Campus Life
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Students, faculty, parents, and alumni often describe Saint James as a family, and as a home.
More than just words, these characterizations capture the essence of Saint James, and speak to the close and supportive relationships you will find among students, and between students and faculty.
At Saint James, learning extends beyond the classroom. From opportunities in arts and athletics to weekend activities, student clubs, and special events, our students lead active lives that help them grow into well-rounded individuals.
As Saint James was founded 180+ years ago, we also have many traditions that help define the experience, including Lessons and Carols, Maroon vs. White Field Day, and graduating from the Senior Steps.
Discover what it’s like to be a Saint!
In This Section
Meet Our STudents
Saint James students come from all corners of the world—get to know the Saints!
Guide to Student Life
Clubs & Organizations
Clubs & Organizations
At Saint James, clubs and organizations offer you many opportunities to get involved in the school community, meet a lot of people, build your leadership skills, and have fun!
SJS students organize, lead, and belong to a wide range of academic, artistic, social, and cultural clubs. A club fair at the beginning of each school year showcases all the options available to you. At that time, students are also welcome to apply to create a new school-sponsored club based on their experiences and interests.
While the list of clubs may vary from year to year depending on the interests of current students, the following is a representative sample of offerings at Saint James.
Admission Tour Guides | FAB Lab |
Art Club | Model UN |
Bai Yuka (yearbook) | Mummers' Society (drama) |
Big Brother & Big Sisters | Music (instrumental & voice) |
Chamber Orchestra | Speech & Debate |
Chapel Vestry | Stage Crew |
Dance | Student Activities Club |
DEI Committee | The Jacobite (newspaper) |
Spotlight On: Student Activities Club
The Student Activities Club is responsible for planning many of the fun extracurricular events on campus, including ski trips, spirit days at sporting events, and the Maroon vs. White competitions that are held throughout the year.
Service Learning
Service Learning
Our Service Learning program supports our mission and seeks to instill values that will empower students to become “leaders for good in the world.”
Service Learning projects instill an understanding of the importance of giving back and an appreciation for the role that each and every student can play in contributing to the lives of others. By encouraging students to engage in service opportunities, they are able to cultivate qualities such as generosity, respect, humility, and gratitude—attributes that will serve them throughout their lives.
All Saint James students are required to participate in Service Learning as a graduation requirement. Most students fulfill the requirement during School breaks by pursuing service opportunities that speak to their interests and passions. Questions about Service Learning requirements should be directed to Father Montgomery by email or by phone at 301-733-9330 ext. 3007.
Service Trips & Events
During the academic year, a variety of school-sponsored service trips and events are typically offered. Examples include:
- mentoring students at St. James School in Philadelphia.
- packing food every week for children in the Micah’s Backpack program.
- property clean-up at St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
- volunteering at Freedom's Run for Health and Heritage in Shepherdstown.
- volunteering at the Kisseman Children’s Foundation annual Egg Hunt.
Spotlight On: Student Service Learning Projects
Honor Code
Saint James Honor Code
The Saint James School culture of trust and mutual respect is made possible by an honor code to which every student and teacher agrees to adhere--in the classroom, on the playing field, and in every other facet of life in this community.
On my honor, I will not lie, steal, or cheat and I will report anyone I witness doing any of the three.
At the beginning of the school year. students and faculty convene in Chapel to add their signatures to the Honor Code posters. The posters are then displayed in the Powell/Fulton Academic Building as a reminder of their promise.
Signing the Honor Code
Jordan Walendom '19 explains the importance of the Saint James honor code in our boarding school community.
Honor Council
A group of five prefects, including the senior prefect and two faculty members, who respond to student violations of the Honor Code and determine appropriate punishment if necessary.
Advisory
Advisory at SJS
The advisory program plays an important role in making sure that every student is personally supported and that families feel connected to the SJS community. With students coming from a wide variety of backgrounds, advisory fosters faculty-student and peer-to-peer connections and creates a support system within the school community.
Every student is assigned to an advisory group of 6-7 students, with a faculty advisor who serves as an advocate and mentor during their time at Saint James. Advisory groups meet for a seated lunch once a week, and often plan other meetings, check-ins, or events (like Nacho Night!).
Advisors meet regularly with their advisees to monitor their academic progress and general engagement at school. In this role, advisors work together with each student’s hall master, teachers, and coaches to help them remain happy and successful at Saint James.
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
Our campus nurse is available to provide care to our students at Laidlaw Infirmary when illness or injuries occur. The school doctor is on call as needed. All medications are stored and dispensed to students at the Infirmary by the nurse or a faculty member on duty.
The athletic trainer is available to see to injuries during sports practices and games. We partner with Pivot Physical Therapy for our athletic training services, making sure our student-athletes get the care they need. The athletic trainer works with the nurse to oversee concussion care and baseline IMPACT testing.
A school counselor as well as the nurse and chaplain are available to provide counseling services to students.
Dress Code
Dress Code
At Saint James School, students and faculty members adhere to a dress code. There are three categories: School dress, modified dress, and casual dress. See student handbook for details.
Dining
The School community comes together to dine, enjoying both family style and buffet meals, in the Kerfoot Refectory. The food service at Saint James School is provided by SAGE Dining Services, a Maryland-based dining service provider.
SAGE has been in business for 25 years, and is known for the use of high quality, seasonal, local ingredients—all of which are prepared on-site and served fresh to our students. SAGE also works to meet the needs of our community, addressing special dietary needs and allergy restrictions. Allergens are listed on the menu board at each meal.
Daily Offerings Include:
- House-roasted deli meats
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Antibiotic- and hormone-free milk
- Cage-free, Certified Humane® eggs
- Whole-grain breads, bagels and rolls
- Local and campus-grown ingredients
- Fresh salad bar and house-made dressings
- Substantial vegetarian and vegan options provided at most meals
- Trans fat-free oils and MSG-free seasonings
- Beverages include: Vitality sugar-free flavored waters in lemon lime, strawberry kiwi and mango; skim, two percent and chocolate milks; and, Nescafe Alegria coffee
Dining Schedule
Breakfast
Lunch
In addition to the main course options, a deli, soups, and an assortment of peanut butter, jams/jellies and fresh fruit are available every day. The salad bar contains legumes and proteins, as well as greens and vegetables.
Family style lunches are served Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and are required for both day and boarding students. Students sit at assigned tables with a member of the faculty or a prefect.
Casual buffet lunches are served Thursday and Saturday with a more formal brunch on Sundays.
Dinner
In addition to the main course options, a deli, soups, and an assortment of peanut butter, jams/jellies and fresh fruit are available every day. The salad bar contains legumes and proteins, as well as greens and vegetables.
Family style dinners are served Mondays and Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Buffet dinners are served Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Weekend buffet dinners Friday - Sunday are served at 6 p.m.
Executive Chef: Cody Cooper
Office: 301-733-9330 Ext 3056
SAGE Sustainability Initiatives
SAGE Dining Services and Saint James School are committed to creating a sustainable, eco-friendly environment.
Waste Management and Recycling
Cardboard, paper, metal cans, plastic, and even cooking oil, are recycled. Napkins are made from 100 percent recycled paper.
Utilities Management
Lights are turned off when not in use. Cooking equipment such as ovens, stoves, and fryers are only on when needed. Refrigeration equipment is under preventative maintenance to maintain efficiency. Low-flow water spray valves make dish washing more efficient.
Soaps and Detergent
Ecolab provides Apex ware-washing chemicals that are 99.7% phosphate and phosphorus free. With proper use, this can help reduce water and electricity usage.
Kemp Hall
Hub of Student Life:
Biggs Student Center
The Biggs Student Center, located in Kemp Hall, is the primary social hub and gathering spot for students on campus. During the school day, students grab a snack, catch up with friends, or work on homework. In the evenings and on the weekends, it’s where many of our student life activities take place, with students hanging out, playing video games or ping pong, or watching TV together.
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