St. James Episcopal Day School - Baton Rouge, LA

Since its founding in 1951 as a ministry of St. James Episcopal Church, St. James Episcopal Day School consistently embodies its mission statement of "developing each child's unique gifts by providing a strong foundation combining academic excellence and spiritual formation." The school has transformed from a traditional, desks-in-a-row environment to an exceptional school encompassing twenty-first century educational practices. St. James has always exceeded standardized test national norms, and for the past seven years has consistently met or exceeded independent school norms. This significant milestone for St. James has been achieved by intensely scrutinizing standardized testing and assessment data to formulate a data-based curriculum with instructional practices utilizing research-based strategies. Technology is state-of-the-art including a one-to-one iPad program in grades two through five. Students participate in a variety of instructional strategies and collaborative efforts such as project-based learning, problem solving groups, partner teaching pairs, and authentic assessment. Teacher training follows national standards and implementation in the classroom is closely monitored by the administration. Differentiation is a key component and is at the heart of lesson design and curriculum at St. James. Teachers are sincere in their concern for students, striving to address the diverse needs of each and every child. Classrooms are safe environments for experimentation and discussion as children become independent thinkers and develop skills necessary for problem solving and collaboration. The entire St. James staff is guided by one edict: help students to be academically prepared, intellectually curious, socially responsible, and spiritually aware.