Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Falmouth
Summary: If you''re moving to Falmouth with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you''ll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Falmouth
Falmouth, is a picturesque town known for its Georgian architecture and rich history. While it may not be as large as some of the world's major cities, it offers a tranquil setting for expats and digital nomads who are considering moving there with their families. The town itself has limited options for international or bilingual education, but there are a few reputable institutions within a reasonable driving distance. Two of the most popular schools that cater to the expat community are the International School of Jamaica in Montego Bay and the Mt. Alvernia Preparatory School, also located in Montego Bay.
International School of Jamaica (ISJ)
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 6
Location(s): Montego Bay
Website: www.isjamaica.org
The International School of Jamaica offers a curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, which is designed to foster critical thinking and global citizenship. Located in Montego Bay, just a short drive from Falmouth, ISJ boasts a diverse student body and a range of extracurricular activities. The school's facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and a computer lab, ensuring a well-rounded education for its students.
Mt. Alvernia Preparatory School
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 6
Location(s): Montego Bay
Website: www.mtalvernia-prep.com
Mt. Alvernia Preparatory School is a Catholic institution that welcomes students from various backgrounds and offers a bilingual education in English and Spanish. The school is known for its strong academic program, which includes the Cambridge Primary Curriculum, and its commitment to character development. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a science lab, and a playground. Extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and clubs are also available to students.
Heinz Simonitsch School
Grades: Pre-K through Grade 6
Location(s): Montego Bay
Website: www.hss.edu.jm
Heinz Simonitsch School provides an international education with a focus on the holistic development of each child. The school follows a curriculum that incorporates elements of the International Baccalaureate and the National Standards Curriculum of Jamaica. Located in the upscale community of Spring Farm, Montego Bay, the school is equipped with modern facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a performing arts center, making it an attractive option for expat families.
Holland High School
Grades: 7 through 13
Location(s): Trelawny Parish, near Falmouth
Holland High School is a co-educational institution that serves the higher grade levels and offers a curriculum that prepares students for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). While not exclusively an international school, Holland High School has a diverse student population and provides a quality education with a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs.
Westwood High School
Grades: 7 through 13
Location(s): Trelawny Parish, near Falmouth
Westwood High School is an all-girls school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a traditional British-style curriculum and is known for its strong performance in the sciences and humanities. Westwood High School provides a disciplined and nurturing environment, with a range of extracurricular activities that include music, drama, and various clubs.
Please note that while these schools are within a 40-minute drive from Falmouth, traffic conditions and transportation options should be considered when planning the daily commute for students.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.