The St. James School Building has the distinction of being the oldest school building in the State of Texas that has been in continuous use as a school to the present time. Over the years it has changed names. It was originally called "Guadalupe High School". It received its charter on December 31, 1849 and the building was dedicated the following year. In 1852 it became the "Male Academy". In 1884 the Academy was sold to the Incarnate Word Sisters and renamed, "St. Joseph's Academy". In 1929 the School was purchased by the St. James Parish and it became the parochial school for the parish. The school was later renamed, "St. James School" so it would have a more visible tie to the parish.