Our Legacy
As one of the oldest private schools in Baton Rouge, our seven-decade-long legacy of academic excellence means that we have been preparing the future leaders of our city for generations. That history grounds us and gives us the foundation we need to educate the leaders of tomorrow and prepare them to meet 21st-century challenges.
In the heart of Louisiana’s capital, St. James’ campus is housed in historic, architecturally significant buildings, and our students have access to our state’s storied history and cultural legacy right at their fingertips. From Easter Egg Hunts at the Old State Capitol to student art exhibits at the Downtown library to picnics along the Mississippi River, our students have the unique opportunity to be immersed in Louisiana’s history and culture.
Founded as a kindergarten by Mrs. Doris deBessonet in 1948, the school was given official status by the St. James Episcopal Church Vestry in 1951 under the leadership of the Rector, Parson Phillip Werlein. Today, St. James, a three-time U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon school winner, is a landmark in downtown Baton Rouge that continues to educate generations of Baton Rouge students.
A Faith-Based Education
As Baton Rouge’s leading Episcopal day school, we provide a warm, loving learning community steeped in the Episcopalian faith that reinforces the God-given dignity and individuality of each child as expressed through the Anglican tradition.
St. James mission: St. James is committed to developing each child’s unique gifts by providing a strong foundation combining academic excellence and spiritual formation within a warm, loving, Christian community.
Community & Tradition
At St. James, we thrive on tradition and community. From school-wide traditions like Gingerbread Day and Carnival to grade-level traditions like the 5th Grade Pinning Ceremony to weekly Chapel services often led by the students themselves, St. James traditions create an air of excitement all year long and create a warm and inviting environment for students and parents alike.
School Life at St. James
Our students learn and lead through an exceptional roster of campus activities that happen both in and out of the classroom. Our rich school life is one of the things that set St. James apart. Students experience everything our historic capital has to offer through walking field trips, cultural excursions and visits to historic sites, and students and parents alike participate in school traditions, community events, and more.
Awards and Accomplishments
- National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, 2009, 2015 and 2022
- Apple Distinguished School, 2017-2022
- Accredited by Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES)
Mission Statement
St. James Episcopal Day School, a ministry of St. James Church, is committed to developing each child’s unique gifts by providing a strong foundation combining academic excellence and spiritual formation within a warm, loving, Christian community.
Student Life
Along with chapel services in the historic St. James Episcopal Church sanctuary, students and their families enjoy beloved school traditions throughout the year.
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