International Education in St Lucia

Among the many auxiliary concerns that preoccupy buyers with families in the real estate market, none is as important as the issue of finding the right school for their children. International School Saint Lucia (ISSL), established in 2006, emerged to meet the needs of a growing population of international and local students whose varied experiences and diverse aspirations demanded a global perspective.

ISSL is a small but growing Canadian-accredited school with just over 100 enrolled students and an expectation to expand to 120 for the 2008/9 school year. Foreign students comprise 14% of the school population with 11 languages represented, a demographic that according to the school’s principal, Mrs. June Harkness, makes for a dynamic learning experience. “Our students tend to have enriched experiences because of the variety of view points. Their perspectives are not personal, but global,” she says.

ISSL is based on a developmental model and prepares students for university and college. The school hosts grades 4-12 and there are plans to expand as the school community grows. In addition to the traditional subjects ISSL offers a diverse curriculum which includes Spanish, computer science, media and world issues, the latter being compulsory for grade 12. Mrs. Harkness declares “Students receive a standard of education recognised in Canada and therefore worldwide.” Essentially, she says, students leave ISSL with a broad base of understanding, the adaptability of having studied and grown in an international environment, and friendships and connections for life.

The school campus, located in St Lucia’s fastest growing community, Rodney Bay, has seven classrooms, a computer lab, chemistry lab, a multi-purpose gymnasium/theatre arts/media room, a full-service cafeteria and wireless connections throughout the campus. Teachers come from Canada and Saint Lucia and the teacher/student ratios are favourable. The Physical Education programme, though administered off-campus, offers a number of co-curricular activities to include sailing, and diving and horseback riding and tennis.

ISSL is very firmly rooted in its host community. The school is recognised by the Saint Lucia Ministry of Education and as such participates in the local administration procedures, as well as inter-school events and competitions in the arts, academics and sports. As a graduation requirement, students complete forty hours of community service, both independently and through programmes set up by the school faculty.

Jacqueline Atkinson, member of the Board of Trustees says of the ISSL experience, “Students at ISSL enjoy the benefit of a committed faculty, proven curriculum and … experiences they will carry with them wherever they end up in the world”.