We understand that overcoming poverty involves more than education alone. That’s why our approach offers extensive, long-term support, nurturing all facets of a child’s life—from learning in the classroom to personal development and future career opportunities. By focusing on every aspect of their growth, we ensure our students not only achieve academic success but also flourish emotionally, socially, and professionally.
A top quality, character-based education is the foundation for a brighter future and the cornerstone of our model. Our rigorous academic program integrates ICT (Information and Communications Technology) into the curriculum, and we are actively developing a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program for our high school students.
We currently provide co-curricular exposure to sports, music, drama, and Spanish (with French soon to be added for older students), ensuring our students become well-rounded individuals. By fostering higher-order thinking, we empower students to solve complex problems and pursue tertiary education, leading to economic mobility and meaningful careers. Our academic program places intentional focus on core subjects like Mathematics, Language Arts, Integrated Studies, Science, and Social Studies, aligning with the National Standards Curriculum of the Ministry of Education Youth and Information. It also meets the requirements of the Early Childhood Commission’s Age 5 program.
To maximise learning opportunities, we offer increased contact time through a longer school year and extended school days. Our academic calendar covers 200 days, starting the last week of August and ending the first week of July, with school hours from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Read more +You can’t learn when you’re hungry. Proper nutrition is vital for unlocking a child’s potential. At Christel House Jamaica, we provide each student with balanced and nutritious meals, including breakfast, lunch and snacks every school day. This represents up to 80% of their recommended daily intake and often serves as their only source of nourishment. For many of our students, this food is essential for their health and academic success. By ensuring they are well-fed, we enable our students to focus on learning, leading to improved educational outcomes and brighter futures.
Many of our students come from communities affected by violence, crime, substance abuse, and poverty, leading to deep-rooted trauma. At Christel House Jamaica, we recognise the importance of addressing these challenges with empathy and compassion. Our trauma-informed school environment offers the emotional and psychological support students need to heal and flourish. With a registered nurse, guidance counsellor, and social workers on staff, we help students overcome stress, anxiety, and other obstacles, enabling them to focus on their education and future success.
An independent study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in South Africa found that students appreciate the “warm and positive institutional culture,” and alumni believed that “without interventions at our school, they would not have been able to overcome traumatic circumstances at home and successfully navigate their schooling and professional careers.”
Read more +Education should be accessible to all, regardless of geographical or financial barriers. Christel House Jamaica provides transportation to ensure students attend school regularly and receive the education they deserve. This service alleviates financial pressure on families, allowing them to redirect funds to other essential needs.
We believe that success is not just about academic achievement—it also involves strength of character. Our character development program is built on four enduring values: respect, responsibility, independence, and integrity. We intentionally foster our students’ sense of agency, preparing them to become purpose-driven leaders and responsible citizens who contribute positively to society. Service-learning projects enable students to apply their skills and values in real-world settings, cultivating empathy, compassion, and a commitment to civic duty.
Our commitment extends beyond the classroom to guiding students toward successful careers. At the primary level, Career Week exposes our youngest students to a variety of opportunities beyond traditional roles. As our high school program expands, we will offer career guidance, vocational training, and mentoring throughout their educational journey. After graduation, alumni receive five years of continued support, including job placements, workshops, and, when necessary, financial assistance. This long-term investment ensures our students not only enter the workforce but also excel in their chosen paths.
We believe that engaging families strengthens the communities our students come from, fostering a cycle of growth and lasting positive change. We actively involve parents and caregivers by offering workshops that address key social and health issues, equipping them with the tools and skills to become better caregivers. Parents are encouraged to volunteer 40 hours per year at Christel House Jamaica or undertake projects in their communities, further reinforcing the bond between school and community.
HEALTHCARE & SOCIAL SERVICES
Ensuring
Student
Wellness
A healthy mind and body are essential for effective learning. At Christel House, we offer comprehensive healthcare services—including medical, dental, and vision check-ups, vaccinations, and mental health support. Our in-house counsellors and social workers provide students with one-on-one sessions, group activities, classroom interventions, and family assistance. We also maintain a robust health education program in partnership with external healthcare providers to ensure our students receive professional care.