Small Class Sizes. Big Impact. Christ-Centered Values.

James E. Sampson Memorial School | Christ-Centered Education in Fort Pierce, FL

Discover Fort Pierce's hidden gem for K-8 Christian education. With fewer than 15 students per grade, your child receives individualized attention in a safe, family-like environment rooted in Biblical values. Serving Fort Pierce and surrounding communities.

What Sets Us Apart

Don't take our word for it. Read why JESMS families choose to send their kids here.

Christian-moral foundation values

Parents who send their children to JESMS have overwhelmingly expressed their support of Christ-centered character development that comes from the love of the Lord and His methods of other-centeredness.

Student-teacher relations

Parents have shared that they see and value the positive, personal relationship developed between their child and the teachers at JESMS.

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Teacher-home Communications

Parents consistently report a great rapport with their kids' teachers and feel informed of school, classroom, and personal (student) progress and struggles. They also state they appreciate the clarity of expectations from the school and the teachers for engagement, performance, and conduct.

Safety

Parents report they feel safe knowing their child is in a wholesome, Christian environment with little fear from inside or outside the classroom. They can go to work knowing their child is in good hands, sharing the values they espouse at home.

Testimonials

Axel S.

” I love it here. Everyone is super nice, and if I’m trying something new that they don’t know about they don’t make fun of me, but they asked me about it. Nobody bullies people here, and everyone really supports each other. I love it.”

Giovan J

“I like that everyone here is Christian, or at least acts in a Christian way; everyone here is really nice.”

Jane Graham

Teacher G6-G8

“God answers prayers, and He has blessed our class in countless ways. Our students are open to His word, allowing it to transform their hearts and minds. Each day, they take meaningful steps towards showing kindness, love, and good deeds to one another.“

Maria Laidlow

Teachers Aide

“My favorite part is the kids, of course. I love working with them, and I know God has given me a purpose, and I am fulfilling that purpose here.“

Emmanuella Smidtsrod

Teacher Title 1

Wendy J

“I love the way they treat me here. I don’t feel like I’m another student, I feel like I’m part of the family.“

Meyli J

“The teachers are really kind here. I love that we learn about God, the teachers instruct us well, and I feel really comfortable here.”

Patrick Paul

Parent

“My son and daughter absolutely thrive at this school! The Christ-centered, supportive environment has boosted their confidence, focus, and independence. The principal, teachers, and staff are kind, compassionate, and grounded in faith. Strong friendships, academic excellence, and Biblical values make this school a true blessing for our family."

Marcia Ducharme-Dos Santos

Parent

"I chose James E. Sampson Memorial SDA School for my son because of the personalized attention he receives. The nurturing environment, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers help him thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. His unique talents and needs are recognized and supported, fostering his growth and success."

What Do We Do Different?

Adventist Education

Adventist Education nurtures mind, body, and spirit, combining academic excellence with faith-based values to inspire a lifetime of purpose and service. Click the image to learn more about what Adventist Education means for your child, regardless of your religious affiliation.

Adventist Robotics

Explore innovation with Adventist Robotics! Students design, build, and compete, developing STEM skills and teamwork in a Christ-centered environment. Click the image to go to the Adventist Robotics home page.

Outdoor Education

Experience hands-on learning through outdoor education! Students explore nature, develop teamwork, and grow spiritually amidst God's handiwork. Click on the image to see what that would look like for your child.

Message from the Principal

Portrait of a smiling woman with natural curly hair, wearing a navy blazer and white shirt, against a purple backdrop.

Carol Krigger

Welcome to James E. Sampson Memorial SDA School!

It is an honor to serve our students and families during the 2026–2027 school year. Guided by our theme, “Filled with Love, Led by the Spirit,” we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered environment where every child is known, supported, and encouraged to reach their God-given potential. Our dedicated faculty and staff will continue partnering closely with families to help students grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Together with our supporting churches, we are grateful to carry forward more than 80 years of Christian education on the Treasure Coast. Thank you for entrusting us with your child. I look forward to getting to know your family and working together for a joyful and successful school year.

May God bless and guide our school community.

Proud to be Christian, American, and servants of God

Your child will have fun learning here!

Apply Now

Non-discrimination Policy

Florida Conference Seventh-day Adventist schools admit students of any race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, and sexual orientation. Our schools do not discriminate on the basis of any of the aforementioned categories in decisions for admission, discipline, or application of education policies. We promote a sharp focus on learning and caring while requiring all students to adhere to behavioral expectations set out in a strict code of conduct supported by the Biblical beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Frequently asked questions

Do we have to be Seventh-day Adventist to attend James E. Sampson Memorial School?

No. Adventist Education at James E. Sampson Memorial School is open to your child regardless of religious affiliation — that is the school's own published line. Baptist, nondenominational, Catholic, other Christian, and exploring families are all welcome here.

Families support the school's mission, behavior expectations, and campus practices; they do not need to be members of any Adventist church.

What grades does James E. Sampson Memorial School serve?

Kindergarten through 8th grade — a K-8 campus on Memory Lane in Fort Pierce, ending with an 8th-grade graduation each spring.

There is no high school on site. If you are looking for PreK, check with the office: some public listings describe a PreK program, and availability can change by year.

How much is tuition?

Tuition is $7,900 per student for the 2026-2027 school year, kindergarten through 8th grade.

With registration, books, uniforms, technology, activities, and testing fees, the published total is about $10,000 per student per year, plus a one-time $75 graduation fee in kindergarten and again in 8th grade. Scholarship families typically use Step Up to cover most or all of it.

Does JESMS accept Step Up For Students scholarships?

Yes. The school states that it proudly accepts the Family Empowerment Scholarship provided by Step Up For Students (SUFS).

Award amounts are set by the state each year; for 2025-26, St. Lucie County awards ran about $8,324 for grades K-3 and $7,744 for grades 4-8, and Step Up's published average is roughly $8,000. The application is the family's: families apply directly at stepupforstudents.org, and the school's website links to it.

How big are the classes?

Fewer than 15 students per grade — that is the school's own promise — with classes grouped in small multi-grade bands (K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-8) so each teacher truly knows every child.

Public directory listings put total enrollment around 55 students with a 14:1 student-teacher ratio (third-party estimate). On a campus that size, no child gets lost.

What are the school hours, and is there aftercare?

In the most recently published handbook: 8:00 am-3:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 am-1:00 pm on Friday, when the school dismisses early to honor the Adventist Sabbath.

Aftercare is offered — the aftercare flyer lives under Important Information on the parents/students page. Confirm current school hours and aftercare rates with the office before planning your schedule.

Is there a dress code or uniform?

Yes — JESMS has a school uniform, listed at $150 per student for 2026-27.

The specific dress expectations are spelled out in the Student Handbook; ask the office for the current copy.

What happens after 8th grade?

JESMS is a K-8 school, so 8th-grade graduation is the spring milestone and families then choose the next step.

Local high school options families commonly weigh include John Carroll Catholic High School, Liberty Baptist Academy, St. Andrew's Episcopal Academy, Lincoln Park Academy, and Fort Pierce Central or Westwood. The school office is glad to talk through the transition.

How do we apply or visit?

Start at the applications page: jesmschool.com/applications/

New students in grades 3-8 meet with staff or board members before registration, and the registration fee plus first month's tuition secure the seat. Call (772) 465-8386 or email jamesesampson@flcoe.org to arrange a visit — the office is glad to show you 3201 Memory Lane.

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