The main purpose of St. James of the Valley School is to assist in the Christian formation of its students and educate them in the tenets of the Catholic Faith. Religion is a core course that all students are required to take and pass. All students are required to participate in prayer services and liturgies.

All-school Masses occur once every week. Students participate in Morning Prayer every morning, with the exception of days on which Liturgy is celebrated.

Instruction and preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation are also included in the course of study at the appropriate grade levels.