Sisters Clara, Corsina, and Alberta of the Franciscan Order could not know or imagine the present-day school that would evolve from the one they came to from Milwaukie, Wisconsin in 1906. The Sisters were warmly received by the McMinnville citizenry in a ceremony dedicating the school. The two-story frame building opened with a student body of 30 youngsters. The present building was built in 1949 with an enrollment of 192, staffed by six nuns and one lay teacher, Miss Sadie Bruce.
In 1965, the enrollment had reached 285. As enrollment began dropping in numbers, the number of nuns teaching gradually diminished, and eventually they were recalled by their Order. In the early 80's, class level was reduced to five grades with the later addition of kindergarten, preschool and an Extended Care Program. A legacy of tradition of Catholic education had been well-established and is still carried on by lay teachers today, however St. James School welcomes children of all faiths. Students enrolled come from a wide range in socioeconomic status.
Today, St. James School is supported by the local parish of St. James, through tuition and fundraising efforts of our parents, and by other donations and grants. Tuition assistance is available based on a family’s need as determined by an online application through FACTS management.
In fall of 2019 St. James School became a multi-age learning community. Currently the school has four communities of instruction including: Preschool (3-4-year-old students); Primary (5-6- year-old students); Early Intermediate (7-8-year-old students); and Intermediate (9-11-year-old students). Students are with the same teacher over a twoyear period. Older students become leaders in their community while younger students grow at a faster pace due to the older students in their learning community.
In addition to the core learning community teachers, our school has a principal and a full-time administrative assistant as well as two instructional assistants. Students have PE classes three times per week, music appreciation classes two times per week and art instruction once per week. These positions are taught by licensed teachers within our current staff. Technology instruction is provided once per week within each learning community
Vision
Guided by the Catholic faith, St. James School is committed to assisting students to reach the fullness of Christian life by providing a complete educational experience developing their physical, moral, and intellectual talents.
Mission
The Mission of St. James Catholic School is to work in partnership with parents, to provide a Christ centered, safe, and creative environment for learning. Students grow toward spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical potential.
