ASSESSMENTS
Our assessments allow the Admissions Committee and additional faculty to observe children in academic and social settings. An assessment is just one way we learn how a child will connect with, benefit from, and add to the learning community at St. James'.
Kindergarten and 1st Grade assessments are designed to determine the developmental readiness of a child for our program. We use the Gesell Developmental Observation Assessment from the Gesell at Yale Early Childhood Program. A representative from Gesell at Yale joins us on campus.
Students applying to 2nd - 6th Grade will not be required to take the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).
The Character Skills Snapshot for 6th Graders
Character and mindset are an integral part of a St. James' education. Grades and test scores just don’t tell us the whole story of your child. The Character Skills Snapshot gives us richer holistic information and illuminates areas where St. James' can help your child grow and thrive. All sixth grade applicants to 6th grade are strongly recommended to take The Character Skills Snapshot. For students who take the SSAT, there is no charge to take The Snapshot. Once you register for an SSAT, you will have access to The Snapshot. Students who will not take the SSAT must contact the St. James' admission office in order to gain access to The Snapshot. There is a $40 fee for non-SSAT test takers. Fee waivers are available for those in need. Please contact us at jmendoza@sjsla.org if you require a fee waiver.
SCHOOL VISITS
2nd - 6th Grade Shadow Day:
Applicants are invited to spend time in their current grade to get to know their peer group at St. James'. The visit also allows us to observe children in a classroom setting. These visits will be scheduled in January and February, and may be remote depending on the requirements at that time.
FAMILY INTERVIEWS
Family interviews are scheduled from October through January by the Admission Office after the completed application and all supplemental forms are received.