St. James School Recognized For 60 Years In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township Committee recognized the 60th anniversary of St. James School in Basking Ridge.

The Committee adopted a resolution on Tuesday congratulating the school for its longstanding role in the community.

"We are very pleased this evening to begin with the recognition of St. James School and six decades of providing academic excellence and a values-based education that has had profound community impact," Mayor Ana Duarte McCarthy said.

The resolution says the school, located on South Finley, was founded in 1965 with 88 students and has grown into a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence serving more than 350 students from Pre-K3 through eighth grade.

The resolution describes St. James School as a longtime option for families in Basking Ridge and beyond, offering a Christ-centered education with academic excellence and service.

It also states that St. James Church continues to invest in its facilities to provide what the document calls a premier learning environment.

The township committee extended its appreciation for the school's contributions to the community and wished the congregation continued success.

"With Bernards Township being a community of so many varied beliefs, I'm very grateful that we have St. James School in our community to provide families an option for those who are looking for such," Committeeman Brett Hodges.

He added, "They're a fabric of our community."

Hodges also pointed to a recent school effort, saying, "Just yesterday, the second-grade class at St. James had a walk-athon in which they delivered 172 pounds of food to our local food bank here in town."

Committeeman Andrew McNally, who has two children who attend St. James, said the school "has grown into a Catholic institution in the heart of Basking Ridge and is a jewel of our community."

He also noted that St. James School was recently recognized as a blue ribbon school, a distinct honor awarded by the US Department of Education to schools of extraordinary academic excellence.

"I know the positive school impact the school has had on my family. So, it is truly a privilege for the township committee to help celebrate the extraordinary achievements of St. James School on the occasion of its 60th anniversary," said McNally.

Other township officials also offered congratulations during the meeting.

Committee woman Asay said the Township is "very lucky to have you in our community and all the things that you do to help enrich our youth and what you bring to our community."

Deputy Mayor John Tompkins said, "It's really very wonderful. And one of the really great things that you guys do as an organization is that you're 60 years old and every year you get better. And that's very difficult to do.

"A lot of times, organizations, companies, churches, they get tired over time. You guys get better every year. So, well done, and here's to another 60," said Tompkins.

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