Fairfield International Academy (FIA), the only pre-K-12 independent, international school in Western Jamaica, is globally focused while fully aware of and excited by its roots and context in Montego Bay, Northern Jamaica. Founded by trailblazing individuals with a vision to inspire generations of confident children who see no limits, FIA opened in September 2018 as a private, co-educational high school (Grades 7-12). FIA’s mission is to build a kinder and more sustainable tomorrow by empowering students to become courageous and compassionate global citizens. They provide a holistic education, ranging from cutting-edge academic pursuits to a wide range of extracurricular activities for students from diverse cultural origins and backgrounds.
In September 2021, FIA assumed operations of the Junior Plus School to become a cohesive, pre-K-12 institution operating on two campuses. The school is in the final stages of designing a new, combined, permanent campus, located on a 14-acre facility in Fairfield, Montego Bay.
FIA was established with the ethos of providing students with the opportunity to achieve their full academic and personal potential while learning in an educational environment based on international standards. The international school encourages global citizenship, leadership, character, and community service while embracing cultural diversity in the context of Jamaican culture.
Pending accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, FIA grants an American high-school diploma. The school currently enrolls 115 students, over 75% of whom are Jamaican. Seventy percent of the teaching staff is Jamaican educators, supportive of those teaching overseas. Graduation requirements resemble American secondary standards and rigorous college preparatory studies found at the most selective private American day and boarding schools. Advanced Placement courses are offered at the secondary level. On its website, the school says,
FIA’s international teachers and staff bring to FIA a very different pedagogy, as well as more inquiry- and student-based instruction, with and without the use of innovative technology. The Head Principal has run schools and programmes abroad for over 20 years.
Outside the classroom, students participate in school-sponsored athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, service projects, internships, and leadership experiences. New clubs form when there is enough interest, and faculty serve as advisors for the affinity group. For example, significant interest among students and staff has initiated a SCUBA Certification group that meets at Sandals pool and dives from those shores. Some current extracurriculars include--but are not limited to—Chess Club, Soccer Club, Yearbook Staff, Culinary Club, Technology and Robotics Club, FIA Swim Team, Key Club, Jamaican Culture and Development Commission competition, Model United Nations, Future Entrepreneurs, Music Improv Club, and Student Council. All have an FIA staff member or hired outside coach/mentor to supervise and direct the activities.
FIA can hire single teachers and would consider teaching couples, newly certified candidates, experienced teachers without certification, and interns wishing to teach abroad. Teachers need not hold an academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. As per government regulations, those up to the age of 65 may obtain a work visa.
The overseas teaching benefits package includes a non-taxed salary, a fully furnished apartment, and annual airfare for international teaching employees and dependents. FIA covers 75% tuition for one child. The school provides professional development opportunities and pays for local health insurance, including dental.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
