Choosing the right school in the Cayman Islands
Choosing the right school for your child is among the most important of all decisions facing a parent. Although academic provision is important, there are a number of other factors that should influence your choice. In the Cayman Islands, our top picks are all similar in that they are co-educational, day schools. The main factors to consider when making your choice are academic provision, the curriculum followed and facilities at the school.
Academic provision
Assessing the quality of academic provision at a school can be complex, as it often varies based on an individual student's needs and goals. Some schools emphasise teaching methods aimed at ambitious students, focusing on achieving top grades and excelling in standardised tests. Other schools adopt a more holistic approach, focusing on personal growth alongside academic achievement. These institutions may prioritise the development of social skills, emotional intelligence, and well-rounded character, integrating extracurricular activities and community service into their curricula. They aim to foster a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to explore their interests and develop a broad range of skills.
Ideally, a school should balance both objectives, providing a rigorous academic program while also supporting the personal and emotional development of its students. However, not all schools manage to achieve this balance effectively. To help you select the ideal school for your child, we offer expert guidance based on a comprehensive evaluation of these criteria. By considering these factors, we can assist you in finding a school that aligns with your child's unique needs, aspirations, and learning style.
Facilities
When selecting a school, the quality of its facilities plays a central role in shaping both the academic and extracurricular experiences of students. Modern and well-equipped facilities contribute significantly to the overall standard of education provided.
In terms of a school’s academic provision, state-of-the-art science laboratories and libraries can be pivotal to your child’s learning experience. Modern science laboratories equipped with the latest equipment and technology enable students to conduct experiments and engage in hands-on learning. Similarly, well-resourced libraries can foster a culture of research and independent learning. Advanced technology centres with up-to-date computers and software prepare students for a world that increasingly relies on digital literacy.
Extracurricular activities are equally influenced by the quality of school facilities. Schools with exceptional music and drama facilities, such as performance halls, practice rooms, and recording studios, can nurture students' creative talents. These schools often offer extensive programs in the arts, allowing students to participate in concerts, plays, and other cultural events that enrich their educational experience. This is no less the case with sports. Certain schools boast impressive athletic facilities, including gymnasiums, swimming pools, sports fields, and courts for various games. Schools with strong sports programs often have a range of teams and clubs that compete at various levels, providing students with opportunities to develop their skills and sportsmanship.
UK vs. US Curriculum
The UK curriculum, primarily guided by the National Curriculum for England, offers a highly structured and standardised educational framework. Students are assessed at age 16 through GCSE examinations, and at 18 through A-Level and BTEC examinations. One of the key advantages is its clear progression and focus on depth of knowledge in subjects like mathematics and science, ensuring a strong foundation in essential academic skills. The curriculum also emphasises critical thinking and analysis through its rigorous assessment methods. This system can be beneficial for students who thrive under clear expectations and standardised testing.
The US curriculum is more decentralised, with no regular external examinations along the lines of the UK model. Students are assessed internally through their high school teacher, with the Grade Point Average (GPA) being used as an index of the student’s academic ability. In preparation for university, students also complete an external, standardised test, examples of which are the SAT and ACT. This model allows for greater flexibility and local control over educational content. This can be advantageous as it enables schools to tailor their programs to meet the specific needs and interests of their student populations, fostering creativity and innovation in teaching methods. However, this can lead to inconsistency in student outcomes. The lack of a unified national standard can sometimes result in attainment gaps for fundamental academic skills, particularly in Maths and science.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a third assessment model used by schools in the Cayman Islands. It is normally used to assess students in the final two years of school, and can be combined with both UK and US curricula. The IB is less focused than the UK model of Further Education, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary study across all subject areas, as well as an engagement with the theory of knowledge.
What are the top schools in the Cayman Islands?
Cayman International School (CIS)
Cayman International School (CIS) is an independent day school located in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Founded in 1994, the school has grown from a modest establishment into one of the premier international schools in the Caribbean. Throughout its history, CIS has been committed to providing a high-quality, comprehensive education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and global citizenship. The school offers excellent provision for extracurricular sport, as well as an innovative science and technology club (STEAM). Due to its excellent academic and co-curricular programme, and superior facilities, CIS was featured in the Best of Cayman 2023, under the Private School category.
Location: Camana Bay, Grand Cayman
Head: Clare McQuillan (High School)
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 1000
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 2-18
Curriculum: American and International Baccalaureate.
Fees: $28,700
Website: https://www.caymaninternationalschool.org/
Cayman Prep and High School
This co-educational school in George Town offers the British curriculum, including Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels. With over 70 years of history, it has been praised for providing a stimulating environment and high academic standards, whilst also putting Christian principles at the heart of its educational offering. Key to its provision is ‘Vertical Learning’, which encompasses a wide range of extra- and super-curricular activities, from current affairs to cooking on a budget. The school also has a good academic record, with 79.1% of GCSE grades at A*-B in 2023.
Location: George Town, Grand Cayman
Head: Debra McLaughlin
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 1000
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 2-18
Curriculum: iGCSE and A-Level
Fees: $17,860
Website: https://www.cayprep.edu.ky/
St. Ignatius Catholic School:
Founded in 1971 by the Franciscan Missionary sisters, St. Ignatius is a Catholic school following the British curriculum. It combines strong academic programs with a focus on the spiritual, social, and personal development of its students. St. Ignatius School prides itself on its mission of shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and to the world. Unique to the school is its annual one-day ‘retreats’ to encourage reflection upon the significance of the Christian values that form the ethos of St. Ignatius school life.
Location: George Town, Grand Cayman
Head: Simon Testa
Day or Boarding: Day
Pupils: 700
Gender: Co-educational
Ages: 2-18
Curriculum: iGCSE and A-Level
Fees: $17,514
Website: https://st-ignatius.com/
Cayman Islands school selection with Chapkin Edwards
If you need further advice with selecting the right school for your child in the Cayman Islands, or would like to explore tutoring options, please get in contact here.