Kingston - School Report Question and Answers
Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Yes, Hillel is also a popular option with expats. Since Jamaica is English-speaking, you could really apply to any of the private schools, but most people don't because the Jamaican school system is not very compatible with the U.S. school system. - Sep 2023
We chose this school because it accommodated both of our children. Other schools, such as AISK, Hillel, do not have programs until age 3. - Mar 2017
Yes, nearly everyone in the diplomatic community sends their children to the American School, AISK. We read extensively about each school and reached out to parents at both schools before making our decision. In the end, the academics, communication and size, as well as athletic facilities, made us choose Hillel. - Jun 2016
There are two schools in Kingston that the CLO recommended: the one we picked, the American International School of Kingston, AISK, and Hillel Academy. The primary reason we chose AISK was because all but two families in the USG community sent their children to AISK. Also, AISK follows the American common core curriculum. Once we arrived on island and talked to other parents, our decision was confirmed as the right one for our child. Hillel is a much bigger school than AISK and has the reputation of teaching a very rigid curriculum that embodies some of the "old school" rigid style of instruction. Another thing we were concerned about is the classrooms at Hillel are open air with no air conditioning, shortly after arriving on island, Jamaica experienced an epidemic of Chick-V and then the Zika virus, so limiting our child to opportunities where he could be bit by mosquitos was actually important. Although, I believe Hillel practices much better security processes and measures than AISK. - May 2016
