Celebrating the Class of 2026: St. James Graduates Ready for Their Next Chapter
June 8, 2026
At St. James Lutheran School, graduation is more than the end of 8th grade, it's the culmination of years of academic growth, faith formation, leadership development, and lifelong friendships. As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we are filled with pride as our graduates prepare to take their next steps at some of the most respected high schools in Chicago and beyond!
One of the most meaningful traditions at St. James is hearing from our graduates themselves. Each year, members of the graduating class share reflections on their experiences, memories, and the impact St. James has had on their lives.
- "I will continue to follow my dreams in High School, but I will never forget all the lifelong friends, teachers, and memories I have made at St. James."
- "During these years I have learned what a good friend is and how to be a good friend to others. I have also learned that life is better with friends to help you through it…I will always treasure the friendships I made here"
- "I am forever grateful for all my teachers who helped me improve in different ways."
- "I am ready to learn, be courageous, and be adventurous in high school."
- "In Jeremiah 29:11, the Bible tells us about God’s plan for us. ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ Throughout my years (in high school), God will help me follow his plan."
- "I’d like to thank my teachers for helping me improve all my subjects and helping me become smarter. I will forever miss all of the teachers, and thank you for helping me become who I am today."
- "Because of St. James and all the people around me, I feel ready for my next stage in life."
Their words remind us that a St. James education is about far more than academics. It is about building character, growing in faith, discovering talents, and developing the confidence to succeed in high school and beyond.
Exceptional High School Placement Success
St. James students consistently achieve outstanding high school placement results. Each year, at least 95% of our graduating eighth graders are accepted to their first-choice high school, a testament to their hard work, the support of their families, and the strong academic foundation they receive at St. James.
Members of the Class of 2026 will continue their educational journeys at many of the area's most distinguished schools, including:
- Lincoln Park High School (Double Honors & International Baccalaureate Programs)
- Loyola Academy
- DePaul College Prep
- Jones College Prep
- Whitney M. Young Magnet High School
- Walter Payton College Prep
- University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
- Latin School of Chicago
- Lane Tech College Prep
- St. Ignatius College Prep
And many more outstanding schools throughout the Chicago area and beyond.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, we look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the years ahead. Congratulations, graduates!
As we wrap up another year of Mini Mavericks, we are reflecting on all of the meaningful mornings spent playing, learning, and building community together. Designed for families with children ages 0-4, sessions create opportunities for young children and their parents and caregivers to connect through play-based experiences in a welcoming, engaging environment.
There are so many ways to enjoy the Lincoln Park area with your children this spring and summer. From playful early childhood programs and neighborhood festivals to enriching camps in the arts, science, and sports, families will find plenty of opportunities to explore, create, and connect. Below includes several offerings hosted by St. James Lutheran School, along with a wide range of programs from local community partners!
Earth Day Week Highlights: Student Projects and Classroom Activities In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, students across all grade levels engaged in hands-on learning experiences focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community responsibility.
Starting at a new school can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For families joining St. James at a non-traditional entry point, one of the biggest questions is often: What will the transition actually feel like?
Each year, St. James students leave our halls equipped to thrive in the next chapter of their academic journey. In fact, 95% of our 8th grade classes are accepted into their first-choice high school, a testament to the strong academic foundation, character development, and faith formation they receive during their time here. We’re excited to feature some of our recent St. James alumni who started high school this past fall. They shared reflections on their experiences so far, the ways St. James prepared them, and advice for current students.
At the heart of our school is a simple but deeply held belief: a Christ-centered education should be accessible to families who desire it. Our mission is not only to educate students academically, but to walk alongside families as partners in the formation of their children spiritually, intellectually, and relationally. Our philosophy on financial aid flows directly from that commitment.
Author Night at St. James is a beloved opportunity for our Early Childhood families to step into the classroom and experience literacy learning alongside their children. Rooted in our inquiry-based approach, the evening highlights how students have explored a particular author’s life, works, stories, themes, and art through meaningful, hands-on experiences while inviting parents to be active participants in the learning process. Below is a look at how each class brought Author Night to life this year!
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.
This article was written by Newspaper Club Reporter, Scout O.
The Christmas season at St. James is always a special time, filled with opportunities to gather, celebrate, and reflect on the true meaning of Christ’s birth. This year, our community came together in so many beautiful ways, creating memories that will last well beyond the season.