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Lloyd Holmes — Principal (High School); Carolyn Lee — Principal (Prep School)
School Principal
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE
Taught languages Spanish, French
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Founded in 1969 by the Jewish community, Hillel Academy is Jamaica's largest international school. It sits in Kingston with a Preparatory School (ages 3–11) and a High School (ages 11–19). It is non-denominational, independent, co-educational and private not-for-profit. The curriculum runs IMYC in Grades 7–9, IGCSE in Grades 10–11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 12–13; Grades 1–6 follow Jamaica's National Standards Curriculum, with Spanish starting in Kindergarten 1. The school prepares students for national assessments and international examinations, is NEASC-accredited, Cambridge-authorised and an IB World School. About 700 students from over 40 countries study on campus in the Blue Mountains foothills, with extensive sports facilities and a vibrant visual and performing arts programme. Co-curriculars span debating, robotics, dance, drama, music and art; there is a House System, Student Council and community service opportunities. The campus offers a safe, stimulating environment for social, emotional, creative and academic development globally.
Hillel Academy has 800 pupils, typical class sizes of 20.
Location
51 Upper Mark Way, Kingston 8, Jamaica. The school is located in Kingston 8. Prep School contact: (876) 905 3351; High School: (876) 905 3352; Main Office: (876) 925 1980; Admissions: (876) 941 2912. Admissions email: admissions@gohillel.com.
Stages
K1 – Grade 6 (Prep School); Grades 7 – 9 (Middle School); Grades 10–13 (High School – IGCSE and IB Diploma and Courses).
Type
The school is non-denominational, independent, co-educational and multicultural, and a private not-for-profit institution.
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational
School day structure
Prep School day starts at 8:00 and ends at 1:00. The timetable includes learning circles and thematic learning, with a lunch time and story time.
Fees
Annual tuition at Hillel Academy ranges from USD 10,890 to USD 17,400 for 2026/27.
Fees (2025–2026 Academic Year, International Students)
Application and Enrolment Fees New Student Enrolment Fee (one-time, non-refundable): Kindergarten 1–Grade 11: USD 3,500 Grades 12–13: USD 875
Tuition Fees (Per Term and Annual Totals) The school operates on a three-term academic year.
Annual Tuition Range (3 Terms) Lowest (KG1): USD 10,890 per year Highest (Grades 12–13): USD 17,400 per year
Billing Schedule and Payment Terms Fees are due at the beginning of each term. For the Christmas Term, payment must be made on or before September 12, 2025. Easter and Summer Term fees are due during the first week of each term. Reports and transcripts may be withheld for non-payment.
Refund Policy The enrolment fee is non-refundable. If a student withdraws after a term has commenced, that term’s fees are not refunded. A full term’s notice is required for withdrawal, otherwise the next term’s fees are payable.
Payment Methods Payments may be made via Scotiabank Jamaica (branch, TeleScotia, electronic banking, or wire transfer), cheque, debit card, or credit card. Cash is not accepted.
Academics
Hillel Academy teaches IB (DP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE for students aged 3 to 18.
Curriculum
K1–Grade 6 follow the National Standards Curriculum, with Spanish introduced in Kindergarten 1 and continued through Grade 6. Primary learners develop collaboration, communication, creative and critical thinking, and self-regulation as part of preparing for Ministry of Education assessments. Each Grade comprises two sections, with dedicated spaces and resources for language, arts and life skills. Grades 7–9 implement the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), a rigorous, inquiry-based framework for ages 11–14 that emphasizes learning goals, international mindedness, independent and collaborative work, and Big Idea units; Hillel Academy is the only Jamaican school offering IMYC. Grades 10–11 offer Cambridge IGCSE, a two-year programme beginning in Grade 10 with eight subjects and a pathway to the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 12. Grades 12–13 provide the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Courses (IBDP), a two-year pathway designed to develop the whole student and prepare for higher education and employment.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school creates a positive ethos and caring atmosphere. The goals include developing emotional, moral and social skills and attitudes to help students become productive, lifelong learners. It promotes positive self-esteem and collaborative learning, and aims to produce confident, caring and ethical individuals who can contribute to positive change. Guidance services support student well-being, and Peer Counsellors are available to assist students.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides adequate learning support systems for those students with recognised needs.
Mental Wellbeing
The Wellness Centre supports student health and well-being. The school nurse handles minor illnesses and injuries, with protocols to contact parents or the family doctor and to arrange care when needed. Guidance services include counselling and college/career guidance to support students' emotional and social development, and Peer Counsellors provide additional support.
Safeguarding
Accident insurance is provided for students and staff through Sagicor Life Jamaica. A school nurse handles minor illnesses and injuries, with procedures to notify parents or the family doctor and to arrange care as needed. Medical forms must be updated regularly and submitted on or before the first day of term. The school has established emergency procedures and disaster preparedness measures.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Kindergarten 1 and 2 admission: Children entering Kindergarten One (3-4 year olds) must have had their third birthday on or before August 31 of the year in which they start school. Children entering from other schools must present satisfactory previous school reports and other relevant documentation. Those seeking admission to our Kindergarten 1 and 2 classes for the following September will be invited to spend part of a day at school for informal group activities during the months of March–May preceding the admission date, and parents will be informed of the date at least two weeks in advance. The children's general social maturity and adaptability within a group, large/fine motor skills, and age-appropriate readiness skills for numeracy and literacy will be observed.
2. Grades 1–6 admission: Older children seeking admission to the Prep School will be assessed at age-appropriate levels in English and Mathematics on an individual basis. These assessments can be arranged at any time throughout the year. Report cards from their previous school(s), for up to three years, depending on the age of the child, must be submitted along with the Registration Form.
3. Please remember the registration fee. Download Admissions Procedures and Download Application Form are available to guide the admissions process.
FAQs
What age range does Hillel Academy serve?
Hillel Academy serves students aged 3 to 18, across a Preparatory School (ages 3–11) and a High School (ages 11–19). The school is located in Kingston, Jamaica.
Where is Hillel Academy located and what is the campus like?
The campus is at 51 Upper Mark Way, Kingston 8, Jamaica. It operates two campuses (Preparatory and High School) in a safe, stimulating environment in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, with a multicultural student community.
How is the curriculum structured across the different year groups?
K1–Grade 6 follow Jamaica's National Standards Curriculum with Spanish from Kindergarten 1. Grades 7–9 use the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC). Grades 10–11 offer Cambridge IGCSE, and Grades 12–13 provide the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
What are the main application and new-student enrolment fees?
The registration fee is JMD 7,000 (non-refundable). New-student enrolment fees are USD 1,750 for Jamaican KG1–Grade 11, USD 3,500 for International KG1–Grade 11, and USD 875 for Grades 12–13 (Jamaican and International new IB students).
How are tuition fees billed and in which currencies are they charged?
Tuition is billed per term. Jamaican-registered students pay in Jamaican dollars (JMD) and international students pay in US dollars (USD). The school operates three terms per year (Christmas, Easter, Summer) and payments are due at the start of each term.
What is the admissions process for Kindergarten 1 and Grades 1–6?
For Kindergarten 1, children must have had their third birthday by August 31 of the starting year. For Grades 1–6, children are assessed in English and Mathematics at age-appropriate levels, and parents must submit previous school reports (up to three years). Applications can be emailed to the admissions team.
What are the core academic programs by grade level?
K1–Grade 6 follow the National Standards Curriculum with Spanish. Grades 7–9 use IMYC; Grades 10–11 offer Cambridge IGCSE; Grades 12–13 provide the IB Diploma Programme and related courses.
Is Hillel the only Jamaican school offering IMYC?
Yes. Hillel Academy is the only Jamaican school that offers the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC).
How does the IMYC–IGCSE–IB pathway work from middle to post-16?
Students progress from IMYC in Grades 7–9 to Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 10–11, then into the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 12–13. The school also provides College Guidance Counselling to support higher education planning.
Is there dedicated support to help students pursue higher education?
Yes. A College Guidance Counsellor supports students with higher education planning and college applications, complementing the school's wellbeing and career guidance services.
What are the main facilities available for sports and the arts?
Hillel has extensive sporting facilities and a vibrant visual and performing arts programme, with a broad range of co-curricular activities across both campuses.
Are there spaces dedicated to language, arts and life skills in each grade?
Yes. Each Grade level has two sections with dedicated spaces and resources for language, arts and life skills.
Can you describe the campus layout and location details?
The school comprises a Preparatory Campus (ages 3–11) and a High School Campus (ages 11–19) located in Kingston, Jamaica, with facilities designed to support social, emotional, creative, physical and academic development.
How many co-curricular activities do students participate in per term, and what categories do they cover?
All students participate in at least two co-curricular activities per term—one sporting and one from arts, service or creative activities—with additional options such as debating, robotics, dance, drama, music and art.
What kinds of co-curricular activities are included beyond sports and arts?
The co-curricular programme includes creative activities (debating, robotics, dance, drama, music, art) and cultural events like Heritage Week and Modern Languages Week, with performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
How is student leadership organized and what leadership opportunities exist?
The High School has a Student Council with two representatives from each class and prefect duties for senior students. A College Guidance Counsellor supports leadership development and higher education planning, and students can engage in Community Service initiatives.
What are the community service requirements for graduation?
Community Service and co-curricular hours are part of graduation requirements: 30 CAS hours for Grades 7–9, 60 hours for Grades 10–11, and 150 hours over two years for the 6th Form.
What wellbeing and safeguarding measures are in place for students?
The Wellness Centre supports student wellbeing, complemented by a school nurse and established emergency procedures. The school provides safeguarding protocols and disaster preparedness measures.
How does the school support SEN and English language needs?
SEN provision is available with adequate learning support. English as a Second Language (EAL) is available with levels Basic, Intermediate and Fluent to support language development.
What mental health and counselling resources are available to students?
Guidance services include counselling and career/college guidance, with Peer Counsellors available to assist students as part of a supportive wellbeing framework.
