Public Schools on STT

There is only one - Lockhart Elementary. Sorry, no experience with the school.

Is there any particular reason why you're looking for a school close to the RLS hospital? Most look for the school which bests suits their child(ren) in terms of academic benefits rather than location. It's a small island and children are bussed and driven from all over to many different schools. If you're not familiar with the school system here and public versus private, you're well advised to do a lot of homework on the subject. If you use the search engine on this forum you'll find scores of related posts which will be of great help.

Yes, I just wanted to know the school (s) specific to this location. And yes, like most parents I understand and seek out characteristics desireable in a academic program.

What we are trying to say is not to expect public schools to be the same as public schools in the states. There are major cultural differences, corporal punishment is one example. Also, the schools are almost 100% non-white, which may or may not be a issue for you, but will be a daily fact of life for your children..

Thanks Linda J for the clarity in regards to "what is meant"....I will consider the points given.

Parental involvement makes a huge difference as to how well students fare in public schools. Most people focus on the negatives, but I see success stories every day. I think that immersion into a different culture is an education in and of itself, and students gain different experiences.

I'm often amazed at what public school children here get exposed to thanks to grants and dedicated teachers. I'm pretty sure that many public schools in the States don't give students exposure to the activities some schools here provide. There was a story about a student in St Croix who left his private school, because it didn't have a marine studies program. He now works with some program doing marine research and conservation.

I think it depends on how long you hope to be here and how motivated and open you and your child are.

Parental involvement makes a huge difference as to how well students fare in public schools. Most people focus on the negatives, but I see success stories every day. I think that immersion into a different culture is an education in and of itself, and students gain different experiences.

I'm often amazed at what public school children here get exposed to thanks to grants and dedicated teachers. I'm pretty sure that many public schools in the States don't give students exposure to the activities some schools here provide. There was a story about a student in St Croix who left his private school, because it didn't have a marine studies program. He now works with some program doing marine research and conservation.

I think it depends on how long you hope to be here and how motivated and open you and your child are.

Thanks ms411!! I appreciate this statement. I feel the same. I can understand the viewpoints of most people on the subject of academics. Nonetheless, parental involvement is a key factor in any program involving children. It is unfortunate that as parents alot of our decisions regarding our children are based in fear. I will be down to the island in a few weeks and look forward to more questions being answered!

The hospital cafeteria is a popular waiting place for kids after school. Don't know if their parents work at the hospital or what, but I've seen the kids eating snacks and doing homework in the late afternoon. I'm pretty sure that most are from the elementary school nearby (Lockhart).

Parental involvement makes a huge difference as to how well students fare in public schools. Most people focus on the negatives, but I see success stories every day. I think that immersion into a different culture is an education in and of itself, and students gain different experiences.

I'm often amazed at what public school children here get exposed to thanks to grants and dedicated teachers. I'm pretty sure that many public schools in the States don't give students exposure to the activities some schools here provide. There was a story about a student in St Croix who left his private school, because it didn't have a marine studies program. He now works with some program doing marine research and conservation.

I think it depends on how long you hope to be here and how motivated and open you and your child are.

Thanks ms411!! I appreciate this statement. I feel the same. I can understand the viewpoints of most people on the subject of academics. Nonetheless, parental involvement is a key factor in any program involving children. It is unfortunate that as parents alot of our decisions regarding our children are based in fear. I will be down to the island in a few weeks and look forward to more questions being answered!

First off, attending public school does not doom a student to a life of failure. I know some VI public school graduates attending Howard, Tulane and US Naval among other top universities. There are also quite a few "low performing" students as well.

Moving to a new town is an adjustment for kids. Parents are wise to take proactive steps to manage that adjustement period to best of their ability (and resources). Finding the best school situation is one of the major steps.

I thought your school depended on where you lived?

I appreciate everyone's feedback on the subject!! Please keep the info coming.:-)