Summer at St. James 2025

May 21, 2025

Summer is almost here, and at St. James, we’re gearing up for a season packed with fun, learning, and community connection! Check out the exciting events and opportunities happening this summer:

Mini Mavericks – Final Spring Sessions

Our popular Mini Mavericks program is concluding for the season with our final two sessions on Friday, May 30 and Friday, June 6. Families with children from birth to age 4 are invited to join us for interactive play and early childhood development.

  • 8:45–9:15 AM: Open play and gross motor activities on the playground
  • 9:15–10:15 AM: Storytime and seasonal crafts in the library

Held at:
2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park
For questions, call 773-525-4990 or visit stjameslutheranschool.org


Free Friday Night Concert Series

The St. James Friday Night Music Series features free concerts, showcasing a broad spectrum of established and emerging musicians in a sacred sanctuary setting. Grab a pew and enjoy the music in the dimming light of the towering Kinsella stained glass windows as dusk falls.

Bring your own drinks and snacks for a courtyard reception following the event to socialize with musicians and fellow concertgoers.

Held at: St. James Lutheran Church
2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park


Old Town Art Fair – Visit Our Booth

St. James will be participating in the vibrant Old Town Art Fair this year. Stop by our booth to say hello, learn more about our programs, and enjoy a fun family outing!

  • Saturday, June 14 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Held at: Old Town Triangle Center

1763 N. North Park Ave.

Chicago, IL 60614


Vacation Bible School 2025: “Piece by Peace”

We’re excited to bring back our beloved Vacation Bible School with a new theme: “Piece by Peace”. This free event is open to the entire community.

  • Monday-Thursday, June 16-19, from 8:30am-12pm. Drop-off is 8:30-9am in the Community Center (lower level) of the church
  • For children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade
  • Youth entering Grades 7–12 are invited to serve as Junior Counselors.

We rely on our amazing adult volunteers to make this event possible. To volunteer, please email ekroeger@stjames-lutheran.org.

Register   HERE  today!


Held at: St. James Community Center (lower level of the church)

2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park


Basketball Camp at St. James (Grades 4–8)

Get ready for an exciting and skill-building Basketball Camp for students entering grades 4 through 8 in the 2025–2026 school year.

  • June 16–19, 12:00–3:00 PM (following VBS)
  • Led by Mr. Lelm and Mr. Runge
  • Camp includes drills, fundamentals, competitions, and prizes
  • All campers receive a St. James Basketball Camp t-shirt

Cost: $200 per athlete
Payments accepted via Venmo: @blelm or @mattrunge27
Lunch should be packed and brought each day.

Sign up HERE— a separate form is required for each athlete.

Held at: St. James Lutheran School
2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park


Visit our Booth! Sheffield Garden Walk - Family Fest

Join us at the Sheffield Garden Walkfor a morning of family-friendly fun and community connection.

  • Saturday, July 19 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • FREE Admission, crafts, and games!

Held at: The Blacktop at Oscar Mayer Magnet School (2250 N Clifton)


St. James is proud to be part of a thriving neighborhood and school community, and we hope to see many of you at these events. Whether you're exploring programs for young children, looking for summer activities for older students, or just want to learn more about our school, this summer is the perfect time to connect with us. Please contact Joy Campbell, Director of Admissions, with any questions about our programs and offerings!

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.

St. James Launches a Newspaper Club

January 13, 2026
This article was written by Newspaper Club Reporter, Scout O.

Christmas at St. James

December 18, 2025
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.

Rethinking Homework at St. James Lutheran School

December 4, 2025
Supporting Learning, Balance, and Family Time

A Season of Thankfulness at St. James

November 19, 2025
As we reflect on this season of gratitude, one theme rises again and again at St. James: our community is our greatest blessing. From teachers to staff to families, thankfulness is woven through our school’s culture, shaping the way we learn, grow, and support one another.

Building Strong Mathematical Thinkers with Spatial Temporal Math

November 5, 2025
At St. James Lutheran School, it’s important to us that we seek and implement innovative methods to help our students develop a deep and lasting understanding of mathematics. This year, we are excited to introduce Spatial Temporal Math, a new supplemental program that enhances our current Envision Math curriculum (and Everyday Math in Grade 1).

The Science of Reading

October 23, 2025
The Science of Reading at St. James – Implementation & Growth