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

  • 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…

  • Thanksgiving MassNovember 27, 2024 - 2:34 am

    Today our 1st through 8th graders celebrated Mass with Father Matt in preparation for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Thank you to our 7th graders for hosting, our choir for sharing their beautiful voices, and to all our older students who served as “buddies” to the younger grades.  It is always beautiful to witness our community coming together in prayer to thank God for his many blessings.

  • Pre-K FriendsgivingNovember 26, 2024 - 1:00 am

    Today our Pre-K friends enjoyed a special “Friendsgiving” celebration.