School Review: Belair School in Mandeville, Jamaica

In what town or city is this school located?

Mandeville Manchester

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

It was British, but I think that it is more local now.

What grade levels are represented at this school?

Kindergarten, Prep and High School

How do most children get to school everyday?

Most children get there by car and a few go by taxi's.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The facilities at the school are very good. The extra-curricular activities are also good -- they have something for everyone.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

My three children hadn't started school in the UK so Belair was their first school. The school has Kindergarten, Prep and High school -- so you don't need to worry about changing schools. There are quite a lot of children there from the UK, US, China, Burmuda and other countries, some are expats and some are here for work. In high school, a lot of the students are boarding, because their parents find it a very good school.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There are activities available for parents. There are regular P.T.A. meetings for parents. There are parent conferences after every term, but the teachers always have a good relationship with the parents and will always see you. The class size is about 20 students in one class. When you are in the final years of high school, you will take the exams that you need as the US have STA's so whether you are staying in Jamaica or going to the US, UK, etc..., you will be ready for that country.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

I would say go and look at the school for yourself. I am sure you will enroll your children. This was the only thing that really worried me coming to live in Jamaica, was finding a great school... but we did.