The College Counseling Office at Saint James School facilitates a college search and application process that celebrates the talents of our student body, but is also tailored to the needs of every individual.
Our comprehensive programming, bespoke guidance and dynamic research tools empower students to engage directly with the college search process, and in doing so engenders a sense of ownership towards their future.

In its totality, our college counseling philosophy is holistic and seeks to echo the larger school mission to “challenge and inspire our students to be leaders for good in the world.”

In This Section

School Profile

Learn more about

OUr Approach

Collaborative

As a small academic and residential community, we take a highly collaborative approach to college counseling. We draw on insights from teachers, coaches, residential advisors, extracurricular sponsors, and the chaplaincy to help our students find their own narrative. Our approach builds a network of support available throughout the application, decision notification and matriculation process.

Intentional

Our college counseling program is intentional in its aim to find the right ‘fit’ for every student. We encourage strategic college searches that match aspirations with individual needs, whether they be academic, extracurricular, financial, social, etc. Thus, we advocate for a balanced and well-rounded college list that realizes the full potential of every student.

Grade-by-Grade Details

Reflective

Our approach is inherently reflective as students are asked to think about what they value in their educational experience. In this way, we examine dimensions of fit such as academic offerings, athletics, finances, geography, size and student life in order to develop a college search that aligns with each student in an authentic manner. Hence, our students apply to college with a level of confidence that is genuine, purposeful and forward thinking.

Get the Facts

SJS College Counseling

By the Numbers

Saint James students accepted into college:

100 Percent

Students admitted to one of their top three college choices:

99 Percent

Percent of students who are the only member of their class at the college they attend:

85 Evidence of finding the perfect fit!

Number of college admission officers who visit the Saint James campus:

50

Sixth Form college essay workshops held each year:

3

Total number of college acceptances by the Class of 2025:

316 Across 25 states, Washington, DC, and five countries

AP courses offered:

19

AP scores that were a 3, 4 or 5:

93 Percent

Office of College Counseling

Director of College Counseling

David Adams

The SJS Director of College Counseling will guide you through the college preparation, search, and application process. Students and families are encouraged to reach out along the way if they have any questions.

David Adams has a B.A. in History from Old Dominion University with a Minor in Political Science, and an M.A. in Human Development from Hood College with concentrations in Leadership, Ethics, and Marketing.

Mr. Adams has worked 25+ years in higher education admissions and enrollment management, including positions at Widener University, York College, and Pennsylvania State University.

David Adams, Saint James School Director of College Counseling, meets with students.

Academics at Saint James

Well rounded and
Well pepared

The Saint James approach leads students to develop the exact set of skills, experiences, and intangibles colleges are looking for:

Four years of rigorous coursework in five subject areas, including a foreign language.
Critical and creative thinking.
Intellectual curiosity.
A varied slate of extracurriculars.
Leadership experience.
Strong citizenship, generosity of spirit, and personal integrity.
Demonstrated ability to work hard, manage time well, juggle multiple responsibilities, and thrive.