MID-WILSHIRE : St. James’ School Gets National Honor

The U.S. Department of Education has selected St. James’ Episcopal School as a Blue Ribbon School, one of 276 private and public elementary schools across the country selected for 1993-1994 and the only one in Los Angeles.

The Blue Ribbon Schools program, launched in 1982, honors schools for excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement and parental involvement. Schools apply for the honor, are nominated by state education agencies or the Council for American Private Education and are evaluated by program representatives.

St. James’ Episcopal School, a parochial school associated with St. James’ Episcopal Church, has an enrollment of 320 students in kindergarten through 6th grade.

The ethnic composition of the student population is 45% white, 35% Asian American, 15% African American and 5% Latino, said the Rev. Charles Rowins, the headmaster.

The students “are now even prouder of their school than they were before,” he said.

The key to the school’s success is its “overall quality and a balance between academic rigor and enriched activities,” Rowins said. “We hope the kids have a good time here while working hard.”

The school at 625 S. St. Andrews Place offers an extended care program that allows children to participate in school activities from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuition is $6,100 a year.

In its Blue Ribbon application, the school stressed its extensive hands-on science programs, including a garden tended by the students.

The honor carries no monetary award; the school will receive a flag and a plaque commemorating its achievement.

The intent of the program is “to elevate successful schools in their local communities so other schools can emulate them,” Rowins said.

St. James’ School was one of 30 California schools selected.