Jamaica is a country known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. However, when it comes to education, many wonder if Jamaican schools are as strict as they are reputed to be. In this article, we will explore the educational culture of Jamaica and examine whether or not Jamaican schools are indeed strict.

Preparatory schools, also known as prep schools, are independent schools that provide education to children before they enter primary school. In Jamaica, prep schools are an important part of the education system. Parents often choose to send their children to prep school as a way of preparing them for primary school and ensuring they receive a strong foundation in core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics. But at what age should parents consider enrolling their children in prep school? In this article, we will explore the age at which children typically start prep school in Jamaica, and offer some tips to help parents make the right decision for their child.

The Holy Childhood Preparatory School has been in existence for over 83 years. It was founded and based on strong Christian principles. The school is one of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church schools. Recent achievements include: • Named as one of the Educate Jamaica Gold Standard Schools among prep schools whose Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) results have been consistently above average (Jamaica Gleaner, December 2013). • Being in the top 100 schools island wide for GSAT scores for 2013. • Named in top 40 schools in Kingston and St Andrew GSAT Scores 2013 (Jamaica Gleaner, 2013). We also have the first fully technology driven early childhood center. We use interactive learning technologies in the classrooms. And we also communicate with parents digitally. At Holy Childhood we offer online registration and reporting. Moreover the school has strategically placed security cameras and parents may request to check the footage at any time. We accept debit and credit cards. All teachers and assistant teachers are professionally trained in early childhood and primary school education.

One Way Group of Schools started on September 2, 1983 by the Rev Dr. Austin Wright BH [M] JP. The School is privately operated by the One Way Apostolic Faith Mission Church. The School is a non-governmental institution which is run by the church. The One Way group of schools caters to children ages 10 months old to 12 years of age. The Pre-School 10 months- 2 years of age Kindergarten 2 -5+ years of age Preparatory 6 to 12 years of age. Our students are assessed by all Government examinations namely: Grade One Individual Learning Profile [GOILP], Grade Three Diagnostic Test, Grade Four Literacy Test [GFLT] and the Grade Six Achievement Test [GSAT]

Founded in 1977, Iris Gelly Primary School offers holistic child development services. We pride ourselves in preparing our students to become well-rounded and the future leaders of tomorrow based on our motto 'excellence through discipline'. Our teachers are professional, enthusiastic, and fully equipped to provide your children with the best care while they are away from home. There is also security on the compound to ensure that our staff and students are safe. We produce excellent GSAT passes, and provide interactive learning activities, arts and science subjects, music, and computer studies. Our other activities include track and field, Quiz team, Iris Gelly Primary Dance Troupe and summer school. We also have award-winning netball and cheerleading teams. We also offer math classes in the evening for adults, so they can assist their children with their homework! Our cafeteria offers breakfast weekly and hot meals are provided for students each day. Give us a call or come and see why Iris Gelly Primary School is fondly referred to as "the Community's Prep School".

A 65year-old institution, Hagley Park Preparatory School, has a very rich Seventh Day Adventist Heritage. We live by our motto: 'Educate for now and Eternity.' Academically, we continue to excel as an institution. For 2016-2017, one of our students received a government scholarship for outstanding performance on the GSAT Examination, and several others gained admittance into top traditional high schools. Hagley Park Preparatory School remains competitive among other educational institutions. Our dedicated staff and workers give of their best in moulding and instilling Christian values and principles in our students. We offer an educational opportunity which teaches children to "cherish that which is pure and lovely" –shaping them for the future. Therefore, we appeal to you to provide a quality start for your children by equipping them with the right kind of education. At Hagley Park Preparatory School, quality academic service awaits you. We welcome you with the warmth and security that are critical to the growth and development of our students and our school.

The Nursery at Liguanea Preparatory School was opened in September 2013, to accommodate children 3 months to 3 years. It was built in accordance with the standards of the Early Childhood Commission. The present capacity (20 square feet) of the Centre allows for the comfort of 12 babies and 62 pre-schoolers and toddlers. The nursery is self-contained with its own bathroom and kitchenette. There is adequate crawling and walking space as well as opportunities for ample exploring which foster the healthy development of babies. Regular activities include stimulation and play throughout the day, daily baths and meals. The staff compliment includes well- trained nurses and experienced care-givers. On the job training is conducted on an ongoing basis. The ratio, based on the Early Childhood Commission standard, is one care giver to every four babies. Toddlers and pre-school children have their respective areas where they play, dine and sleep. Each child has his / her own mattress and sleeping is done on a flat, comfortable and safe surface. All groups in the centre adhere to the curriculum as instructed by the Early Childhood Commission. Potty training is introduced at eighteen months and the actual program begins at 2 years old. Children are fed three cooked meals daily. All children are closely monitored. Homework supervision and holiday care for children up to 8 years old is offered. Our opening hours are Mondays to Fridays 7:00am to 7:00pm.

Cornwall Kindergarten and Preparatory School was founded in 1996 by its present principal. We cater to the needs of all children. We are situated in Pitfour, St. James but hope to relocate in the future. Our motto is Hard Work Brings Success. We offer Day School and After Care, Extra Lessons, Lunch and snacks are available. Students between the ages of 3 and 12 years are welcome. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities such as Tennis, Football, Swimming, Spanish, and Spelling Bee among others. Our teachers focus on having the students attains the highest level of academic achievement. We have maintained a consistent performance over the years and were rated as one of the high achieving Preparatory Schools in Jamaica and St. James. We allow anyone from any social background or religion to attend our school where we promote a wide variety of life learning experiences outside the classroom. Cornwall Kindergarten and Preparatory School is a platform for students to acquire important life tools such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

Hydel Group of Schools started operating on September 9, 1992 with an educational model with an emphasis on academic excellence. Students are educated to develop the total child i.e. physically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually, socially, morally and spiritually. Students will have a well-balanced experience at Hydel which uses teaching styles that are innovative, creative and dynamic. Hydel has been educating the nation's children for 29 years and has achieved many successes in the academic, cultural and sporting arenas. We are committed to a balanced and individualized approach to learning and maintain low student teacher ratios. Our range of programs span from nursery right up to Sixth Form, of special note is a Pre First Form for students who are not academically ready for Junior High and also Special Education Unit for students with special needs. Our extracurricular activities include swimming, drama, cadet, brownies, Red Cross, Reading Club, cricket, basketball, netball, track and Field so that students can choose an activity that they enjoy.

The Queen's Preparatory School is one of several Independent Church Schools operated under the auspices of the Anglican Church in Jamaica. The aim of the school, as set out in the Scheme of Management for Preparatory Schools of the Church in Jamaica, is as follows: To provide a liberal and thorough education. In pursuance of this aim, the policy of the school shall be controlled by the Diocesan Education Board on behalf of the Synod of the Jamaica Church. The school is made up of two departments - A Kindergarten and a Junior Department, which caters to children up to the age of thirteen. In addition, there is a special remedial unit, which caters to children with special education needs.

Saints Peter & Paul Preparatory School started on February 23, 1963. His Lordship, the Rt. Reverend John J. McEleney, S.J., D.D., Archbishop of Kingston, blessed and officially opened the School, which consisted of 12 classrooms, built by Reema Jamaica Limited. The school started with168 children in its Kindergarten and Preparatory classes at 120 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6. It was built entirely by funds raised through a pledge campaign among the parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. In June 1963, 32 children received their first Holy Communion, followed by a special breakfast in the hall, a practice which is still maintained. The Kindergarten classes were accommodated in the building at the entrance of the school grounds and Grades 1 to 6 classes in the original building. In 1977 the Kindergarten (known as the Lower School) was extended to include the Nursery section. This section was again expanded in 1983 as a result of increased applications. This led inevitably to the formation of a third class for each Grade, and in February 1985, ground was broken behind the original Servite building, for a new 6- classroom block. The Home School Association raised by the parishioners and funds. In March 1986, this building was blessed by His Grace, Archbishop Carter and opened by Mrs. Irons, the longest serving member of staff. Today, we are known as the largest Preparatory school in Jamaica and at one point, the Caribbean. We now boast a beautiful campus which houses 11 classrooms in the Kindergarten Department - affectionately called "Baby School", which is home to two (2) Pre-Kindergarten classes, four (4) Lower Kindergarten and five (5) Upper Kindergarten classrooms, Administration Office, Information Technology Lab, Music Room, Staff Room as well as a beautiful playground equipped with swings, slides and jungle gyms. Thirty (30) classrooms at the "Top School" - Grades 1-6, Resource Room, Library, Staff Room, Records Room, Information Technology Lab, Music Room, Visual Arts Dep't, P.E, Dance and Drama Dep't, Canteen and Tuck Shop and a beautiful field which services the Prep School as well as the Liguanea Community for various activities. Sts. Peter and Paul Preparatory is a true example of "Out of Many, One People" as our student population is "multi-ethnic" and "multinational". We are proud of our contribution to Jamaica, the Caribbean and the World at large. The contribution from our multi-cultured student population can be seen amongst other things, in sports, academics, politics, religion and the arts. We continue to grow from strength to strength as the "Mighty Sts" we are. This school continues to facilitate excellence in students learning through the provision of quality teaching, the implementation of cutting edge strategies and best practices in Education to facilitate the 21st century students.

St Hugh's Preparatory School is a privately run coeducational school that has been operated by the Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands for more than a century. We educate students starting at kindergarten through to GSAT, led by a highly trained team of teachers and supported by our dedicated parenting body. Together, we are helping to shape a future generation of nation builders in a family environment that emphasises academic excellence and sound character. Students are nurtured with a view to shaping well-rounded, dynamic individuals with the ability to think, to speak and to analyse their surrounding world. Emphasis is placed on balancing academics, arts, sports, and other character-building activities. To this end, our students participate in various activities that benefit their growth and development. Our passes at the GSAT and PEP level are ranked among the best, matched only by our track record in art, culture and sporting competitions. Students with special needs are welcome as St Hugh's actively pursued and has secured their integration into mainstream classes. As a sign of our commitment to special needs education, our campus is completely wheelchair accessible. Today, St Hugh's Prep is known for nurturing well rounded, compassionate students, and for cultivating a family environment in which parents, teachers and students work together. As a united team, teachers, parents, and students pursue excellence through our motto, Fidelitas, which means fidelity, loyalty, and faithfulness. This continues to be our unswerving commitment to the school and its mission. St Hugh's Preparatory School is in the top ten school ranking, aftercare services are available and all students are taught in a nurturing and safe environment. For more information on our programmes, give us a call.

St. John's Prep Sch is one of the top choices for primary education in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. We are a member of the Diocese of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and affiliated with the St. John's Anglican Church. We have a highly trained staff and specialise in education at the primary/preparatory and kindergarten level. Year over year we boast excellent passes in the GSAT examinations. We believe in a rounded education and as such our students have access to a comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular activities such as the school band, swimming, Spanish, Computing, Environment & Wellness Club, Red Cross, Music and Karate. We cater for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website to get a better insight on what it means to be a part of our family.

In Quest Preparatory School there is a strong balance between the academics and good performance in areas such as Dance in which 2 Gold medals were won. Some activities offered are: Spanish, Spelling, Drama, Speech, Music, Dancing, Football, Swimming, Taekwondo, Athletics, Cricket, etc.). The teachers are very dedicated to what they do and the school tries to create that spiritual balance through devotions which are held every morning. Excellent academic performances. Most students pass for traditional High Schools. Saturday Classes Offered for GSAT Students after Care Facilities Small Teacher to Student Ratio Teachers are certified & trained.

e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited (e-Learning Jamaica) is a limited liability company, established in 2005, as an agency of the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology (MSET) to implement e-learning projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Youth (MoEY) and the Universal Service Fund (USF). The Company is governed by a Board of Directors (BoD) appointed by the portfolio Minister. e-LJam brings a new dynamic to teaching through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Students in Jamaica benefit from a mix of traditional methodologies with new entertaining approaches to learning which will stimulate the teaching and learning process, excite, and encourage a quest for knowledge and learning of new skills. Our core competencies and services include programme management, technology integration, support services, technology consulting, and public education. Some of the major projects completed by e-LJam to date include the: High School Project (2005 – 2013) – impacted203 educational institutions island wide. It resulted in the: Equipping of computer-laboratories with computers and audio-visual equipment Acquisition and production of digitized instructional materials for 11 CXC CSEC subjects. Training of teachers in high schools and teacher training institutions in Basic ICT and Technology Integration in instructional delivery. Tablets in Schools (TIS) Pilot Project (2014 -2017) - provided approximately 25,000 tablets to students and teachers in 38 institutions including Basic/Infant, Primary, High, Special, and teacher training educational institutions. Additionally, the institutions also received audio-visual equipment and tablet charging carts. Tablets for Physiotherapists (2019) - provided46 tablets to fulfil a Heads of Agreement signed between the GoJ and the Council of Paramedics, impacting over 20 health care institutions across the island.

Vaz Preschool and Preparatory has a rich history of producing outstanding performances by our students and is considered among the best in Jamaica to provide early childhood education. With Christian principles, sound discipline and building happy working relationships, each child is enabled to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. ith over 70 years of experience, our success comes from an emphasis on mutual respect, friendliness and creating an atmosphere conducive for both teaching and learning. We have achieved this by extremely dedicated staff members who have demonstrated their commitment to the children of Vaz Prep. Another key factor to the success of Vaz Prep is the emphasis on maintaining a low student teacher ratio. We offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, where pupils are encouraged to express themselves through sports and hobbies. Students are involved in team sports as well as individual sporting activities where they learn disciplined habits for high achievements, plus they develop an appetite for success. With other hobbies such as chess and music, a child at Vaz will never be bored. Our children range in age 18 months to 12 years old. Vaz Prep boasts a Creative Centre for Learning Strategies which caters to Special Needs students between 6 to 12 years old who display mild to moderate learning challenges. This unit is endorsed by the Ministry of Education. No cash accepted Debit & Credit Card payments at the Admin Office Bank Transfer: National Commercial Bank Duke Street Chequing Account #061023518 Vaz Preparatory School

Shebian Preparatory School is among the top prep schools in Jamaica. We employ a highly-qualified and dedicated team of teachers who give each child individual attention to ensure that they graduate as a well-rounded individual. Our prep school specialises in using phonics to teach students to read correctly with full tutorials in comprehension skills. We also provide Spanish and French tuition from well-educated and learned tutors who teach to a high standard. Our pupils are taught math concepts through tutorials and individual tuition which encourages the child to use mathematical concepts to solve everyday problems. Shebian's principal Dr Aileen M. Williams-Allison started the school in 1999 after realising that her son was experiencing challenges within the regular school system. The institution began with eight pupils but quickly grew to 50 just a few months later when it was officially registered as an independent school under the Ministry of Education. Over the years, Shebian Prep School has been instrumental in imparting quality education to children from kindergarten through to Grade 6, not only by fostering good educational traits but also strong moral values. We believe in strengthening our students' intellect and basic moral nature so that they grow up to be mature, responsible and successful adults. We are steadfast in our efforts in ensuring each student excels in all subject areas through individual prowess and competency, therefore mathematics remains a numbers game and languages mere word-play for your children. Visit or call us today and secure a gleaming future for your child.

With over 60 years of experience in education and a proven track record for excellence Mount Zion Learning Centre offers your child premier education at an affordable price. Our curriculum is prescribed by the Early Childhood Commission (Kinder Dept.) and the Ministry of Education (Grades 1 - 6). We are fully equipped to roll out the primary exit profile (PEP). Our teachers are experienced in early childhood education. And our students receive our undivided attention and support in the classroom which comprises a maximum of 15 students. We do regular assessments and offer fortnightly progress report especially for students in need of special education. Our services and extracurricular activities include: Shuttle service (students residing in and around Buckfield) Pick up and drop off from a central location Music Karate Swimming Tennis Netball Football Cricket Foreign language introduction (Spanish)

In September 1986 the Portsmouth community welcomed the opening of the Portsmouth Primary School. Since then, we have striven to cultivate a culture of excellence for our staff and student body. Technologically driven we aim to create a safe and secure environment that is aesthetically pleasing. Our goal is to ensure our students leave us skilled, capable and well-balanced able to engage in society conscientiously and intellectually. We ensure that with a co-education enrolment of 923 students, our student body engages in academic and extracurricular activities that are stimulating. And, our well-trained teachers preside over grades one through six. Our school boasts an excellent attendance rate of over 90% and has been recognised by the Regional Office on more than one occasion. We have offer the following services Register your child online Renweb- Online reporting system Fieldtrips Nutritious Meals

Kiddies Prep School is a local Christian school located in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. Our school is focused on providing an enriching and engaging learning environment for childrenfrom18 months to 11 years old. Whether you are searching for a local kindergarten, preschool, or child-care centre, we are pleased to provide a stellar education for your child. Kiddies Preparatory School is registered with the Ministry of Education and Jamaica Independent Schools Association (J.I.S.A.). The school has been in operation for approximately 30years, serving the Savanna-la-Mar community and its environs, and has established itself as an institution that offers quality academic and social training at an affordable cost. At KiddiesPrep School, your child will be lovingly cared for in a genuinely nurturing and caring environment. We focus on the individual learning styles of each child so they can grow and excel in their own way. Our goal is to give each child a stimulating environment with all the engaging resources needed to engender a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

It was the dream of Monsignor A. Bygrave to open a school that would cater to the needs of the people in the community. His dream became a reality when St. John the Baptist Kinder/Prep School came into being in September 1982. The School opened its doors within the Church Annex. From these humble beginnings the school grew and acquired its own campus on lands opposite the Church. In 1986, with the help of the church community, the first floor of the main building was completed and by September of that year the students moved in. In 1989 the school was registered with the Ministry of Education. The school began with three students and three teachers. Over the years the numbers grew rapidly and today we have an enrolment of approximately 160 students. The staff comprises of a principal, 11 full time teachers, 1 volunteer teacher, 5 part-time teachers, a secretary, an accountant, a part-time accountant a caregiver and 5 auxiliary workers. The school is administered by a nine-member Board of Governors appointed by the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston. An active Home School Association (HSA) links the school with its dynamic network of parents. The school has earned a good reputation for its academic rigor and is listed among the islands top high performing preparatory schools in the GSAT and reached the envious 3rd position in 2014.

May Pen Primary School is a premier educational institution located in the heart of May Pen town centre. We offer a wide Curriculum and Sporting Activities for our students. The love and passion we have for our staff and students begins with peace and purity of heart. From Grades One to Six our School community is dedicated and committed to Higher learning and as our motto says we all 'Strive for Excellence " Our four Programs also boast this with our Love - Path Program Purity- Parents Place Peace - Evening Institute Sports May Pen Primary School - The place to learn and have fun !

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is the government entity responsible for the management and administration of public education in Jamaica. The Ministry of Education was first established in 1953, as the Ministry of Education and Social Welfare. Currently, the MoE carries out the Government of Jamaica's mandate, which is to develop a system that affords quality education and training to all citizens of Jamaica to optimise individual and national development. The MoE provides the avenue for the enrichment and upward mobility of our people through education. As an organisation, we are one of Jamaica's most extensive public entities. We presently comprise 11 agencies, six regional offices, and a central office with approximately 40 units which fall under five divisions. These different divisions unite to provide the framework for the efficient functioning of over 1,000 public educational institutions that serve over 100,000 students and over 20,000 teachers. The Ministry of Education is also responsible for two public universities, several community colleges, multidisciplinary institutions and teachers' colleges. To effectively manage the education system, we rely on the efficient execution of functions by our various divisions and agencies. Among these functions are planning, developing, and implementing educational policies and programmes, monitoring and evaluating the performance of locally and internationally-funded projects, and maintaining an efficient system of collecting, collating, analysing current data on quantifiable educational indicators. Additionally, our duties include developing and supporting programmes, services and activities geared towards personal and national development. We also guide financial management for all educational institutions and affiliated agencies. Visit us at www.moey.gov.jm for more information.

At The Book Merchant we provide learning solutions and educational books for both the classroom and also for pleasure reading. We serve students, parents, booksellers, educators, schools and all other stakeholders in the educational community. Check out our wonderful teaching resources and a plethora of interesting books now. A Dynamic Organisation Serving The Caribbean The Book Merchant Ltd. provides a comprehensive range educational solutions, learning resources and professional development for institutions at all levels. As the Caribbean agent for Scholastic the largest children's book publisher in the world we are experts at sourcing and supplying appropriate educational resources for just about any course of study from Pre-School to Secondary. Providing Todays Solutions For Tomorrows Educators Our Mission The Book Merchant Ltd mission is to make a vital contribution to the educational development of people in the Caribbean region by providing affordable, appropriate and cutting-edge learning material to all students at the kindergarten level and beyond. Educational Solutions For All Levels of Learning Through our partnership with Scholastic, we provide an impressive range of Teaching Resources and Educational solutions, in print and digital format, producing materials for kindergarten and beyond. Our customers include students, parents, booksellers, educators, schools and other stakeholders that serve or work within the educational community. We market, source, retail, distribute and provide consultation for educators and learners at all levels. We provide Ministry approved learning guides for PEP Mathematics (grades 5 & 6).

2GN Academy and Training Institute is a multi-level education institution that incorporates the use of technology in all aspects of the teaching learning experience. Our success is contingent on our ability to assess individual learning styles and use technology to facilitate advance learning. We guarantee a unique and effective learning experience.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is the government entity responsible for the management and administration of public education in Jamaica. The Ministry of Education was first established in 1953, as the Ministry of Education and Social Welfare. Currently, the MoE carries out the Government of Jamaica's mandate of ensuring a system which secures quality education and training of all citizens of Jamaica in order to optimise individual and national development. The MoE provides the avenue for enrichment and upward mobility of our people though education. The organisation is one of Jamaica's largest public entities and is comprised presently of 11 agencies, six Regional Offices, and a central office with approximately 40 units which fall under 5 divisions. These unite to provide the framework for the efficient functioning of over 1,000 public educational institutions that serves over 100,000 students and over 20,000 teachers. The Ministry of Education is also responsible for two public universities and several community, multidisciplinary and teachers' colleges. Core Roles and Functions: The Ministry's role of effectively managing the education system is accomplished through the execution of functions carried out by its divisions and agencies. Among these functions are: Planning, developing, and implementing educational policies and programmes. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of locally and internationally funded projects and programmes. Maintaining an efficient system of collecting, collating, analyzing and presenting current and accurate data on quantifiable educational indicators to meet local demand and international standards. Developing and supporting programmes, services and activities geared towards personal and national development. Providing guidance in financial management for all educational institutions and affiliated agencies.

In 1967, founding principal, Mrs D. Campbell, established Pembroke Hall Primary School. Today, we are under the leadership of Mr Ricardo Valentine. At Pembroke Hall Primary School, our teachers, staff and students are guided by our motto: "Only the best is good enough." And, adherence to our tenet is exemplified in our teachers, staff and parents association's growth, diligence and perseverance. We provide our students with access to extracurricular activities and clubs which help them garner lifelong skills, values and attitudes. All of which cannot be fostered in regular classroom settings alone. Some of the activities our student body participates are swimming, dance group, festival performances, school choir, track and field as well as table tennis. Call us for more information.

As of 2023, Jamaica has a range of preparatory schools that offer quality education to young children in their formative years. These schools aim to prepare students for their primary education and beyond, equipping them with a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and social skills. Here are the 10 best preparatory schools in Jamaica in 2023:

If you're looking for the best prep schools in Kingston, Jamaica, you're in luck! In 2023, there are several excellent options to choose from. These schools offer a high-quality education that prepares students for the GSAT exam and the PEP, ensuring that they are well-equipped for the next stage of their academic journey. Costs vary depending on the school, but many offer scholarships and financial aid to help offset expenses. With a range of extracurricular activities and a strong emphasis on character development, these prep schools are the perfect choice for families who value academic excellence and holistic education. From traditional institutions to innovative new schools, Kingston has something for everyone.