About

The St. James School community is a family united in faith where students grow as disciples of Christ throughout their educational journey.
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Who We Are

Our mission for nearly 100 years, as guided by our Catholic faith, the Gospel, and a flourishing partnership with parents, is for our students to develop their relationship with Christ, their moral character, and their academic potential. We promote Faith, Excellence, Leadership, and Service in all that we do in our school and greater community. Our staff maintains a Blue Ribbon level of academic excellence notably recognized by the Department of Education.

St. James students:
  • Acquire Catholic moral and spiritual values that enable them to live responsibly.
  • Are empowered with the necessary academic skills, enabling them to contribute to their community and further their own education.
  • Develop the personal resources to cope with and respond to the complexities of modern society in a Catholic manner.
  • Develop a positive image of themselves and their various roles in society.
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Our History

Established in 1926 by Sisters of St. Francis, St. James School is dedicated to partnering with parents in modeling Christ for our children. For over 90 years, our staff and educators have empowered thousands of students with beliefs, attitudes, and values shaped in accordance with the Gospel.

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A note from Principal Kendrick

Welcome! We’re so glad you’ve decided to explore St. James School as an option for your child’s education. At St. James, we’re committed to helping your child grow in their intellect while developing them into men and women. Together, we find a way to help your child achieve their full potential. I look forward to meeting you and your student soon. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!

Leadership Team

Mike Kendrick

Principal

As the Principal of St. James School, my mission is to stop at nothing to find a way do what is best for the students, staff, and SJS community. I have been at St. James since 2019 and we have accomplished a lot in that time frame, including winning our school’s second National Blue Ribbon award in 2020, increasing enrollment by over 75 students, thriving during a global pandemic, and providing excellent formation. My goal for every student who walks into the building is that by the time they graduate 8th grade, they are young men and women of faith and intellect who love Christ and are ready to take on any challenge they face.

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Kelly Busa

Assistant Principal

As the Assistant Principal, I work closely with teachers and other administrators to make decisions for the betterment of the school, students, and families of our St. James community. I spend time in the classrooms completing coaching cycles with teachers, giving them guidance, support, and insights on how to incorporate strategies to make learning practices more effective. A part of my role is working with each class and grade level to ensure that students are receiving adequate instructional time in each core subject area, as well as fine arts classes. While reviewing curriculum, I help make decisions regarding the implementation of new resources and study data collected from diagnostic tests, which we use to identify strengths and areas in need of improvement in order to make adjustments accordingly. In accordance with identifying classroom needs, I present various topics at professional development meetings.

In addition to student and teacher support, I also provide guided tours to prospective families and promote all the wonderful opportunities that St. James’ families have when they decide to attend our school.

I thoroughly enjoy my role as the Assistant Principal, as it allows me to be involved in the lives of all of the students at St. James while giving support to the teachers and the Principal for the advancement of our school.

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Erin Perkinson

Director of Student Services and Support

I have 10 years of teaching experience and have been a proud SJS Bulldog since August of 2015. My role has transitioned from a Special Education teacher to serving as the Director of Student Services and Support at St. James. I am the special education service coordinator, serving as the liaison with School District 25. I provide school counseling services through classroom Social Emotional Learning lessons and one-on-one student sessions. As well as coordinating our Response to Intervention services, I also provide instruction to our Learning Lab students. It is my pleasure to use my years of experience and areas of expertise to serve the St. James Students and community.

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Gina Zebron

Educational Technology Coordinator

The hashtag #alwaysabulldog could not be more metaphorical of my own St. James story. It is with pride and joy that I serve our school ministry as an alumnus, current parent, and 21st century educator. My primary role as the technology coordinator is to oversee and support the integration of technology in the classroom. The goal is to ensure that our students are exposed to and gain experience and skill in a variety of useful technologies to make their educational journey challenging, engaging, and relevant, as well as effective in preparing them for high school with a toolbox of proficiencies, including digital responsibility.

Prior to joining the SJS staff, I taught in District 214 where highlights of my tenure include a nomination for a Golden Apple Award and sponsorship of a student-run business club. I joined the SJS staff after serving as the St. James FSA President during blessed years as a full-time mom and school and parish volunteer. I am thrilled to offer my experience to make a difference in our beautiful, faith and family-centered, Catholic school.

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Stay connected with St. James School

Please provide your current contact information so we can keep you in the loop about news, events, and general St. James School happenings. We also invite you to share news and announcements about your post-St. James life, and you could be featured in our St. James social media pages and Annual Report.

Questions? Contact Julie Jacobson, Director of Stewardship and Development | 224.345.7212 or jjacobson@stjamesah.org.

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Careers

Want to transform the lives of students at St. James School? Explore our open positions!
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