St. James Catholic School is dedicated to Christian principles rooted in the Catholic tradition. The faculty and staff are committed to promoting peace and justice by encouraging their students to live prayerfully, morally and responsibly. St. James Catholic School incorporates the Gospel message in its program and includes the four purposes of Catholic education: message, community, worship and service.
In a Christian atmosphere, the school provides a strong educational program as a sign of its commitment to academic excellence and preparation for the future. In a disciplined climate, conducive to learning, activities are offered that cultivate emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual growth of the whole person.
St. James Catholic School reflects a family spirit, which strives to support and encourages interaction within the community to provide for the needs of others. The school's volunteer program serves as a role model for students to become contributing members of society. Both students and families are encouraged to use their many gifts to build a better community though worship and service.
Accreditation
St. James Catholic School holds dual accreditation. The most recent accreditation was earned in October of 2008 from the Southern Association of Colleges (SACS) in addition to the 2005 accreditation by the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC). To earn accreditation from FCC and SACS, St. James complied with quality standards, were evaluated by an outside group of peer professionals, and implemented a school plan focused on strategic improvement and student performance.
In today's world of accountability in schooling, accreditation serves as a critical component of a school's demonstrated effectiveness and ability to provide successful schooling for children. FCC-SACS accreditation provides schools access to an integrated network of services and technical assistance that supports every school's ability to identify and meet its goals for improving student performance and the teaching and learning process.
Development of School
History
In August of 1956 a dream became a reality when St. James Catholic School opened in Savannah, Georgia. Through the efforts of the Diocese of Savannah Bishop Thomas J. McDonough, the Sisters, Servants s of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Immaculata (IHM), Pennsylvania, agreed to staff the school. Four sisters arrived that year as IHM pioneers. Newly built on the grounds of St. James the Less Chapel, St. James Catholic School opened in late summer. The dedication of the school and convent took place on January 13, 1957.
By 1960, as enrollment grew it became evident that the school would need larger facilities. Construction began on the upper school, with eight classrooms, and the cafeteria. The cafeteria was used as a temporary church until the parish could build a permanent church. As enrollment continued to grow, two additional classrooms and a fine arts room were added in 1983. In 1994, after construction of St. James Church and Parish Center (gym), the administrative area and the cafeteria were redesigned, and additional rooms were built to accommodate a science lab, a computer lab and bathrooms in the annex.
St. James Catholic School has expanded the size of the school library to include a media center. The addition became reality and is named to honor Mrs. Kay Blanton the school librarian from 1970 to 2000.
The school was reblessed by Bishop Kevin Bolin in 2006 in celebration of the schools fiftieth anniversary. The school is currently staffed with 27 full time faculty including IHM Religious Sisters and Lay Staff. To date the school has always had an IHM Sister at the helm as principal to guide and inspire the staff and students in faith and academic excellence.