St. James Catholic School

History:  St. James School has been a vital part of Crete’s history since the first classes were held in September 1887.  Father Pold and two Ursuline Sisters began the school by teaching classes in a rented house.  Two years later a school was built and was staffed by the Precious Blood Sisters of O’Fallon, MO.  Starting in 1997 TheSchool Sisters of Christ the King and lay teachers staff the preschool through sixth grade school.

Enrollment:  We currently have 100 Pre-Kindergarten through 6^th grade students. We are culturally diverse.

Faith Dimension:  The K-6^th grade students have the privilege of attending daily Mass and daily religion classes; the parish priest visits each classroom; the students are well prepared for receiving the sacraments; Catholic customs and traditions are emphasized throughout the liturgical year; and our Catholic faith is integrated in regular subjects.

Community Dimension:  Our school is family orientated. Our parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s education.  We expect our students to live high standards of respect, responsibility and self-discipline.

Academic Excellence:  We expect our students to do their best and beyond.  The curriculum includes: Religion, Reading, Phonics, Math, Handwriting, Science, Social Studies, Health, Art, Vocal Music, P.E., Library, and Computer. Students receive letter grades in all subjects and participate in the Terra Nova standardized test in grades 3^rd-6^th.  Homework is given to 1^st-6^th grades.

Importance of Catholic Education:  “Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded.  Through education the Church seeks to prepare its members to proclaim the Good News and to translate this proclamation into action.  Since the Christian vocation is a call to transform oneself and society with God’s help, the educational efforts of the Church must encompass the twin purposes of personal sanctification and social reform in light of Christian values.”
To Teach as Jesus Did , #7

Role of Catholic Educators:  “In the Catholic School, ‘prime responsibility for creating this unique Christian climate rests with the teachers, as individuals and as a community.’  Teaching has an extraordinary moral depth and is one of man’s most excellent and creative activities, for the teacher does not write on inanimate material, but on the very spirits of human beings.  The personal relations between the teacher and the students, therefore, assume an enormous importance and are not limited simply to giving and taking.  Moreover, we must remember that teachers and educators fulfill a specific Christian vocation and share an equally specific participation in the mission of the Church, to the extent that it depends chiefly on them where the Catholic school achieves its purpose.”  The Catholic School on the Threshold of the third Millennium p. 20

Common Questions

How is a Catholic School different from other schools?
We are different in our philosophy and purpose.  We see education and the whole of life as inseparable from God.  Our purpose is to form our children in Jesus Christ.

Why do parents choose a Catholic School?
Most parents choose a Catholic School because they want their children to learn Christian values.  Others choose Catholic Schools because of their high academic and disciplinary standards. Another reason is the family atmosphere and strong community.

What are the teachers like?
They are very hard working, loving and dedicated to the mission of Catholic education! They are willing to labor and sacrifice for your child’s education. Teachers are state qualified educators and are determined to provide a strong academic program.

Can I afford St. James School?
Yes.  The tuition averages about $55 per month for one child for parishioners. No child is ever refused admittance due to the inability to pay. Arrangements can be made with the pastor.

Can non-Catholic children attend this school?
Yes.  Every child is welcome.

What if my child does not understand English?
We recommend a preschool program before beginning Kindergarten. We teach English to older students through immersion and tutoring.

What other programs are provided?
Physical education, computers, library, art and music are all part of our curriculum.  Third through sixth graders can participate in a diocesan-wide extra-curricular reading club called Page One.  Our fifth and sixth graders have the opportunity to
participate in competitive league basketball and volleyball.  The Christian values of sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play are emphasized.

Curriculum
A high-quality academic program is of utmost importance at St. James School.  Our curriculum includes: religion, language arts, math, science, social studies, art, music, computer and physical education.

Every classroom is equipped with an interactive SMART Board.  We have a media center with computers for every student and updated literature. We provide opportunities for participation in Special Education, Title I, and Speech Therapy.  We offer individual tutoring for children who are experiencing academic
difficulty or who have English as their second language.

In addition to the state requirements for curriculum, St. James School provides children with a Christian environment: preparation for reception of the Sacraments, daily Mass and religion class, opportunities for monthly confession, daily prayers and other experiences of their Catholic faith like the All Saint’s Parade, a Living Rosary, Christmas program, Living Stations of the Cross and May Crowning.