Admissions at St. James Lutheran School: What to Expect
Choosing the right school for your child is both exciting and deeply personal. At St. James Lutheran School, we believe the admissions process should feel just as thoughtful as the education we provide. From your first inquiry to your child’s first day, our goal is to walk alongside your family, answer your questions honestly, and help you discern whether St. James is the right fit for your child.
Below is a closer look at how our admissions process works and what you can expect along the way.
Families exploring one of our preschool rooms for Winter Weekends.
Eligibility Requirements
Our age guidelines help ensure students are developmentally ready to thrive in our classrooms.
To enter Preschool, children must be three years old by December 31 of the school year they are applying for. Children with birthdays between September 1 and December 31 will repeat Preschool the following year.
For Junior Kindergarten, students must be four years old by September 1.
For Kindergarten, students must be five years old by September 1.
All children enrolled in our Preschool program must be fully potty trained.
If you have questions about placement or readiness, our admissions team is always happy to connect!
The Admissions Process
1. Submit an Application
Families begin by creating an account in the FACTS system and completing the online application. This allows us to gather basic information about your child and your family. A $22 application fee is required to complete your submission.
Link: https://www.stjameslutheranschool.org/apply
2. Visit Our School
We encourage every family to schedule a tour. Visiting St. James gives you the opportunity to see learning in action, experience the community, and explore what makes our classrooms unique. Tours are also a chance for us to learn more about your family’s goals, values, and hopes for your child’s education.
3. Student Visit or Assessment
After an application is submitted, students participate in an age-appropriate visit designed to feel comfortable and engaging. For Early Childhood students, assessments can be completed during the tour date:
- Preschool and Junior Kindergarten applicants complete an early childhood assessment- essentially a play date- with our early childhood counselor during the family tour. This helps us get to know your child’s personality and comfort level.
- Kindergarten applicants complete a one-on-one assessment with a Kindergarten teacher, allowing us to better understand readiness and learning style.
- Students applying to Grades 1 through 8 take part in a half-day classroom shadow experience, giving them a glimpse into daily life at St. James while allowing teachers to get to know them as learners.
4. Admission Decision
Following the visit and assessment, the admissions team will contact families with an admission decision and next steps. To secure enrollment, families submit a $1,000 deposit and complete the required enrollment documentation through FACTS.
5. Financial Support
We view financial aid as a partnership with families, rooted in our commitment to making Christ-centered education accessible through thoughtful, relational support. Our financial aid program is available to families with demonstrated need and is administered through FACTS. Even for families who may not fit traditional need-based criteria, we welcome the opportunity to meet individually, listen to your unique circumstances, and have an open conversation about affordability and next steps.
6. Welcome to the St. James Community
Once enrollment is confirmed, families will receive an enrollment packet, as well as ongoing communication about important dates, school events, and opportunities to get involved. From parent gatherings to classroom celebrations, we look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community!
Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions about the admissions process or would like to schedule a conversation, please contact us at
admissions@stjames-lutheran.org. We would love to connect with your family and help you take the next step.
