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With more and more people moving to The Bahamas, the rapidly growing economy and population have led to increased demand for high-quality Bahamian education.
Fortunately, there are several excellent options for both public and private schools in The Bahamas.
As the founder of Better Home & Gardens MCR Bahamas, it’s my goal to help buyers find the right property that will be a home for their families on the islands. Born and raised in The Bahamas, I know the island inside and out.
Let’s dive into the best schools in The Bahamas. Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
How to Pick the Best School in The Bahamas for Your Children
Where your children go to school can impact their academic success, career prospects, and social health. This is why parents who live in The Bahamas, particularly expat buyers, have to carefully consider various factors to ensure their child’s personal and educational growth.
Here are some tips to help you carefully decide:
- Consider Location and Accessibility: If you’re living in areas like Grand Bahama or other islands, consider the school’s location for ease of daily commute.
- Decide on Private vs Public Schools: The island has a varied offering on both. It also boils down to cost, curriculum, student-to-teacher ratio, extracurricular activities, and more.
- Consider New Providence and Grand Bahama: For the best international schools, these two locations in The Bahamas are any parent’s best option. In the Grand Bahama, we have the Lucaya International School, while New Providence takes pride in Lyford Cay International School.
- Consider Schools with Outdoor Education Programs: Keep in mind that there are options for outdoor-minded children who want to get a sense of the Bahamian community. Schools like Lyford Cay International School and The Island School have a focus on environmental sustainability and outdoor education programs.
- Look into School Facilities: World-class facilities can significantly enhance the learning experience. Check if the school has well-equipped classrooms, libraries, science labs, sports facilities, etc.
- Assess Cost and Financial Assistance Options: Understand the school’s fee structure, and check if the school offers any scholarships or financial aid. In line with this, you may also want to know the best mortgage banks in The Bahamas if you plan on buying a property there.
Remember, the best school for your child should not only focus on academic excellence but also nurture their talents and interests in a supportive and enriching environment.
Best Private & International Schools in the Bahamas
If you are looking for a list of the best private and international schools in the Bahamas, look no further. We’ve created a list to simplify your search, and remember, we’re here to help you with your housing search as well:
St. Andrew’s International School
For 68 years, St. Andrew’s International School has welcomed students from various backgrounds. Their vision is to provide world-class education while nurturing lifelong learners and empowering internationally-minded individuals.
St Andrew’s was also the first school in The Bahamas to be accredited to the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).
Their co-educational private school teaches the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program up to the 6th grade. Students then graduate to the Middle Years program for grades 7 to 9, where they will begin studying for the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). Those who choose to continue into 12th and 13th grade will follow the IB Diploma program.
Grades: Pre K – 13th Grade.
Students: They have around 700 students, with 65% of students being Bahamian and 35% international students.
Fees: Their fees range from $4,365 to $14,910 annually.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 677-7800
- Email: sandrews@st-andrews.com
- Website: https://standrewsbahamas.com
Lyford Cay International School
Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) has been operating for over 53 years, and has a highly multicultural student body. The Upper and Lower school campuses spread across 23.5 acres within Western New Providence’s exclusive Lyford Cay community.
At Lyford Cay International, students train in the International Baccalaureate Program at the primary, middle, and senior levels. Students receive digital devices to help them with their studies making the school technologically advanced.
Grades: Primary, middle, and senior school levels (3 -16 years).
Students: They have around 350, with 31 different nationalities represented (60% international, 40% Bahamian).
Fees: Their fees range from $17,403 – $26,261 annually.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 362-4774
- Email: Info@lcis.bs
- Website: www.lcis.bs
Tambearly School
Tambearly International School had just 17 students when it first opened its doors in 1985. Today, 175 students attend the school. Tambearly follows a US curriculum that allows each student to graduate with a US high school diploma. Students can also study for Advanced Placement courses to better position themselves when they enter colleges and universities.
Tambearly’s teaching staff represent many different cultural backgrounds, from Swiss to British to Colombian.
The school prides itself on building a sense of community and upholding a rigorous educational standard.
Grades: Pre-K to Grade 12. (The 2017-2018 school year saw the addition of Grade 10, 2018-2019 Grade 11, followed by Grade 12 in 2019-2020.)
Students: Around 175 students attend the school, with 65% Bahamian and 35% international.
Fees: Their fees range from $6,495 to $14,700 annually.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 327-5965
- Email: Tambearly@tambearly.org
- Website: http://www.tambearly.com
Lucaya International School
Lucaya International School (LIS) was founded in 1998 and is an accredited day school serving the children of Grand Bahama. There are Primary and Secondary schools on the 12 acre rural property. LIS follows IBO guidelines.
Grades: Pre K-12th Grade
Students: They have a total of 235 students, 50% Bahamian, 50% International.
Fees: Their tuition fees range from $8,820 for pre-school to $30,039 for high school students.
Contact:
- Phone: 242-373-4004
- Email: lis@lisbahamas.org
- Website: https://www.lisbahamas.com
Windsor School New Providence
Windsor School was established in 2014 by Lisa McCartney, who also founded the Meridian School. Its location is very near to the much-sought-after Old Fort Bay residential community.
Their small class sizes (18 students per class) allow for better teaching and understanding among teacher and student, and they offer language training in French and Spanish.
They follow an academic curriculum based on the Cambridge International Examinations.
Grades: Primary to advanced secondary (years 12-13).
Students: N/A
Fees: Their fees range from $10,395 per year to $16,800 yearly.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 603-0180
- Email: assistance@windsorschoolbahamas.com
- Website: http://www.windsorschoolbahamas.com
The Island School on Eleuthera
The Island School is renowned for being a study-abroad semester school for many students from around the world. The beauty of the school comes from its combination of outdoor education, unconventional courses, and a strong focus on athletics. Scuba diving and sailing are some examples of the varied list of activities available to students.
Grades: Semester-long educational opportunity for high school students.
Students: N/A
Fees: Their fees range from $16,000 for a summer term and $34,650 for Fall and Spring semesters.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 334-8551
- Email: Info@islandschool.org
Bahamas Academy
Bahamas Academy is a Seventh-day Adventist school operating in Nassau, Bahamas. Founded in 1912, the school is owned and operated by the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Their goal is to provide a holistic education to help create the “best citizens.”
Grades: K2-12th Grade.
Students: They have 720 students enrolled.
Fees: They charge $1,050 for elementary school per term and $1,250 per term for secondary school.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 461-2100
- Email: Info@bahamasacademy.org
- Website: https://www.bahamasacademy.org
Genesis Academy
Genesis Academy sits in central Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. It was founded in 2006 and is fully accredited by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas. It is a Christian-based school.
They blend their learning approach through teacher-student instruction, Google School, instruction on Ignitia, and one-to-one training with technology.
Grades: Pre-K to 12th Grade.
Students: N/A
Fees: Their tuition fees range from $1,900 to $2,750 per term.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 328-4920 OR +1 (242) 328-4921
- Email: Info@genesisacademy.org
- Website: https://genesisacademy.org/
Queens College
Queen’s College is a historic faith-based private school that has been around since the 1890s. They teach the Bahamas Junior Certificate and the Bahamas Certificate of General Secondary Education.
Queen’s College offers students the chance to take the PSAT, SAT, SAT II, GCE Advanced Levels, and many more should students want to further enhance their education in the UK or elsewhere.The school also offers an accelerated track for gifted students who require a more challenging pace to their education.
Grades: PK-12 Grade
Students: They have a total of 1500 students.
Fees: Their fees range from $3,000 to $6,132 annually.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 677-7600
- Email: Info@qchenceforth.com
- Website: www.qchenceforth.com
Summit Academy
Summit Academy is a private school that offers a program of academic excellence to students in preschool through middle school. They have a diverse student enrollment that is comprised of Bahamian and international students alike.
Grades: Pre-school to middle school (8th Grade).
Students: N/A
Fees: Their tuition fees range from $2,320 to $3,333 per term.
Contact:
- Phone: +1 (242) 394-4781
- Email: Info@summitacademybahamas.net
- Website: http://www.summitacademybahamas.net/
Top Public Schools In The Bahamas
The Bahamas offers free and compulsory public education for all children between the ages of 5 and 16. The Ministry of Education governs the school system that follows the British education model.
For those coming from North America or the UK, this allows easy transfers to different schools across the globe. On top of this, Canadians can also benefit from the Canada-Bahamas tax treaty.
Public education in The Bahamas is very high quality, with the islands boasting a literacy rate near 96% in 2003, with about 92% of students attending school. Of the 210 total schools on the islands, about 160 are government-operated.
Here are some of the best public schools in The Bahamas:
Government High School
Address: Bahamas Games Blvd, Nassau, Bahamas
Contact Number: +1 242-325-4537
Government High School is a state secondary school known for its strong academic program. Aside from the decreasing Bahamian unemployment rate, well-performing schools like these are why people choose to live in Nassau.
R.M. Bailey Senior High School
Address: Robinson Rd, Nassau, Bahamas
Contact: +1 242-393-2295
R.M. Bailey Senior High School is a public senior high school recognized for its commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence. It is located in Robert M. Bailey Park and offers various programs and activities that help students develop diverse skills.
C.V. Bethel Senior High School
Address: East St, Nassau, Bahamas
Contact: +1 242-392-9250
Located near the South Beach Public Library, C.V. Bethel Senior High School is known for its academic rigor. It also focuses on preparing students for higher education and professional careers
Doris Johnson Senior High School
Address: Prince Charles Dr, Nassau, Bahamas
Contact: +1 242-364-5263
Doris Johnson Senior High School, named after Dr. Doris L. Johnson, a Bahamian educator, politician, and women’s rights activist, this school offers various extracurricular programs. Students are provided with a well-rounded educational experience preparing them for national examinations and global opportunities.
L.N. Coakley High School
Address: Moss Town, Exuma Bahamas
Contact: +1 242-345-0508
L.N. Coakley High School was established to provide quality secondary education to the residents of Exuma and its surrounding cays. The school provides comprehensive education from grades 7 to 12. Its curriculum focuses on academic and practical skills development.
Eight Mile Rock High School
Address: Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahamas, BS
Contact: +1 242-348-3781
Situated in the largest settlement on Grand Bahama Island, Eight Mile Rock High School serves a diverse and vibrant community. The school is named after the settlement, known for its long stretch of rock that runs along the coastline. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum for secondary education, typically covering grades 7 through 12.
Top High Schools In The Bahamas
While this list is not exhaustive, it highlights some of the top high schools in The Bahamas, known for their academic rigor, quality of education, and array of extracurricular activities.
Private High Schools in The Bahamas
If you plan on buying a condo to live in The Bahamas, you should also know if the area fits your family’s educational needs. With that, we’ve listed some of the top private high schools in The Bahamas that are known for providing a comprehensive and enriching educational experience.
- Nassau Christian Academy: Offering a Christian-based education combined with a strong academic program, this school serves students from kindergarten through high school.
- Temple Christian High School: Also in Nassau, this school provides a faith-based education along with a strong emphasis on academic achievement. It caters to students from elementary through to high school.
- Queen’s College: As one of the oldest private schools in The Bahamas, Queen’s College in Nassau has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. It offers a comprehensive education from the early years to high school.
- St. Andrew’s School: This school offers the International Baccalaureate program along with the British IGCSE. It caters to students from preschool through to Grade 12 and is known for its multicultural environment.
- Lyford Cay International School: Located on New Providence Island in The Bahamas, this school is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It’s dedicated to providing a world-class education to its students from preschool to Grade 12.
- Windsor School at Albany: This is a co-ed boarding and day school that’s spread across two campuses. It offers students with an exceptional private education experience that prepares them for college.
Public High Schools in The Bahamas
Aside from knowing the average rainfall and average wind speeds in The Bahamas, parents also have to know about the best public high schools in their area. These schools adhere to the national curriculum and prepare students for The Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations.
- Eight Mile Rock High School, Grand Bahama: One of the leading public high schools in Grand Bahama, it offers a comprehensive educational program and emphasizes academic achievement and personal development.
- H.O. Nash Junior High School: This award-winning junior high school fosters a supportive learning environment, encouraging students to explore their interests and develop essential academic skills.
- S.C. McPherson Junior High School: Extracurricular activities and sports are a significant part of this school’s program, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
- North Eleuthera High School: Serving students on the island of Eleuthera, this high school is known for its strong community involvement and commitment to providing quality education in a more remote part of The Bahamas.
- C.R. Walker Senior High School: Noted for its strong vocational and technical education programs, C.R. Walker also excels in traditional academic areas.
Top Government Schools In The Bahamas
Although this list is not exhaustive, it shows some of the top-tier government schools in The Bahamas that play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation.
Government High School, Nassau: As one of the oldest and most prestigious public high schools in The Bahamas, this school is renowned for producing a long history of successful graduates.
North Eleuthera High School: Situated on the island of Eleuthera, this high school is recognized for its community involvement and commitment to providing quality education in a more remote location.
R.M. Bailey Senior High School: Known for its comprehensive educational offerings, R.M. Bailey has a strong focus on academic excellence and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for student development.
Jack Hayward Senior High School: This school is one of the key educational institutions on the island of Grand Bahama. Its comprehensive senior high school curriculum focuses on preparing students for the BGCSE and beyond.
North Long Island High School: This school serves as a vital educational center for students residing in the northern part of Long Island.
Willard Patton Primary School: Named after Willard Patton and located in Nassau, Bahamas, this school is dedicated to providing foundational education to young students.
Top Medical Schools In The Bahamas
While The Bahamas offers an array of investment properties for sale, it also offers good education. For example, aspiring medical professionals can choose from the following medical schools. This list isn’t exhaustive but gives an insight into the primary options available within the archipelago.
Western Atlantic University School of Medicine
Located in Grand Bahama and established in 2022, Western Atlantic University School of Medicine is a relatively new addition to the medical education scene in The Bahamas.
It offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program designed to prepare students for the challenges of modern healthcare.
The University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine and Research
While the main campuses of The University of the West Indies (UWI) are located in Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, UWI also extends its reach to The Bahamas through its School of Clinical Medicine and Research is based in Nassau.
This institution offers programs in various aspects of clinical medicine and research, focusing on training students to meet the healthcare needs of the Caribbean region.
University of The Bahamas
The national public higher education institution, the University of The Bahamas offers programs in health sciences rather than a direct medical degree.
These programs include nursing, pharmacy, and allied health professions, providing students with foundational knowledge and skills in healthcare.
Doctors Hospital’s Institute of Learning
Doctors Hospital, one of the premier healthcare facilities in The Bahamas, has an Institute of Learning that offers training and educational programs in the medical field.
While not a traditional medical school, the institute provides valuable learning opportunities for healthcare professionals, including nurses, technicians, and administrative staff.
More About Schools in The Bahamas
Does The Bahamas have a good education system?
As we’ve previously mentioned, The Bahamas boasts a literacy rate of about 96%, with 92% of students attending school. This shows that The Bahamas has a great education system!
Schooling is compulsory from ages 5 to 16. It also provides a broad curriculum that focuses not only on academics but on personal development as well.
Does The Bahamas have good schools?
The Bahamas has a range of both public and private reputable schools. There are international schools, medical schools, vocational schools, and more. These institutions often blend international and local curricula, emphasizing academic excellence, cultural values, and holistic development.
As a result, Bahamian schools are well-regarded in the Caribbean region.
Is school free in The Bahamas?
Yes, education in The Bahamas is free at public schools. The Education Act that was revised in 1996 guarantees Bahamians access to free education between 5 and 16 years old. However, there are fees for uniforms, books, and other supplies.
How many public schools are in The Bahamas?
Of its 210 primary and secondary schools, 158 are operated by the government.
How long is a school day in The Bahamas?
A school day in The Bahamas lasts for about 6 hours, including a daily recess of not more than an hour. It usually starts at 8:45 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.
Live Near the Best Schools In The Bahamas for Your Family
Buying land in The Bahamas and choosing the right home isn’t just about stunning ocean views and luxurious amenities; it’s also about ensuring your family’s educational needs are met.
Living near the best schools in The Bahamas offers your children access to quality education, from esteemed institutions like the University of The Bahamas to renowned private schools and world-class international programs.
With MCR Bahamas, you can find the perfect home that combines the tranquility of island life with the convenience of nearby top-tier educational facilities.
The MCR Bahamas team isn’t just experts in real estate; we’re Bahamian natives and parents, with firsthand experience of the educational system here. We understand the importance of not just a house, but a home where your family can grow, learn, and thrive.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood near primary schools or a serene locale close to prestigious high schools, MCR Bahamas has an array of properties to suit your family’s unique needs and aspirations.
Start your journey to a brighter future with a team that truly knows and cares about the life you wish to build in The Bahamas.
Trust MCR Bahamas to guide you home.
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