Mini Mavericks: Building Community Through Play!

August 27, 2025

Mini Mavericks returns Friday, September 11, 2026!

RSVP so we can plan for numbers!

Mini Mavericks returns Friday, September 11, 2026! We are committed to building community here at St. James and are excited to welcome families with young children ages 0–4 to join us on Friday mornings throughout the school year.

Mini Mavericks is a free, interactive program designed to give caregivers and children a welcoming space to play, learn, create, and connect. Each session is facilitated by a St. James staff member and includes stories, activities, creative play, and opportunities for families to build relationships with one another.


What to Expect

Fridays | 8:45–10:15 AM
St. James Lutheran School | 2101 N. Fremont St.

  • 8:45–9:15 AM: Families begin with gross motor play on the playground- a chance for children to run, jump, explore, and play while caregivers connect.
  • 9:15–10:15 AM: We head to the second-floor library for play-based centers, seasonal art, and storytime.
  • Art & Creative Play: Our projects focus on the process, not the finished product, encouraging creativity, self-expression, problem-solving, fine-motor development, and confidence.


A Few Helpful Details

For families with infants and strollers, please leave strollers on the playground off of Dickens Street. 

We encourage caregivers to participate alongside their children, explore the activities together, and take time to connect with other parents and caregivers. Building relationships and creating a sense of belonging are at the heart of Mini Mavericks.


Come Explore St. James!

While your little ones have fun at Mini Mavericks, take the opportunity to explore our school! Our Director of Admissions will be available to give you a personalized tour and answer any questions you may have.


Whether you’re already part of St. James or simply getting to know us, we’d love to welcome your family!


Mini Mavericks
Fridays, 8:45–10:15 AM
St. James Lutheran School
2101 N. Fremont St., Chicago, IL 60614

RSVP so we can plan for your family!

RSVP so we can plan for numbers!

James Woodson Eagle Scout Project

September 3, 2026
St. James alum James Woodson, Class of 2023, chose to give back to St. James through his Eagle Scout project! With the help of friends, classmates, and fellow St. James alumni, James spent part of his summer beautifying and improving our playground to create an even more fun and welcoming space for our students. We love seeing our alumni continue to give back to the St. James community! Read below for James’s description of his project.

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!

Mini Mavericks: A Year of Play, Discovery, and Community

May 21, 2026
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.

Spring & Summer Activities in Lincoln Park

May 7, 2026
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!

St. James Celebrates Earth Day

April 23, 2026
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.

Joining St. James: A Warm Welcome at Any Stage

April 1, 2026
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? 

From St. James to High School - Alumni Features

March 10, 2026
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.

Financial Aid Philosophy

March 10, 2026
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: A Celebration of Young Learners

February 12, 2026
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!

Admissions at St. James Lutheran School: What to Expect

January 27, 2026
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.