Best Schools in the Bahamas: Private Schools, International Schools and more

With more and more people moving to The Bahamas, the rapidly growing economy and population has led to increased demand for high-quality education. While the Bahamas comprises 700 islands and cays, there’s no shortage of waterfront property, but you may be wondering where your kids will spend their days. 

Fortunately, there are several excellent options where your children can receive a good education. Take a look at our list of the best schools in The Bahamas.

 

How to Pick a School for Your Children in the Bahamas

Where your children go to school can impact their academic success, career prospects, and social health. So, it makes complete sense that any parent would want the very best for their child and know more about a Bahamas education. 

Here are a few ways to decide on a Bahamas school for your children:

• On which island do you live and work? It’s not unheard of for students to attend a school on a different island, but commuting can pose challenges. 
• Decide whether you want your child to attend public, private, or international schools.
• The best international schools in The Bahamas are in New Providence and Grand Bahama, so consider living on these islands for the best educational opportunities.
• If you live on the Out Islands, you have a few options for private schools. However, the public schools there are of high caliber.
• Keep in mind that there are options, like the Island School, for outdoor-minded children. So, if you have a child who wants to do a semester or summer away from their regular studies, this is a great option.

 

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

• Website: http://www.islandschool.org/the-island-school

 

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/

 

Are There Public Schools in the Bahamas?

Living in the Bahamas isn’t so different from other tropical locations. 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. That means the curriculum will be familiar to those from North America or the UK, allowing for easy transfers to different schools across the globe.

Public education in the Bahamas is very high quality, with the islands boasting a literacy rate near 96%, with about 92% of students attending school. Of the 210 total schools on the islands, about 160 are government-operated. 

Conclusion: Choosing the best school in the Bahamas

Because the school system in the Bahamas is so varied and full of options, it’s not always immediately apparent which is best for a particular student. Doing some research and touring a few schools will help you better understand what will suit your child and your family best.

Migrating to the Bahamas and enrolling in a new school will take some work, but it’s well worth it. Make the process easier by working with the team at Better Home & Gardens MCR Bahamas to find your dream luxury home in the Bahamas. 

Contact us at MCR Bahamas today!