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Previous Page| Next PageThe Priory School
32 Hope Road
Kingston 10, Jamaica
Tel: 876-926-6636
Fax: 876-926-7583The Priory School is a private, coeducational day school which offers an educational program from prekindergarten through grade 13 for students of all nationalities. The School was founded in 1944. The school year comprises three terms extending approximately from early September to mid-December, early January to late March, and early April to late June. The School also has an adult education program.
Organization: The School is governed by a 12-member Council nominated annually by the Priory School Trust Society Limited, the trusteeship of the School. It is recognized by the Ministry of Education in Jamaica
Curriculum: The curriculum is similar to that of a U.S. general academic, college-preparatory public school. The kindergarten department offers an eclectic blend of Montessori, Dewey, and Frobel methodologies. The junior school delivers individualized instruction and testing (Test of Academic Perception, TAP), catering to children with special needs as well as the gifted. Curriculum support is offered by specialists in French, Spanish, physical education, guidance and counseling, library, music, dance, and art. The high school is divided into the 7th to 11th grades. There is a general track for the average student, an advanced track for the gifted student, and a special needs track for students who have learning disabilities. The curriculum includes ESL, American history, Caribbean studies, and a vibrant computer program (Future Kids). Grades 12 and 13 attract the best students from local high schools in a pre-university program, with preparation for the Advanced Level and AP programs. The School is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is also recognized by the University of Cambridge for GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level exams, and by the Caribbean Examination Council.
Faculty: There are 40 full-time and 19 part-time faculty members in the 1997-98 school year, including 58 Jamaicans and 1 person of other nationality.
Enrollment: Enrollment at the beginning of the 1997-98 school year was 319 (PK.grade 6: 157; grades 7-13: 162). Of the total, 45 were U.S. citizens, 230 were host-country nationals, and 44 were children of other nationalities. All U.S. students were dependents of private U.S. citizens.
Facilities: Most administrative offices are located on the first floor of the building. There are 40 classrooms including a music room and 3 science laboratories. There is a library, an audio-visual center, a senior study hall, a student activity center, and a hall with a viewing gallery. There is also the kindergarten block and 9 acres of playing fields.
Finances: In the 1997-98 school year, the School's income derives mainly from tuition. Annual tuition rates are as follows: PK-Kdg.: $1,458; grades 1-6: $1,972; and grades 7-13: $2,400. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)
This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. The Office of Overseas Schools (A/OPR/OS) may have more detailed information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further of A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the minute information regarding curriculum, special programs and the like.
