St. James School in Burbank, California

Quality Score: 2

Post Date:2010-01-03

“We have been at St. James for 4 years, and I am saddened to say, are disappointed in the direction the school is going -- academically. With the new head of lower school steering the charge to a more developmental direction, the school is slowly declining. The teachers are wonderful, the leadership is terrible.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 2

Post Date:2009-11-26

“I agree with most of the reviews posted here that what remains of the veteran teaching staff is excellent and the school administration is problematic. A note of clarification regarding the extra-curricular course listings. Almost all these courses are once-weekly, one-hour, taught infrequently (if at all) and come at significant added expense to parents. For example, seven different languages are listed as being taught. Currently none are. (I can't remember any being taught since we have been at the school.)”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-12-21

“My daughter has attended St James' School since Kindergarten and will graduate in 2010. I am very pleased to say that this school is exactly what I expected. It is a loving small environment that is challenging and very academic. As a single mother I have taken full advantage of the FREE after school care and my daughter has taken part in quite of few of the after school classes (additional fee). We have met many loving families. As we all know nothing is perfect but 9 out of 10 times I have been very happy. My child has always felt welcome to meet with any and all the staff members (including the Head of School). Whether she is having a problem with a classmate or writing a letter to the president voicing her concerns, the teachers are there to help.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-12-15

“My child graduated in 2009 from St. James' after 7 wonderful years. We chose the school for academic excellence, and the devotion to values of respect and compassion that guides it's mission. There have been problems with communication between the administration and faculty and parents. However, St. James' remains by far the best value for the tuition charged. The current tuition is $16,000 and includes all fees, trips, and most importantly, after school care until 6:30pm. This is invaluable to working parents. Most classes have 22 students, and the student teacher ratio is 1:8. The rise in tuition in recent years is due to increases in teacher salaries and benefits. I challenge anyone to find a more academically rigorous, caring, and non-elitist school, especially for the tuition. It is a shame that a small group of parents have dragged down the reputation of this school by airing whatever problems exist in”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-12-09

“I am a current parent. St. James is a wonderful school and my child is happy, thriving, and learning a lot. This school develops the whole child (academic, emotional, spiritual). I love the traditional education and how the teachers still incorporate centers. The teachers are first rate! I feel that I'm a part of a wonderful community. The children are diverse in many aspects and so is the faculty/staff. The tuition is reasonable and there is no fee for after school care! If you are looking for a more traditional education in a Christian atmosphere, St. James is your school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-12-03

“This is a lovely school. My son is very happy here as are we with the community. We are pleased with the efforts the school makes to constantly improve. There's been a specific effort underway to improve fundraising and communications. My son is thriving and we are pleased by how the school addresses the whole child in a nurturing yet academically environment. Please don't be swayed by the earlier negative reviews.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-12-02

“This is a great school that offers a great curriculum and a warm, caring environment. My child has loved this school all the way up, and so have I.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 2

Post Date:2009-12-01

“I disagree with the statements diminishing the importance of tuition. We are one of the many lower income families from which St. James derives it's oft-trumpeted 'diversity' that had to leave due in part to the tuition increases. When a school's tuition doubles in a mere three years -- after thirty years of modest tuition increases -- I think there is something amiss. I fear that St. James will end up like so many private schools in Los Angeles that squeeze out lower-income families in favor of chasing big money, resulting in just another institution for the wealthy.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 4

Post Date:2009-11-21

“When we chose St. James for our family, it was because of its traditional curriculum base. Since the new lower division director came on board last year, the curriculum is now moving in a developmental/progressive direction. We are not sure that this new style is the right fit for our family, it s not what we signed up for. We love the teachers, but are not happy with the new age academic flavor.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-11-16

“I have two children at St James', and we absolutely love the school. It's academically excellent, and on top of that it lives out its commitment to diversity... more so than any other school of its kind I've seen. The School is a genuine community. It's not easy to always practice the values you preach when faced with the political complexities and parental pressures of running an highly in-demand urban school, but St. James' puts its values front and foremost, and lives by them, all the while maintaining the highest academic standards... which is a terrific example for the children lucky enough to go there. It's worth noting that other schools now study St. James' as an example of successful forward-looking values-based education. I can't recommend it highly enough.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-11-12

“My son has been at Saint James for 3 years. I find the staff warm and welcoming. The door has always been open for me to come and discuss any subject, concern or idea I have had. The New science Lab is the best lab by far in Los Angeles for Elementary school and the science teacher suberb. We have dedicated and innovative teachers that have years of experience. We have won math competitions and exhibit art through out the city. The children are taught the importance of serving those in our community and becoming a confident , well educated and well rounded human being. While no school is perfect, I believe this school has been given a bad rap and I invite prospective parents to come and visit us themselves.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-11-12

“This is a terrific neighbourhood school, it is rich in diversity, and although there have been some hiccups within, so have all schools, even the ones that are double the price! The academics are terrific and the kids are kind well mannered and polite. If you are living in Hancock park and want a school with strong academics but a sweet simplicity, this could be the place for you.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-11-05

“We love St James'. It's academically rigorous, warm, welcoming, and the Head of School and staff are excellent. Our child is very happy, loving each day, and achieving great results. I'm not sure what school the detractors below are describing, but it doesn't sound even a little like the one we know. To each their own. We have found both the school administration and the Board extremely responsive, and could not be happier.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 2

Post Date:2009-10-05

“As a longtime teacher at St. James' School, I too concede the school has lost its way. The key problem is communication between the administration/school board and the teaching staff. I try to stay optimistic that these problems can be addressed and rectified, but it is becoming increasingly difficult with a palpable air of discontent hanging heavier and heavier as the communication rift deepens. Other criticism has been levied that headmaster Stephen Bowers is lacking a clear vision. I disagree, and feel that he does have a vision, but lacks the tools to articulate it and inspire others to support him. We have been trying to lobby school board members to begin interacting with the teachers to help foster better communication. Hopefully this will help lift this oppressive air of discontent and restore the school to its former high standards.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2009-09-15

“St. James' is not a bad school, nor is it a good school. It is decidedly average in almost every possible way. When we started our son here, tuition was about eight thousand per year and we compensated for the school's deficiencies at home, and considered it a reasonable value. Since the new administration took over less than three years ago, tuition has doubled while the school has remained largely unchanged. It is no longer the value that it was. Other private schools in their new price range (sixteen thousand) or a little more, offer far more. (I would have given it three stars when we started, but now fewer, illustrative of the higher tuition and no improvements.)”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-09-11

“St. James' is a wonderful school. It's teaching staff clearly loves our children and the administration supports them in so many ways. The curriculum seems to be evolving with the times. The administration is clearly leading experienced teachers in the right direction. Three cheers for them. I highly recommend this community of caring professionals. Our child has been very happy.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2009-08-28

“I have very good luck with the teaching staff at St. James. They are good and respectful to parents. The school heads are a different story as they disrespect parents by ignoring them and not addressing problems. As tuition gets more and more, nothing is improved. Our concerns are dismissed by the school board.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2009-07-23

“Since the current Head, Stephen Bowers, came, the tuition has been hiking and the enrollment has been going down while there have been no quantifiable improvements in the quality of education or the school facility. Many issues parents bring to the Head get buried under rug, and we are frustrated unrespected by the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2009-07-20

“I'm happy with the education my daughter received. I am also happy that this was her last year. The aggressive pleas for money are difficult to fathom in light of the ever-rising tuition costs. Unfortunately parents are not involved in financial decisions. (Otherwise I don't think the new suite of administration offices on expensive Wilshire blvd. would have been approved.) I think the administration at St. James wants to be Harvard Westlake, and is trying to get there simply by raising tuition. I wish they would re-focus on being an excellent neighborhood school focused on student education rather than image.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2009-07-13

“I agree that most of the teachers are quite good. It's the weak administration that is hurting the school. We too have been bombarded by aggressive (often downright rude) fundraising pleas even with the tuition doubling in the past few years.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2009-07-10

“The teachers are good. However, the Director of Institutional Advancement, Julie Lovelock, is very aggressive to the parents, for her fundraising efforts for the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 3

Post Date:2009-05-12

“My child attended the school for six years, during which time there were three different heads of school. The last, Stephen Bowers, being in my opinion, the worst, and the school has definitely gone down hill and drifted away from its original mission during his tenure. There are many wonderful teachers here, but many defects as well. Most notably, the math program is very weak. The atmosphere at the school is intimate and nuturing and the children definitely benefit. The academic vision needs to be kicked up a few notches.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-05-09

“Even with the tuition doubling in the past five years, St. James' School is an incredible value. How can you put a monetary value on excellence? In a word you can't. Many of the parents complain that the school administration is bloated and unresponsive to the faculty and parent concerns. Nothing could be further from the truth. Any time I have had a concern about my son's education, I get a return phone call or email within minutes. And in many cases even a hug! The administration at St. James' are master communicators in every possible way. Unfortunately, I have had many disagreements with the teaching staff, but under the stellar guidance of the administration, I'm sure these teacher shortcomings will be resolved in time. I cannot recommend St. James' more highly. It's a place of wonder and imagination!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-04-06

“I have sent all three of my children to St. James School. It truly is a magical place. The teachers are good, but it's the leadership at St. James that is what makes this school so special. The administration puts communication with parents and faculty above all else. They return calls and email within minutes and always provide answers and solutions to problems immediately. When I have had problems with individual teachers, the administration was always there to brilliantly smooth things out. Other schools should use St. James' as a model for effective school administration.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2009-02-12

“I loved having my daughter at this school. We had only one teacher (no longer at the school) who was probably a good fit for some kids, but was a bad fit for our daughter, but I would expect one or two years like that at any school. My daughter graduated from St. James last year and we moved out of the area, so I'm now comparing St. James to the local schools, and I can see that my daughter has many educational advantages that other kids here don't have. I appreciate all the more, the fact that every teacher at St. James responded promptly any time I had a question. I appreciate now the fact that any time I needed to meet directly with a teacher, he or she would make the time to see me. The specialty teachers were particularly impressive.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 2

Post Date:2009-01-30

“St. James is a good school. The faculty are, with a few exceptions, dedicated teachers. There are two significant problems. FIrst, the school was subsidized for a long time by the church. But the church itself is decling in size and living on a shrinking endowment. The school will have to start raising tuition and increasing the fund-raising in order to sustain itself. Second, the Stephen Bowers administration started off badly by firing a number of capable staffers, and hasn't improved with time. The rich parents think Bowers is a 'visionary.' The silent majority thinks he is a poor communicator recycling failed educational trends (Mental Maps!) from the 1980s and 90s. Having moved away (and avoided the decision whether to re-enroll the kids) we can see now that St. James looks good in LA (3 or 4 stars), but compares badly when you see what the same money buys everywhere else.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-12-10

“I have three children attending St. James'. They are all there because I feel they are receiving a solid academic education and because they are being encouraged to become caring, responsible people. Over the years, I have volunteered for many committees and have always been impressed by the can-do spirit and friendliness of my fellow parents. I have had many constructive conversations with the teachers. On the whole, they are an inspired and dedicated group with some truly exceptional members among them. The school has also offered several parent education seminars that have ranged from study skills workshops to how to run the middle school admissions maze. In 2001, my husband and I decided to send our pre-schooler to St. James'. On the eve of 2009, we still happily stand by that decision.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-12-08

“I like the school because it is small with an incredible faculty. The school has broad diversity both culturally and economically. My children enjoy the school and look forward to going everyday.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-12-05

“I am one of the parents that took part in the fund-raising campaign this year, making calls parent-to-parent. I found this to be largely a positive experience and preferable to more traditional methods. Yes, some parents found this a little uncomfortable at first, so did I. But all in all it gave us a chance to talk about the school, why it is so special, and how important it is to keep it that way. Fund-raising plays an ever-increasing role at the school, given that the school essentially subsidizes tuition to maintain the economic diversity it is known for. That was the message put out by parent callers, and parents who understood the message stepped up as best they could, even in these difficult times.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2008-11-20

“In my experience, it seems that fund raising has become quite aggressive over the past few years. I have received several phone calls and letters soliciting donations. The new lady has asked parents to call other parents in her quest to raise funds and add to the new endowment, which I completely disagree with. I will not be giving to the annual fund this year because I refuse to encourage this type of behavior!”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-11-20

“For the live of me, I cannot figure out where all these negative comments about the administration are coming from. The headmaster Stephen Bowers is nothing short of a truly visionary. His leadership is unquestioned among the parents and teachers at the school. The assistant head Angelina Arrington has to be the most dynamic leader and speaker I have ever worked with, often moving me to tears during her frequent chapel addresses. My family and I are truly blessed to be under the guidance of such people who embrace humanity and Christian values and lead by example. I would give this school 10 stars if I could!”
This review was posted by a other.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-11-19

“This school is amazing. I am so thankful that I chose this school for my son. I had applied to five schools for Kindergarten and was accepted to all of them. I chose this school for it's diversity and academic structure. I had been accepted to a 12 year school and chose St. James. My son is thriving. He is thrilled with his reading, math, computer, and spanish classes. He is involved in after school activities. He is involved in sports outside of school, but there are plenty of options for the elementary aged children within the school as well. Most importantly, my son is well beyond his peers that attend other schools in spelling and reading and math. He loves school and he is a typical 'boy'. The school is extremely diverse in religion, lifestyle and ethnicity. This is the right choice for my family”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2008-11-17

“I also agree on the high price of tuition. It is true that we as parents, keep on getting solicited for donations for the school. I have asked the administration on where our money is being used for. The response that I get is that they are 'improving the school.' As far as I can see, no improvements have been made, at least for the classes that my child is in. I have emailed and called/left messages for a request to see their public financial disclosure statement as a non-profit organization, and they do not respond. Next year, public school for my child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2008-11-12

“I had one of my children at this school last year. At first, the employees at the school were very friendly when I was inquiring about the school and during the enrollment process. After my child started attending classes, I had several concerns that I wanted to address to the staff. It took so long for them to finally listen to my concerns. It took a long time because they said that I had to make an appointment to speak to a certain person and the appointments were cancelled several times because of 'staff meetings' that would mysteriously come up at the last moment. Even after the meeting, I felt that they did not care about what I said. My child is no longer at St. James.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 1

Post Date:2008-11-11

“The teachers that I my child have are great. They really do a great job. Howerver, the administration is lacking in really caring to support the teachers. This is because I am on the PSF (Parent Support Fellowship). I have personally observed actions where the parents and teachers agree on starting a new program or idea, and the administration does not back it, usually citing that the budget does not allow it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-10-30

“This is our third year at the school and we couldn't be happier. Our son is thriving and it has been a really good fit for us. The school is more traditional, students wear uniforms, it's religious and is incredibly diverse socially, racially, economically. The diversity is one of top reasons we chose the school. We looked at six private schools and while they all strive for diversity, St. James' was the only school that really delivered. We've had really strong teachers each year and the sense of community in the school is strong. Parent involvement makes it a great school. There are tons of different options for volunteering depending on what you're interests and availability are.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-10-29

“As a faculty member at SJS, I must say that I am a part of a team of gifted educators. I feel supported and encouraged by administration. The community of families promotes an atmosphere of mutual care and respect. I have worked at other independent schools, and SJS exceeded my expectations. I feel Blessed to be a teacher here amongst such gifted colleagues and caring families. I am always telling others about this great educational community that I am a part of.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2008-09-13

“I adored this wonderful school. Our daughter came here new in the fifth grade and was instantly welcomed by many new friends, parents, and teachers. She graduated in 6th grade and will always remember this school. They have a great and challenging academic program, and a very good english program as well. The kids go to church once a week, but there are many other religions taught as well in the religious studies program, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The only thing lacking is that they do not have afterschool sports. They do, however, have afterschool sport enrichment classes such as volleyball, fencing, piano, chinese, Paw Prints, (the school newspaper written by students) and even Boy Scouts. They have a wonderful community with wonder diversity.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 3

Post Date:2008-05-02

“St. James is a good school that I would love to give another star-but have some concerns regarding expenses. Each grade has at least one strong teacher and your child will recieve an overall good education. It is a racially and socio-economicaly diverse population that reflects Los Angeles as best as it can. (It is a private school, afterall) There is an emphasis on being a good citizen. The parent body is hardworking, participatory and generally supportive. Academically St. James students compare well to their peers at other indepent schools. The school's strength is in its English cirriculum and its weakness is its Math curriculum. In all fairness, it is quite possible that the students compare well because the majority do have private tutoring to supplement their education. The current headmaster has a grand vision that requires more funds than are available. The staff is too large: some are unnecessary and some are less than compentent.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 4

Post Date:2007-03-26

“St. James provides a well-structured academic program in warm and supportive environment. We love the religious association of the school and feel that it provides insight and inspiration to our child s life. While we re genuinely happy at St. James, we have become increasingly disappointed by their decisions to raise tuition each year. They attempt to justify the increase by claiming that they are several thousand dollars less than other independent schools. However, they seem to forget that they are not perceived as an independent school due to the religious affiliation. With these increases, they are pushing out the mid-level income families that selected the school based on the academic curriculum, religious affiliation, and what was once, an affordable tuition.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 3

Post Date:2007-03-14

“My children love the school. The kids are bright and friendly. The school fosters good citizenship and moral characters. However, there are serious flip sides. The new principal is very tentative, and seems to minimize the importance of a strong academic program. The teachers are a mixed batch of good and bad. During the past several years, tuition has been increasing. Still, the school pushes the parents to increase their annual giving. As much as my children and I will miss our friends at this school, we are looking at other schools. It is sad to see a once-great school to continue losing its edge.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2006-09-11

“Academic standards are high and St. James students are known for getting into some of the most competitive junior highs/high schools in Los Angeles. My child is in 4th grade and has been attending since kindergarten. She has had some excellent, inspirational teachers, and really only one that I would rate as 'fair.' She loves going to school and likes staying after to play. Parents are very involved. The arts programs leans heavily toward the ecclesiastical music that supports St. James' Church, which is great, but there could be a greater emphasis on visual and performing arts. There has been principal turnover in recent years, and the policies of the latest are still being implemented, too early to comment. Overall, it is a warm but not coddling atmosphere. Very ethically diverse, a true mirror of L:A.”
This review was posted by a parent.

Quality Score: 5

Post Date:2004-05-06

“A spirited amazing intercity school. Diversity reigns here as does excellence in academics. Strong placement into the best middle schools in Los Angeles. Strong parent and teacher involvement has created a beautiful environment to learn in. This school develops character. This school has chapel at St. James' parish on the same shared property. First desegragated church in Los Angeles. Check out the organ, kid's choir, handbell choir. Field trips, music and exploration abound in this structured Episcopal progressive environment.”
This review was posted by a parent.

St. James School in Burbank, California

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