Nationally & Locally Recognized For Excellence

Saint James School (Pre-K – Grade 8) is a proud recipient of the Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Excellence.   This award recognizes high-performing schools, where students rank at the top of their peer group nationwide in both reading and math on standardized tests.  On the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, Saint James students consistently score several years above grade level, and the yearly gains made by each group of students exceed expected progress.

Kindergarten – 8th Grade Program

Saint James School has been a leading choice for educating children in Manchester and surrounding towns since it first opened its doors in 1922.  Many changes have happened at the school since then, but the basic principles that have turned generations of Saint James graduates into compassionate, disciplined, critical thinkers have not.

Pre-Kindergarten Program

Saint James School offers a comprehensive Pre-K program in a nurturing Christian environment. As part of the Saint James community, children have an enriching experience that includes various opportunities to be part of what they fondly refer to as “the big school.” It’s a unique environment that cannot be found elsewhere.

Latest News

  • Pre-K Grinch DayDecember 8, 2024 - 10:59 am

    “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more.” – The Grinch

  • St. Nicholas’ Feast DayDecember 6, 2024 - 1:34 am

    In keeping with tradition, our Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd Grade students left one shoe outside their classroom this morning in celebration of St. Nicholas Day (Feast Day of St. Nicholas).  More commonly observed in Northern Europe, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated…

  • Christmas StoreDecember 4, 2024 - 2:27 am

    Our students had so much fun at the SJS Christmas Store today shopping for their loved ones all on their own!  A huge thank you to SJS parent volunteers Kristin O’Hara and Brittany Devanney for all their time and efforts organizing this event for our students.  Also thank you to…