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After years of working in the corporate world, accumulating our "toys" to keep up with the Joneses, we are having a mid life crisis and contemplating a simpler life. I have been reading the various posts on this site about the cultural differences, lifestyle changes, etc. and am pretty confident that we could adapt. My husband has been a lifelong sailor (Cape Cod) and I am currently attending a french pastry course (while maintaing a "real" job in the mortgage industry) in anticipation of opening my own business. While this option to move to the islands started off as a joke, it has been gaining more and more discussion.
We have a lot of research to do before making any final decisions, so we really are in just a starting out phase. But, one of our biggest concerns about relocating are our children. We have 2 young daughters, currently 5 and 8. They are both well traveled and enjoy new environments and meeting new people. However, education is a top concern for us.
Can anyone provide me with a opinion on the school systems in the islands? I have done some research regarding public and private schools, but can anyone comment on how the schools compare to mainland systems? Are children required to pass any standard tests before graduating from high school (which is becoming increasingly popular in the mainland with pros and cons to them). And, can anyone comment on children who have been educated in the islands and gone onto college on the mainland?
Any assistance regarding topics related to raising children in the islands would be appreciated.
Posted : September 7, 2004 1:31 am
Read the daily http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/ they cover the schools pretty well for the most part. There just was an article on the SAT scores. I believe schools are required to take those test now. The VI's fair lower than the mainland. They try to explain that due to the fact that most families have a highschool degree on an average compaire to a college degree. From reading about the schools now for several month there seem to be a combination of issues, financial miss management, not enough qualified teachers, lack of interesst by the parents, lack of books and school supply mainly due to the financial miss management. Some artikle also say that schools are in dis repair.
When we visited there in July most all islander told us you have to send your children to privat school or home school. We met one islander who's kids went to school there and are going to good universities on the mainland. However, he worked for Hess and I have the feeling he too send his kids to private school.
So far from what I have read the folks are correct and I would not consider the public schools at this point. Perhaps there will be improvement in the near future. They have to make changes just to keep their creditation (sp).
Ps. They can use some good pastry on the Island most restaurants/hotels seem to use SISCO desserts. yuck
Iris
Posted : September 7, 2004 2:02 pm
The government schools are very poor, but there are a handful of kids who do very well and get scholarships to study on the mainland. I suspect they have supportive, well-educated parents and are also taken under wing by some of the better teachers. Your kids could probably do alright in the public schools with a lot of extra support. I mean, you would have to do some of the teaching.
Posted : September 7, 2004 11:27 pm
The public schools are not that bad. Its just that with the government, the way they are it makes the Public School system look bad.
There ae lots of people that have had great success in the Public school system. There are many of us that go off to college and universities or even attend UVI that have attended the public schools in the virgin islands. So it will be more like your call on what system you want to send your kids to. Whether public or private if it is in them to succeed they will.
Posted : September 7, 2004 11:49 pm
Michelle,
It depends on your kids. I just moved here with a 7 year old, 5 year old, and an eight month old. My kids have a bit of a speech problem and I decided to work with them at home and homeschool at least for a bit. I think the public school system would have been fine for elementary, however I was bit worried about junior and high school. I still am planning on sending them to a private school when I have them caught up. Antilles is considered the best by reputation and their school really does stand out visually. They have the most land and sports fields, however I try not to judge a book by it's cover. They are the most expensive as well. I liked All Saints school, but was afraid that my daughter was behind already not having gone to preschool. They have preschool, junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten. I didn't want her to start out behind. Anyway, you need to see for yourself.
I went thru and got rid of all toys that my kids did not play with before we moved. Pretty much they just want beach toys and a few indoor toys. I still brought too much. It is hard to condense, but good luck with everything.
Teresa
Posted : September 8, 2004 4:03 am
Topic starter
Thank you very much for all of your information. I think we are going to plan an "exploration" trip to really check things out before making such a drastic change. This website is really great to get a lot of preliminary information.
Teresa, which island did you move to? Are your children adjusting well to island living (I am assuming you came from the States)? I think your option of homeschooling to start off with is a great idea.
We are very involved in their education and do a lot of "extras" at home, but I think we would have to be more dedicated to it living there.
Thanks again everybody, any other info is appreciated!
Posted : September 8, 2004 4:39 pm
Hey Michelle,
My husband and I have been considering a move to St. Thomas for a while now. We have a 2 year old. Taking the advice from the people on this Board, I visited the island in June to check it out. I visited several private schools, and posted some information on this board back in June on those schools. I really liked the Montessori School & Antilles. Antilles has a web site you can check out. Many of their graduates go on to stateside colleges & universities.
Good luck!
Ansley
Posted : September 8, 2004 5:52 pm
