Saints Philip and James School, under the direction of Father John J. Martin, the Founding Pastor, opened its doors to its very first group of students on September 7, 1960. The brand-new school classrooms were on the second floor of the original building (current elementary school) and the first floor was the temporary church. The school flourished very quickly, welcoming 450 students by 1964, a 50% increase in just 4 years.

Father Martin had requested the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) to staff the school. The IHM Sisters have provided the leadership, of the school ever since. The current principal, Sister Teresa Ballisty, has been the principal of a number of Catholic elementary schools and has been involved in Catholic elementary education for more than 45 years.

Over the years, many changes have taken place at SSPJ. The goal of these changes has always been to enrich the educational experience of its students. In 1987, the new building addition was started, including the much anticipated gymnasium. This spacious addition allowed for on-campus CYO sports, a robust physical education program, a full stage for the Spring Musical, and a large gathering space for assemblies and other school programs.

Throughout its 60 year history, Saints Philip and James School has been a pillar of academic excellence in the community. In 1985, SSPJ earned its first Middle States accreditation and the school has been Middle States accredited through 2030. Saints Philip and James School received the Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the United States department of Education’s Exemplary School Recognition Program in May of 1990. This prestigious recognition is earned by schools that have demonstrated overall academic excellence.

In an effort to better serve the needs of the community, the Pre-Kindergarten (4 year-old program) was begun in 1995, and the Pre-K 3 program was later started in 2017. These programs have been a wonderful addition to Saints Philip and James School, giving it the ability to lay the foundation for faith-formation and academic development in our youngest students.

Lourdes Hall, the most recent addition to the school facility, was dedicated in 2002. This addition not only added classrooms, several of which are designed specifically for early childhood education (pre-K and Kindergarten), but it also holds the fully-equipped Science lab, the STREAM lab, and the Media Center housing the comprehensive library and up-to-date computer lab. Technology has been at the forefront of SSPJ growth and development for the last several years. All classrooms were equipped with Smartboard and ceiling projectors by June 2011 and a 1:1 technology program was implemented in all grades starting in 2020.

More recently, Saints Philip and James School was recognized as a 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Archdiocesan School of Distinction by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Saints Philip and James School has earned this distinction each year since that award's inception by the Archdiocese. The award was given to schools that exceeded growth expectations in academic achievement via standardized testing. Since 1960, Saints Philip and James School has been a standard of academic excellence in Chester County. There is a tradition of continual growth to maintain a high level of educational standards, while focusing on the spiritual growth and personal development of each of its students. Outstanding teachers, up-to-date facilities and equipment, a well-rounded arts program, and an active and friendly school community are at the heart of the SSPJ educational experience.

In 2023 Saints Philip and James School was recognized as a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Its second Blue Ribbon Award, Saints Philip and James School was one of only 40 non-public schools to receive this level of recognition and the only Chester County (PA) school presented with this award. Its principal, Sister Teresa Ballisty, IHM, was also presented with the U.S. Department of Education's Terrel H. Bell Award, honoring outstanding school leaders and the vital role they play in guiding students and school to excellence. Sister Teresa was one of only nine Bell Award winners in the 2023 Blue Ribbon cohort.