Jamaican schools?

Question

looking for good school in jamaica,for 10 yr old white kid, possibly privet, around montego bay

Answer 1

Your best bet would be to get to know other parents with children at private schools.

The Catholic schools there are very good, whether or not you are Catholic.

Answer 2

Actually it does matter whether or not it is a private or public school.  This was not the case in the 70s when I was going to school, but unfortunately a lot has changed and our public education system needs some serious revamping.  Prof. O. probably went to school in Jamaica at that time.   Then, we were indeed ahead of the States, now I'm not so sure.

There are two schools in Montego Bay that pop into my head...the Simoneitch (sp) School at Half Moon is excellent and Torado Heights Preparatory School.  You should be able to find out about these schools quite easily.  There's another smaller one run by a teacher who used to teach at a public school then decided to start her own school....I've heard it is good as well.  I don't remember the name though.

Answer 3

I don't think it matters if your child goes to private or public school because they are both pretty much the same in Jamaica unless you go to like an extremely expensive school which I think is unnecessary. I can't really tell you the schools in Montego Bay because I am from Portland but I would go to the board of education in the town that your are planning to go and they will tell you about the schools.

Answer 4

There is one run by Half Moon Beach club.... the Heinz Simonitsch School. Torrado Heights Preparatory (although they changed the name recently). Mount Alvernia Preparatory School.

Hienz is very high end. Its actually ON a piece of the hotel property. Really secure. Really small classes.

Most diplomats, non-Jamaicans or returning residents opt for expensive private schools based on,

1. Any special security concerns.

2. Social Status - since attending certain private schools may have 'positive' effects on your child's socialization.

3. Teacher-Studio Ratio. Some private schools will have ratios of 1:15. Not exceeding 1:20. These schools WILL be VERY expensive. Public schools will be about 1:35 or 1:40.

Mid-range schools (more popular private schools) will be in the range of 1:25 to 1:32.  Note that while super-small classes may do well for children who are either very 'fast', very 'slow', or mischievous, the downside is that reduced social interaction with classmates in smallest classes may stifle the child's personal non-academic growth.

There is a definate trade-off when it comes to certain inter-school sports teams. If, for example, your child likes soccer, do NOT send him to Hienz. He'll hate it. If he likes tennis or golf he will be in heaven!

In general terms of 'Educational value', most schools in jamaica are superior to their U.S. counterparts in all areas except use of technology (computer & science labs).

Answer 5

Hmm let's hope that prof Ogleeve didn't go to this oh so wonderful school...Ahead is one word dude!!

Answer 6

Let me tell you this, Jamaica have one of the best public schools in the Caribbean so please consider it also. The teachers are professional  trained. I went to public school in Jamaica when I was young. When I return to America and enter their public school school all I can say is that Jamaica is ahead in their curriculum.