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STUDENT LIFE
Student Life
STJ Student Life: College Prep School Academics
Student life at Saint James School is built around leadership development, public participation, and long-term relationships that begin in elementary school and continue through high school. Our programs promote community engagement and foster a lasting sense of community across all grade levels.
Students take part in academic clubs, service initiatives, student publications, and special interest groups that connect them with peers, community members, and decision makers. These opportunities support sustainable development while preparing students to engage in the issue at hand with confidence and purpose.
Campus dining, shared traditions, and a culture of student leadership bring unity to daily life on campus. Whether acting as a project manager in high school or learning collaboration in middle school, every student plays a role in building and sustaining a vibrant community.
Campus Dining That Supports Student Life & Community Engagement
Mealtimes at Saint James School are more than a break in the day—they are a central part of student life. With nearly 900 meals prepared daily in The Commons, our 14,000-square-foot dining facility serves students from elementary school through high school. Lunch is included in tuition, and offerings are tailored to each age group with vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options available.
In partnership with FLIK Independent School Dining, we provide nutritious meals that reflect seasonal ingredients and promote healthy habits across campus. Campus dining also supports community engagement by creating a daily space for students to connect with peers, build relationships, and share in the traditions that unite our school community in Montgomery, AL.
Community Engagement Initiatives That Build Purpose & Connection
Community engagement is an important part of student life at Saint James School. Our programs introduce students to service and community organizing in the United States through hands-on experience, beginning in elementary school and continuing through high school. From division-based outreach to school-wide projects, students participate in different types of community engagement that develop empathy, responsibility, and a connection to public services in Montgomery, AL.
We believe community engagement is essential not just for academic growth but also for shaping character. Students work alongside local partners, participate in meaningful service, and grow through stewardship and giving. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of the world around them and reinforce long-term values tied to leadership, civic responsibility, and collective impact.
Student Leadership Opportunities at Saint James School
Leadership at Saint James School is woven into daily student life. From elementary school through high school, students have access to clubs, academic organizations, and honor societies that support leadership development and strengthen community ties.
Through structured involvement in activities like Girls on the Run, Robotics Team, and the National Honor Society, students learn to take initiative, collaborate with peers, and contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes both inside and outside the classroom.
Student Ambassadors serve as key representatives of the school, helping new families feel welcome and promoting school values through direct involvement with faculty, staff, and administration. Participation in organizations such as Math Club, Key Club, Write Club, and STJtv gives students additional platforms to lead, create, and connect.
These experiences prepare students to step confidently into future roles where communication, problem-solving, and leadership are essential.
Athletics at Saint James School
Athletics at Saint James School go beyond competition—they are part of our mission to shape confident, well-rounded students. We compete in AHSAA Class 3A and 6A with a wide range of teams, including football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and more. Our athletic program emphasizes character, discipline, and teamwork while offering student-athletes access to experienced coaching, Encore Sports Medicine services, and modern training facilities.
Playing as a Trojan is about more than the game. From elementary school camps to high school varsity programs, students gain lifelong skills that apply in every setting. With opportunities to lead, grow, and represent our school with pride, athletics remain a defining part of student life, supporting physical development and the values that guide strong citizenship.
Saint James Art Programs
Saint James School embraces the arts as a core part of each student’s experience. Our visual arts, performing arts, choral, and forensics programs begin in early grades and continue through high school, allowing students to grow creatively while building discipline and self-confidence. Year-round classes and performances give students time to refine their work, express themselves, and collaborate with peers across artistic disciplines.
From the marching band to theater and advanced studio art, students receive instruction that balances technique with personal expression. These programs foster critical thinking, communication, and resilience—skills that support college readiness and personal development.
At Saint James, the arts are an essential part of how we prepare students for life.
Student Life FAQs
Student life at Saint James School is designed to engage students beyond the classroom through leadership, service, athletics, and the arts. From elementary school to high school, students participate in activities that develop character, strengthen community, and encourage a lasting sense of purpose. Each stage of the student journey includes access to programs that challenge, support, and inspire.
Through campus dining, traditions, clubs, and outreach efforts, students connect with peers and faculty in meaningful ways. These experiences are intentionally woven into the school culture, giving students opportunities to grow as leaders and community members. Whether it’s through public speaking, performance, sports, or service, every student has a place to lead and contribute.
Saint James offers a wide range of programs that reflect student interests and support well-rounded development:
- Academic Organizations: Math Club, Robotics Team, STEM Club, and student publications
- Arts Programs: Theater, marching band, choral ensembles, and visual arts
- Athletics: Football, soccer, cheer, volleyball, tennis, golf, and more
- Leadership & Service: Student Ambassadors, Honor Societies, Key Club, Interact Club
- Special Interest Clubs: ASL Club, Girls Who Code, Write Club, Government Club, and others
These options help students develop confidence, explore new interests, and form long-term connections throughout elementary, middle, and high school.
Leadership is integrated into every part of the student experience. Opportunities begin early, with students learning responsibility and teamwork in elementary school. As they advance through middle and high school, they take on greater roles through programs like Student Ambassadors, academic clubs, and community engagement initiatives.
Leadership at Saint James also connects to real-world skills. Students collaborate with peers, contribute to decision-making processes, and learn to organize and lead events. These experiences prepare them for future success in college, careers, and community roles by giving them the tools to lead with confidence and purpose.
Yes, Saint James has a strong tradition of events that bring the school community together year after year:
- All-School Events: Homecoming, Trojan Day, Pep Rallies, Convocation, Commencement
- Milestone Moments: Senior Walk, Kindergarten Splash, Baccalaureate, Freshman Retreat
- Family & Community Days: Grandparents’ Day, International Week, Community Day
- Creative & Cultural: School plays, STJtv, Thankful Thursday, Outdoor Classroom
These traditions help build school spirit and create a shared experience for students from all grade levels.
Student life is structured to reinforce academic growth through balance, engagement, and well-being. Programs like campus dining, leadership roles, and after-school activities give students the chance to build skills that complement their classroom learning. By encouraging responsibility, organization, and collaboration, these programs create habits that support long-term academic success.
Saint James also connects student life with its college preparatory goals. From time management to communication, students gain the tools they need to succeed at the next level. These experiences help develop the whole child, ensuring they are prepared not just for tests but for life beyond graduation.
School Traditions That Shape Identity & Celebrate Community
Traditions at Saint James School create lasting connections between students, faculty, and families. These events reflect the values that define our school community, celebration, and shared purpose. From Kindergarten Splash and Thankful Thursday to Homecoming and Senior Walk, each tradition plays a role in building identity and reinforcing a sense of belonging from elementary school through high school.
Our calendar includes events that unite the entire campus, like field trips, pep rallies, Community Day, and more personal milestones such as Freshman Retreat, commencement, and baccalaureate.
Whether students are cheering at Trojan Day or greeting guests as part of Great Day Greeters, these shared experiences help define the Saint James journey and leave a lasting impact on every school community member.
Enroll Your Child at Saint James School Today
Since 1955, Saint James School has offered a dynamic academic environment built on rigorous preparation, character development, and strong community support. With a curriculum spanning Pre-K2 through 12th grade, students progress through elementary school, middle school, and high school within a cohesive college preparatory structure enriched by athletics, the arts, and student leadership opportunities.
Our inclusive tuition model covers meals, books, field trips, and more, making enrollment a comprehensive investment in your child’s future. With rolling admissions available throughout the year, it’s easy to take the next step. Join our community in Montgomery, AL, and give your child the foundation to thrive as a Trojan—on campus and beyond.
