Why The Gross Family Chose Saint James Academy

Kim Gross with her children.

Although many students around the Baltimore area have already begun their new school year, the students at ST. JAMES ACADEMY (SJA), in Monkton, don't have to worry about starting day until September 6. This is a private, independent school serving students in grades K to 8, so that explains the difference in the school calendars with the local public school system.

Since activities at St. James Academy haven't started yet, let's take a look at the Gross family's decision for their children to attend this school. Kim and her husband, Brian, both have advanced degrees and they place a high value on their children's education. Both of them had attended public schools during their childhoods,



When the couple's oldest daughter, Riley, was in kindergarten, a family member suggested SJA. Riley, at the time, was a bit shy and quiet, but also curious. Not only had the family enrolled Riley, but also their younger children, Caitlyn and Patrick, when they reached Grade K. They noticed Riley blossomed in the school culture, while she was able to pursue her various interests. Now that Riley is in eighth grade, though, the family knows that she'll have to move on to a different high school, once she completes this school year.

So, why did the Gross family select St. James Academy? According to Kim, the campus was very inviting, with hills and a beautiful country setting. In addition, she said, "We were instantly captivated by its aesthetic beauty, intrinsic warmth, and feeling of community. Parents are ever present at the school, volunteering and helping contribute to this warmth. Observing the classrooms and seeing the student/teacher interactions, it is quickly apparent how engaged and committed the teachers are and the difference they are making. The classroom size (average 7:1) facilitates a level of learning that just isn't possible in other settings. I quickly saw the benefits of how a small classroom, individualized attention and nurturing characteristics would be so important in developing our daughter. Not all children learn and are motivated the same, and with three very unique children, we've found that SJA has the keen ability to encourage each child to individually rise to their potential. The teachers exhibit a personal level of caring and desire to help each child grow and succeed, while earning their trust, respect, and friendship along the way."

Some SJA students engaged in learning outside.

The children who attend St. James Academy have a friendly community safety net which encourages them to take risks and try new things. Ms. Gross noted some of the interests of her children, "Riley has performed in six musicals since 2nd grade, including the lead in 4th grade for My Son Pinocchio. It was outside her comfort zone, but she felt safe attempting it within the SJA community. Our fifth grader, Caitlyn, had the opportunity to participate in three middle school sports this past year..., including tennis which she had never previously played competitively. She received excellent support and coaching, ending the season with a greater love for this lifetime sport. Lastly, our youngest, Patrick, was so intrigued by his classwork in science that he's asking for a microscope and to attend a science summer camp....Each of our children has been exposed to art, drama, sports, science, technology, crafts, chess, cooking, tennis, running, and more. It's helped them develop a curiosity for new things and promotes life skills like teamwork, leadership, public speaking, risk-taking, and
commitment."

A panel of kindergarteners answer questions presented by new and returning students' families.

There is, of course, even more awaiting families with students enrolled at SJA. It's certainly one of those schools that educates the whole child, while maintaining high academic standards. It's a place where children can develop that foundation, which leads to further development as they face the future with confidence.

Thanks for information from this article by Kim Gross on St. James Academy blog: https://www.saintjamesacademy.org/why-did-we-select-sja/; and the above link.

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