child's greatest advocate!" I have never forgotten that and continue to be an advocate for my children without hesitation as a result. In addition, St. James students have the opportunity to go on parent/teacher chaperoned field trips - to the local South Pasadena Library, Post-Office, LA Zoo, etc. The Parent's Association, a volunteer parent lead group who supports the school, also puts on various educational programs through-out the year as well, such as Mad Science, Bubble Magic, and the ever popular Snow Day (real snow is delivered to the snow for the children to play in!) to name a few. St. James also provides weekly Chapel where the children sing and learn about various Bible stories and God's love for all creatures. It is a heart-warming experience and parents are always welcome to come. Not only is St. James a top-notch school for your child to get an education, but it also has a very strong parent community as well. I have never been in a more loving supportive environment. I have met my closest friends while at St. James and my children have met their closest and dearest friends there as well. The Parent's Association works hard to make sure the parents feel supported by putting on several events each year just for the parents. They sponsor a Welcome Coffee held for the parents on the first day of school. It is a great opportunity to meet parents from your new classroom, or say hello to friends missed during the summer break. Parents from the Parent's Association - as well as the Director of the school - are on hand during the Welcome Coffee to help fellow parents feel supported and welcome...because we all know that the first day of pre-school can be more difficult for the parents sometimes than for the children. The Parent's Association also puts on a Kindergarten & Beyond Coffee, where parents from St. James who have children enrolled in local public, private, and parochial school share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. It is a great way to learn about area school choices from those who are there! I personally found it very valuable!! I could go on and on...the teachers, the faculty, the fellow parents, the introduction to the basic tenents of the Bible, the curriculum...etc. I truly believe St. James is a "loving place to learn" and hope you will consider making St. James the place for your child as well. You will not be disappointed!! read more

I just wanted to say You can't judge the book by its cover. Our family's experience with this school was very unpleasant. We went to St. James for its accreditation and philosophy. We made the biggest mistake in our life, and our daughter was the victim. When a problem arise the school shuts the door on you. It was an unsafe environment for our 5 year old kid. There were no support from the teachers if a kid needed help. In our case my daughter was unfairly treated by other kids, and teachers ignore the facts. We tried to work with the school and inform the director of the issue. The school pretended that they wanted to work with us, but my daughter was viewed as a "problem" child. The teacher did not provide any helpful feedback to any parents. When we decided to depart the school in the middle of the year. The director of the school stormed my daughter and my wife out of the school because she saw the teacher's flaws first hand. She saw a kid maliciously attack another kid in the playground during school time, and the teachers ignore the cry for help. When she stepped in to assist the child, the teacher immediately went to the director and claimed she was criticizing and interfering with their work. Please do your research thoroughly with these private schools. read more

My child currently attends St James and this will be his second year here. He started in the T/TH program and is now in the MWF program. Next year he will attend the Pre K program. In the two years we have been part of this school I have been consistently impressed with the quality of education my son is receiving as well as the quality of care the teachers and staff provide. The teachers and staff really care about the children and it shows. Another big highlight about this school is that it is accredited. The teachers go through extensive and rigorous trainings during their summer breaks and other times during the year in order to meet the standards of the accrediting body. This is not something that is easily attained and that is why other preschools are not accredited (but charge the same or similar amount in tuition). The teachers at St James are qualified and experienced and additionally many of them are mothers who have genuine empathy and understanding for what it is like to be raising young children. They do not have unreasonable expectations for the child's development and are fair in their expectations. They are also super sweet and caring. Often I see them at the school way past the day's end still singing and playing with the kids (they stay to help with the after school program called "picnic"). They never look disgruntled or frazzled (something I have witnessed at other schools). I do believe these teachers want to be at this school. My son looks forward to going to school here. He asks me every day if it is a school day. The classes have regular weekly events like "share day" and chapel both of which my son really enjoys. The school maintains an "old school" feel. Something you might have experienced when you were a child. It is warm, friendly and cheery. Everyone greets one another and the children are happy and content. Overall, St James is a real gem and we are glad to be a part of it. read more

My daughter loves St. James! She has been there for two years and can't wait to go every day. The program and teachers are excellent.

Fabulous school. Intimate, personal. Our daughter went from here to Chandler to Campbell Hall and is now a senior in Business at Pepperdine University. And it's still the same school and many of the same teachers. They know what they're doing. read more

My daughter is in her third year and my son in his first year at St. James' and they both love the school. Between the wonderful teachers, fabulous kids and the solid sense of community, St. James' has been able to create a wonderful environment for learning and development. I would recommend the school to anyone! read more

Our family adores this school, and I am thrilled my daughter has had the opportunity to attend St. James. Their slogan is "A Loving Place to Learn", and that has been our experience from day one. We began here in the spring of 2011 after a move from the East Coast, and we were immediately made welcome by the director, the teachers, and the school community. The move was understandably challenging for our little one, but she has blossomed at St. James. The teachers are great, the program is great, and the kids are cherished. What more could you ask for? read more

St. James is a fantastic school! Between my 2 boys, this is the 4th (and final) preschool we have attended in the area, and I only wish we had come here first. The teachers are outstanding. My son's teacher is very experienced, and I learn something from her each time I observe in the classroom or on a field trip. She is very patient, never gets flustered or overwhelmed, and handles situations between kids with such wisdom and empathy. She is sincerely excited to see the children each day, and is very thoughtful and engaging in her lesson planning. The children get to cook, sew, garden, paint, and make sculptures with clay and mixed media - all the really messy stuff they might not be able to do at home. Of course, they are learning through all of it. She really gets to know each child, and provides insightful feedback during conferences (and is very open to impromptu conferences if issues arise). The facilities are also wonderful. The children are able to ride scooters and bikes, play basketball, play in the sand, swing and climb. In my experience, it's rare for preschools to have ALL of the above. We love all of the staff here, and feel that the children are nurtured and well-supported. read more

I have two boys, 5 and 3, currently attending St. James Preschool and they both love it there and so do I! The school is amazing in so many ways...first the teachers are so loving and are very well qualified for the jobs they are doing. They make learning fun for the children and you will be amazed at how your children develop, both socially and intellectually, during their time at St. James. The current director of the preschool is very involved in the daily routine at the school and her credentials, in both child development and education, are extraordinary for this position! The families at St. James offer so much to enhance the community and experience of the children at the preschool. The Parent Association has many active volunteers whose efforts help to enhance what is already being done in the classroom by bringing in additional demonstrations about bubbles, super critters, dinosaurs, the human body, etc. The Parent Association also brings snow to school every winter for the children and that is a highlight every year!!! In addition, the Parent Association provides many supportive functions to the community of parents at the school, including informative meetings about elementary schools, an annual social event and, sometimes, coffee at drop-off! The school, also, offers Picnic after school during which the children can stay later to eat lunch and play with their friends...my kids love staying for Picnic. The same teachers who are in the classrooms with the children stay to oversee activities in the afternoon...this is fabulous (and very affordable) for a mom who needs an extra hour or two to get things done!!!! read more

We are so grateful we chose St.James Parish Day School! Our daughter attends this wonderful School. This is her second year. As parents, we are so happy at our daughters progress. The teachers at St.James are all wonderful. They are patient, caring and loving. The number one thing in this school is, "Your Child" Each staff member in this school puts the need of each individual student first. There are so many hands on activities this school provides for the experience and development of its students. I highly recommend this school to any parent who is looking for a nurturing place for their child to learn, feel safe and blossom! We are so pleased at how safe and at home our daughter feels here. She was on the timid side once upon a time. However, here at St.James she has truly come out of her shell. Many thanks and blessings to each staff member and director! -Carmen read more

St. James is a wonderful school. While I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, one "alleged" incident should not dissuade you from checking this school out. The teachers are top notch and the staff could not be more helpful. I HIGHLY recommend this school to any and everyone!! read more

I am in love with this school! My daughter is about to graduate from the kindergarten program at St. J but she started at the school 4 years ago when she was 2 years 9 months old and I feel like she is leaving a safe nest to go out into the big world. We have had nothing but extraordinary experiences with both teachers and staff. There is not an adult on campus who would not stop to ensure the health and wellbeing of the children they are charged with growing into happy well-adjusted beings. My son is still on campus and as energetic as he can be, his teachers have nurtured him into a fabulous little man full of love and life. I cannot imagine having sent my children anywhere more loving and caring than St. Js. They are both well prepared for their futures and full of self-confidence and love. If anyone is searching for a special place to help mold your child I highly recommend taking a tour and talking to any of the wonderful parents who help round out this fabulous experience. read more