Private School

The VI is composed of three different islands. St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. They all have several private schools. St Croix is @ 40 miles from St. Thomas. St. John is near St Thomas and has regular ferry service.

Which island and which schools are you considering?

On STT -- the Antilles School is top notch. I just accepted a full time position at Sts Peter and Paul School and my fiancee is working at Virgin Island Montessori and International Academy - both seem to be good schools, but not sure if they are still hiring.

We both got these positions by faxing or emailing the schools our CVs...I suggest your family members get a list of all private schools and send them their materials - we noticed that many VI schools do not post employment opportunities.

What fields do your relatives teach in? Are they certified?

STX is our interest primarily.

Heard from Antilles on STT already. Had the phone interview. They're waiting until the end of exams for a yes or no to me.
Both of us are certified teachers. She is upper level math. She has taught middle school science and math in the past.
I've been teaching history/geography for the last three years and have been coaching.

I guess we'll have to do it the ol' fashioned way and call from school to school.

Would love to know which schools to legitimately consider. I don't want to consider those of questionable reputation and/or credentialing. We're planning to get down there to stay...not just go for a two year adventure.

On STX the two largest private schools are Good Hope and Country Day. Both have excellent reputations.

I can speak from experience that Country Day almost never "advertises" their openings, and usually chooses applicants from on-island candidates who are already in the sub pool. For example, the sixth grade teacher that my son really wanted for next year is leaving, and they've already replaced her with the woman who was his substitute gym teacher all year. They also tend to choose a lot of CDS alumni and from teaching colleges from the stateside Northeast. You're certainly welcome to call, though. I've heard a rumor (completely unsubstantiated even after having spoken to the woman just last week) that one of the upper school teachers may not be returning in the fall. Give Bill a call at (340) 778-1974. Last day for the upper school is tomorrow, but I know that someone will be in the office at least part-time all summer. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Lisa

My children go to Good Hope and love it. There is currently an opening for an Upper School Math and Science teacher. Here is the website:
http://www.ghsvi.org/

It's a great school! Good luck!

Okay, schools on STX covered. It's exam time now, so, we'll give it a couple of days for people to breathe a second. Monday though, calls are going to be made. AZ school has been added to the list.

One other question: Any comments on the Manor School?

Manor school is a step down from Good Hope and Country Day. A bit rough around the edges. I've known two people who taught there and left.