The registration process for Pre K-3 through grade 8 is ongoing, starting in January and continuing throughout the summer. We will make every effort to accommodate all interested families. However, first priority is given to SS. Philip and James parishioners and to siblings of current SS. Philip and James School families.

No, it is not necessary for you to be Catholic. Most of our students are Catholic and are parishioners of SSPJ but we have children of many different faiths attending our school, including Hindu, Jewish, Baptist, and non-denominational. All students participate in Religion class, school Mass, and other religious celebrations that take place during the school day. Families of non-Catholic students are welcome to learn about the Catholic faith.

SSPJ assists parents in the full development of their child. Parents choose SSPJ because Christian values and faith are integrated into every facet of our student’s learning. In addition, SSPJ is a highly regarded educational institution. SSPJ annually exceeds the national average on the Terra Nova tests by 30% to 40%. SSPJ was one of the first elementary schools nationally to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 1990, and SSPJ is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Please see Financial Aid for information.

Yes, both half-day and full-day Pre-K enrollment options are offered. The half-day Pre-K is from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Families are also given the option to transition from half-day to full-day at any time once enrolled. Full-day is from 8:00 a.m. until 2:45 p.m.

Full-day kindergarten is offered. The full day is from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

School hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students may be dropped off at school as early as 7:45 a.m. and picked up by 3:15 p.m. A CARES program is offered if parents need additional child care before or after school.

According to the NCEA Report, approximately 25% of the students represent minority classification.

The academic curriculum is developed and maintained in accordance with the Archdiocesan Guidelines based on national standards for each subject area. In addition to the core curriculum, Spanish, Computer Applications, Library, Physical Education, Music, and Art classes are offered. Students are also exposed to hands-on science experiments through our state-of-the-art Science Lab. 

An accelerated mathematics program is offered to those students, beginning in grade 5, who meet the criteria established by the Archdiocese for Honors Math.

All of our classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards. Starting with Pre-K 3, all students have computer class once a week. Our curriculum is STREAM intensive. Additionally, starting in Kindergarten students utilize a Kindle, an IPad, or a Chromebook to integrate technology into the curriculum and coursework.

The STREAM initiative focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to learning and incorporates Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math. Students work on projects in small groups integrating various subject areas into a cohesive approach based on real-world problems.

Remedial math; remedial reading, speech and language; and counseling services are available through the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). Services are provided on-site during the school day. All these services are provided by the state of PA at no cost to the parents.

Yes, busing is provided by the public school districts. West Chester Area School District, Great Valley School District, Downingtown School District, and Coatesville School District (Limited coverage. You must double check with the district) bus to SSPJ.

Our student to teacher ratio is 15:1 based on enrollment of 200 students. Teaching aides assist our teachers in Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, and Kindergarten classrooms.

SSPJ offers a wide variety of after school activities and music programs for students from Kindergarten through grade 8. These include but are not limited to band, piano lessons, Reading Olympics, student council, science fair, yearbook, choir, and the spring musical. A wide variety of sports are also sponsored by the parish CYO and are available for student participation. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of these activities. 

Yes, students starting in Kindergarten may choose to purchase a hot lunch. Our lunches are provided daily by the Great Valley School District. Students may choose to select lunch items from the monthly menu calendar and send payment in to school. Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 students bring a packed lunch and have a special lunchroom fitted for their needs.

Yes, students are required to wear uniforms. Details of those requirements can be found in the Handbook and online. Pre-K students wear the gym uniform of t-shirt and sweat pants or shirts. Kindergarten through grade 8 wear the regular uniforms. Uniforms can be purchased at Flynn and O’Hara. Flynn and O’Hara has a local store located at the Festival Shopping Center, Rt. 30, Exton, PA. Shoes can be purchased at either Flocco Shoes in Conshohocken or at Flynn & O'Hara.

CARES (Children Are Receiving Extended Services) is an additional service we offer to our families that provides supervision and activities for your child after regular school hours. Our CARES program hours are 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on school days.