St. James’ Episcopal School

Early learning with an emphasis on academics and diversity

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is St. James’ Episcopal School a school or a daycare?
  2. What is Montessori? 
  3. Do children do well in public school after attending a Montessori school?
  4. How many children are in a class?
  5. Are the teachers certified?
  6. How does the teacher know how my child is progressing?
  7. How do you keep the children from going to the same workstation all the time?
  8. Do the children bring work home?
  9. Can I speak with the teacher at any time?
  10. Can I drop in to visit my child?
  11. Is lunch provided?
  12. Does my child have to attend chapel?
  13. Do the children wear uniforms?
  14. Do you have a PTA?
  15. What is the difference between the full-time and part-time programs?
  16. What do parents and students do when school is closed for breaks?
  17. Does the school follow a public school calendar?
  18. What is Episcopal education?
1. Is St. James’ a school or daycare?
St. James’ School is an Episcopal school with a Montessori early childhood and kindergarten program. St. James' School plans to expand into the elementary grades in the very near future. Back to top
2. What is Montessori?
Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the Montessori movement is based on careful observation of and respect for the natural development of the child. We respect children's natural curiosity and exploration through the senses and movements, and encourage their freedom to achieve through order and self-discipline. Learn more. Back to top
3. Do children do well in public school after attending a Montessori school?
Yes. A Montessori classroom fosters self-confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community. A child’s natural curiosity is engaged in a Montessori classroom in various activity centers. Learn more. Back to top
4. How many children are in a class?
The average number of students in a Montessori classroom is 30 with one Montessori Guide and an assistant. We average between 25 to 27 students. Because students choose their own work instead of accepting assignments as they would in a traditional classroom, the Montessori classroom fosters independence and responsibility. Therefore, more students can learn at their own pace with the support of the Montessori Guide and Assistant. Back to top
5. Are the teachers certified?
The Montessori Guides are certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). The certification focuses on the philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori and includes class time, observation of existing programs, student teaching, and mentoring by experienced Guides. One of our Guides also has a four-year degree and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. One of the afternoon teachers has a four-year degree and is pursuing elementary and early childhood certification. All of the assistant teachers have either taken college classes or are presently pursuing a course of study. Back to top
6. How does the teacher know how my child is progressing?
Each day the Montessori Guide presents lessons and observes all students as they choose work in the classroom. Observation time allows the Montessori Guide to track the student’s progress, encourage a child to choose more challenging work, or redirect a child to a lesson that needs reinforcing. Progress is reported to the parent(s) in conferences in October and April and in informal conversations. Mini progress reports are sent out twice a month by the Montessori Guides. Back to top
7. How do you keep the children from going to the same workstation all the time?
Students are encouraged to choose their own work from a variety of workstations. However, to assist in the pursuit of challenging activities and working at all of the stations, the Montessori Guide redirects students when necessary. Back to top
8. Do the children bring work home?
Yes. Every Friday, students bring home the work they have done for that week. Your child’s folder will be by the sign-out sheet. Please look for your child’s name and pick up the work to take home. Back to top
9. Can I speak with the teacher at any time?
Yes, parents are encouraged to speak with teachers at any time. Parents may leave a message with the school office at 512-926-4214, and the teacher will return the phone call. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in October and April. Back to top
10. Can I drop in to visit my child?
Yes, parents are always welcome to visit. No appointment is necessary. We do ask that you check in at the office so we know who is on campus. Back to top
11. Is lunch provided?
Students must bring a nutritious lunch from home that requires no heating or refrigeration. Back to top
12. Does my child have to attend chapel?
Yes, chapel is a time for the school community to come together on a daily basis. Chapel attendance is mandatory for teachers and students as we share stories from the Bible, discussions reinforcing choices that build up the community, and moral lessons. Back to top
13. Do students wear uniforms?
No, students do not wear uniforms. We ask students to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for activities such as gardening, painting, and outdoor play. Back to top
14. Do you have a PTA?
Yes, ours is called the Parent Advisory Council (PAC). We request that each family volunteers eight hours during the academic year. The PAC meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Meeting activities include planning for the book fair, Teacher/Staff Appreciation Day, Easter celebration, the Christmas program and Spring Fling celebration. The meetings also serve as a resource for topics such as how to read to your child, financial planning, and the Montessori work a student is doing. Back to top
15. What is the difference between the full-time and part-time programs?
The full-time program schedule goes from 7:15 a.m.–6:00 p.m., and the part-time schedule goes from 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Both programs include the Montessori curriculum, but the full-time program includes the Afternoon Enrichment Program, with activities such as music, sign language, storytelling, and mentoring with other Episcopal schools. Back to top
16. What do parents and students do when school is closed for breaks?
Some parents put their children in the care of relatives or a former daycare. Some make separate arrangements with the teachers at the school. Others make arrangements with other parents in the school or use the time to spend with their child. Back to top
17. Does the school follow a public school calendar?
Yes, we follow the Austin Independent School District's calendar, with some exceptions. We generally begin one day later than AISD in the Fall to accomodate pre-visits for our new students. Major holidays like Christmas and Spring Break are usually the same. We do not, however, close for parent conferences in October and April, but we do close for Ash Wednesday at the beginning of Lent. Back to top
18. What is Episcopal education?
Episcopal Schools embrace honor, tolerance, and intellectual curiosity. They work to be comprehensive, inclusive communities with respect for other beliefs. Back to top
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