Boarding School Review - Established 2003

Saint James School

17641 College Road Hagerstown MD 21740
Tel: (301) 733-9330 Ext. 3004
www.stjames.edu
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 260 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $62,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $38,000
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Dec. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
Saint James School Photo #4 - Situated on a beautiful 800-acre campus, Saint James is conveniently located 70 miles from Washington, DC, and Baltimore. It is a home away from home for 250+ students, 75 percent of whom choose to board on campus.
Saint James School Photo #5 - With an average class size of 11 students, our inspiring educators build relationships that go beyond the traditional student-teacher dynamic.
Saint James School Photo #6 - Athletics are an integral part of the Saint James experience-keeping our students active; helping them develop teamwork, leadership, and discipline; and providing opportunities to embrace new experiences.
Saint James School Photo #7 - Opportunities for artistic expression abound-from taking guitar lessons to throwing a pot on a wheel to singing a tune on stage. Plus, you will learn from expert instructors in state-of-the-art facilities. Tap into your creative side at Saint James!
Saint James School Photo #8 - Commencement is held on the fabled steps of Claggett Hall. 100% of Saint James students are accepted into college, with 95% admitted to one of their top three choices.
Saint James School Photo #9 - Boarding means 24/7 immersion in our community, which creates additional opportunities to develop independence, resilience, and self-motivation, providing the best preparation for the demands of college.
Saint James School Photo #10 - Saint James is an Episcopal school, welcoming students from a broad range of faiths and backgrounds.
Saint James School Photo #11 - Five times a week, we gather for seated meals, a tradition that has shaped the Saint James community since our founding in 1842.
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About the School

  • Saint James School, founded in 1842, is a coeducational Episcopal boarding school in central Maryland on a beautiful 800-acre campus.
  • Conveniently located 70 miles from Washington, DC, and Baltimore, it provides an idyllic learning environment and easy access to urban resources. Boasting a student body representing 20 states and 30 countries, three-quarters of whom are boarders, Saint James prides itself on providing a personalized, inclusive, and diverse learning environment.
  • Our community encourages a multicultural understanding that nurtures global citizens.
  • Saint James School is renowned for its strong tradition of academic excellence.
  • Complemented by a competitive athletics program and a comprehensive arts curriculum, the school strives to develop its students holistically - academically, athletically, artistically, socially, and morally.
  • By promoting balanced growth, Saint James ensures its students are well-rounded and ready to navigate life's challenges beyond the school gates.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 260 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $62,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $38,000
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Dec. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Saint James Earns Platinum Recognition on AP Honor Roll - 08/25/2026
    For the third consecutive year, Saint James School has earned Platinum recognition on the AP School Honor Roll, the highest distinction awarded by the College Board and one achieved by ...moreonly six percent of eligible schools nationwide. hide

Top Rankings

Saint James School ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 93 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Affordability
High percentage of students on financial aid

School Overview

2026 School Data
Saint James School
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
8-12
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Episcopal
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1842
1906
Campus Size
800 acres
125 acres
Last Day of School
Sun. Jun 6, 2027
School Motto
Live Bravely. Lead for Good.

Student Body

Enrollment
260 students
320 students
% Students of Color
44%
27%
% International Students
28%
21%
% Students Boarding
75%
65%
Average SAT Score
1270
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Blazer required for all students; tie or bow tie is required for boys
Casual
Average Class Size
11 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
74%
73%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Accreditations
Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
# of AP Courses Offered
20
18
Courses
AP BiologyAP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BCAP Chemistry
AP Computers Science AAP English Language and Composition
AP English Literature and CompositionAP Environmental Science
AP European HistoryAP French Language
AP Latin - VergilAP Music Theory
AP Physics CAP Physics I
AP PrecalculusAP Spanish Language
AP Spanish Literature & CultureAP Studio Art
AP United Stated HistoryAP World History

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size
$50 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$62,000
$71,797
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$38,000
$40,000
% Students on Financial Aid
60%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$30,000
$25,000

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Admissions

Application Deadline
Jan. 31 / Dec. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
Yes
No
Director of Admissions
Kelly Espy
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
14
17
Sports
BaseballBasketball
Cross CountryCross Country Running
DanceField Hockey
FootballGolf
LacrosseSoccer
SoftballTennis
VolleyballWrestling
Colors
Maroon & White
School Mascot
Saints

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
18
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Admission Tour GuidesBig Brothers & Big Sisters
Chapel VestryCommunity Garden Club
DEI CommitteeFAB Lab Maker Club
Investment ClubModel United Nations
QED Math ClubRobotics Club
Speech and Debate TeamStudent Activities
Student NewspaperYearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
Boys' A CappellaChamber Orchestra
ChoirGirls' A Cappella

College Matriculation

College Acceptance Rate
100%
View Matriculation Data

School Notes

  • Saint James School offers a well-rounded and preparation-oriented educational experience. Our campus environment is conducive to developing students who are exploratory in nature and deep thinkers. The school achieves this balance by focusing on scholarly work while encouraging students to pursue other interests passionately.
  • Class sizes are impressively small, typically comprising only 10-12 students, which ensures an engaging and interactive learning environment where students have the opportunity to master their subjects. A selection of 20 AP courses allows the keen learner to delve deeper into topics of interest. This broad curriculum ensures that students are provided with comprehensive academic experiences.
  • What sets Saint James apart is the school's exceptional support for their students. The dedicated teaching staff, advisors, and mentors instill confidence in students, enabling them to develop vital skills and habits to succeed in college and beyond. The nurturing and supportive atmosphere of being a close-knit community shines through at Saint James.
  • Situated on a beautiful 800-acre campus, the school is conveniently located 70 miles from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. It is a home away from home for the 250+ students, 75 percent of whom choose to board on campus. Living at Saint James provides a second family composed of friends, teachers, mentors, and coaches who are as invested in your happiness as they are in your academic performance.
  • One of the school's standout features is its emphasis on experiential growth. Students have access to different sports, numerous clubs, and service opportunities. The fine arts program is also commendable, offering drama, dance, music, and visual art.
  • As an Episcopal school, Saint James introduces students to the liturgical traditions of Anglican Christianity. Yet the focus is on fostering common values of humanity, integrity, and compassion. The school's culture of inclusivity allows students to worship alongside people of many faiths, exposing them to various cultures and beliefs. Saint James champions open dialogue, valuing and encouraging differing perspectives, which cultivates students' skills in civil discourse.
  • A visit to Saint James School is highly recommended. One needs to experience this school's unique atmosphere firsthand to appreciate its comprehensive education. It is a place where you can find everything you've been looking for in a school under one roof. It is more than just a school; it is a community, a home, and a launchpad for future success.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Admiral James L. Holloway, III '39 - Former Chair, Joint Chiefs of Staff
    • Alfred T. Mahan - 19th century naval strategist, author of The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660–1783
    • John Metchie, III '18 - Played football at the University of Alabama and drafted into the NFL by the Houston Texans
Source: Verified school update
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Saint James School cost?
Saint James School's tuition is approximately $62,000 for boarding students and $38,000 for day students.
Who are famous alumni from Saint James School?
Saint James School famous alumni include: Admiral James L. Holloway, III '39, Alfred T. Mahan and John Metchie, III '18.
What sports does Saint James School offer?
Saint James School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Saint James School's ranking?
Saint James School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Saint James School?
The application deadline for Saint James School is Jan. 31 / Dec. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 / Dec. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 260 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $62,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $38,000
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Dec. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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