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NEW NAME. SAME MISSION.
St. James School is now Community of St. James.
| | Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on Your Graduation! | | |
It was a wonderful day on campus as we celebrated the Class of 2026 and honored our 20 graduates, their perseverance, growth, and accomplishments over the past five years. Families filled St. David’s Field with their pride and joy, toting handmade signs and balloons as we marked this milestone together.
Laughter, cheers, and a few happy tears reminded us that graduation at St. James is not just a ceremony, but a community celebration.
The program included reflections from our student leaders and a powerful address from a beloved educator who has walked alongside so many of our graduates.
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Salutatorian Olive shared:
“I hope at least one person can take inspiration from me, and continue to do their best. It isn’t about giving 100%, it’s about being consistent in what you do. …We will all persevere through these changes and learn and grow from them. …Don’t be afraid to learn, look ahead to brace yourself for the next step, and don’t procrastinate. Give life your all but don’t forget to take breaks.”
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Valedictorian Mark reflected:
“To the Class of 2026, I want us all to strive for greatness and use what we have learned from St. James to apply to our daily lives. Remember, resilience and greatness is what we have and what we will use to guide us into the future. As we do go our separate ways I know we will stay in touch through Graduate Support. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of us.”
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Graduation Speaker Dave McDonough, former Principal and Assistant Head of School, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and grateful to the families, faculty, and supporters who have walked with them every step of the way. Once a St. James student, always a St. James graduate!”
| | Where the Class of 2026 Is Headed | | We are proud to announce the high schools and programs our graduates will attend this fall: | | |
Archbishop Ryan High School
Archbishop Wood High School
Church Farm School
Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School
Early College Charter School
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Linden Hall
Little Flower Catholic High School
for Girls
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Philadelphia High School for Girls
Roman Catholic High School
The U School
The Woodlynde School
Walter B. Saul High School
West Catholic Preparatory
High School
William Penn Charter School
| | NorthBay Adventure Camp: A Tradition Students Carry With Them | | |
Each year, one of the most anticipated moments of the St. James experience is our time at NorthBay Adventure Camp — four unforgettable days spent together at an overnight camp on the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a place where growth happens naturally, community comes alive, and memories are made.
More than a trip, it’s a tradition that deepens friendships and builds confidence in ways that shape our students long after they return to campus.
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Students talk about NorthBay all year. For our newest campers, the 5th graders, the excitement builds from hearing older students tell stories of late-night cabin laughs, team challenges, and steps just outside their comfort zones. For our 8th graders, their final NorthBay trip is a chance to be together before their graduation and the start of their next chapter.
At NorthBay, students learn by doing, supporting one another through challenges, celebrating small victories, and discovering strengths they didn’t know they had. Whether climbing, ziplining, soaring on the big swing, problem-solving as a team, or reflecting together at the end of the day, the experience supports personal growth in ways the classroom alone cannot.
| | For some of our graduates, a favorite way to stay connected to St. James is returning to NorthBay as counselors, guiding younger students. It’s leadership, service, and joy all wrapped into one, and a powerful reminder that being part of the St. James community continues far beyond graduation. | | Summer Camp Season Is Still in Full Swing! | | Support Summer Camp Experiences | | |
When you support the Community of St. James, you make possible an educational experience that extends beyond the school day, week, and year to include enriching summer camp opportunities.
NorthBay Adventure Camp is a signature experience, bringing our entire student body together each summer. In addition, selected students attend off-site day camps and overnight camps in rural communities across New England and the Mid-Atlantic through our trusted partner organizations.
Our Grad Support staff carefully match each student with the camp that's right for them, and every student attends at no cost to their family.
This year, we're inviting 50 community members to help send St. James students to camp. Your gift can provide:
| | | | $100
Summer essentials (swimsuits, towels, goggles, and flip-flops) | | | $500
Transportation to and from overnight camp | | $1,000
"Fill the Camp Trunk" by funding the complete overnight camp experience for one student | | Please consider making a gift to help our students experience a summer of adventure, growth, and discovery. | | The Community of St. James is a faith-based educational community deeply rooted in transformative loving relationships. | | | | | |
