St. James

Saint James Elementary School
321 Fair Oaks Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Ph: 415-647-8972
http://www.saintjamessf.org/

Saint James is a K-8 co-ed Catholic elementary school located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District. Established in 1924, the school continues to be administered by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose who have stayed focused on educating the children of the inner-city for 85-years at this location. The Dominican Sisters established their ministry of education of the young children of the neighborhood in 1883.

Empowered by Jesus and his teaching, Saint James School continues to accept the responsibility to help develop the gifts and talents of students, parents and staff alike. The diverse student body is challenged to recognize the importance of their role as future world leaders in light of the Gospel mandate to serve one another in love.

Music is an important part of the education at St James

Saint James School is a small community with GIANT opportunities. The safe, learning environment gives witness to its hallmark of “challenging the mind, nurturing the spirit.” In addition to a strong academic curriculum, the school offers programs such as special needs, counseling, music, technology and physical education. The before- and after-school care program supports the parent community and offers enriching experiences in dance, drumming, piano, knitting, arts and crafts and more. Saint James School’s efforts in “going green” have won City-wide recognition particularly in the area of ecological practices in composting and recycling. Throughout the year, students participate in a number of environmental education experiences like outdoor education and marine life related activities, the highlight being Ocean Week.

Student quotes:

“What I appreciate about Saint James is its great educational system. It is really one of the best systems to prepare me for high school. The teachers play a big part in knowing our strengths and weaknesses. They tutor us with a great attitude and with smiles on their faces.”
~A quote from a special Dynamite Dominican~

“To be a member of the Saint James community is to be a follower of God. That is the most precious thing of all and I will never forget it.” ~A quote from a special Dynamite Dominican~

“The WASC Self Study confirmed that our authentic instruction involves students in higher-order thinking, teaching where students are expected to become more actively engaged in their own learning. ” Sister Mary Susanna Vasquez, OP

Click here to read more stories about St. James.

Details:
Established:  1924
Principal: Sister Mary Susanna Vasquez, OP
Enrollment: 163
School Capacity: 230
Sister Mary Susanna Vasquez (Principal):  smsop@me.com
Constance Dalton(Development Director):  dalton_constance@yahoo.com

Demographics:
Ethnic Breakdown:
Hispanic 74%
Caucasian 1%
African American 4%
Asian 7%
Other 14%
Single Parent Families: 35%

Operating Budget: $1,287,988
Income (Tuition/Fees):  $513,327
Tuition for First Child: $5,248
Actual Cost per Student: $8,227
No. of Students on Tuition Assistance: 134
% of Students on Tuition Assistance: 95%
Total Tuition Assistance Funds Raised 2010-11: $434,500

Subsidies:
Diocese:  $47,000
Parish:  $10,000