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Fairfield Academy

Jamaica, Montego Bay

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $11,400
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 115
Type Co-educational, Day
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 5
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Fairfield Academy is a private, independent international school serving Pre-K through 12th grade in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The institution aspires to build a kinder and more sustainable tomorrow by empowering students to become courageous and compassionate global citizens.

Lot 3 & 4A, Spring Garden, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica

The Essentials

Fairfield Academy has 115 pupils, typical class sizes of 5, instruction in English.

Location
Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica. Campus address: Lot 3 & 4A, Spring Garden, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Stages
Early Years Programme (Ages 2-4); Prep School (Grades K-6); Middle School (Grades 7-9); High School Years (Grades 10-12). Pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade overall.

Type
private, independent, coed international school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Two-thirds of students are Jamaican; about one-third are from seven other cultures.

Bus service
Transportation to/from school is not provided.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Prep Years wear light blue tops; High School wears white polo tops; Staff wear navy blue tops.

Food Options
Lunch is provided for a fee two or three days per week.

Governance and Ownership
The school is privately owned and independent. The Governing Board is composed of volunteers who oversee operations and fiscal management. The Governing Board and the Founding Board work closely with various Board Committees and the Head Principal to support and guide the administrative, educational, fiscal and institutional strength of the Academy.
Fees

Annual tuition at Fairfield Academy ranges from USD 11,400 for 2026/27.

Application and one-time fees
- Application fee: USD 160, due at the time of application.
- Enrollment (one-time) fee for each new student upon acceptance: USD 1,500, due at the time of official acceptance by the Head Principal.
- Futures fee (capital development fund) due upon official acceptance: USD 300.
- Deposits for incoming Kindergarten and Grade 7: a deposit equal to 30% of the first (August) payment is required for accepted Kindergarten and Grade 7 students by July 1; this deposit is offset against the August invoice.

Tuition fees by school year (annual and per-term)
- High School (Grades 7–12): Annual tuition USD 11,400. When paid termly the published term amount is USD 4,000 (three-term billing is standard).
- Prep School (Kindergarten – Grade 6): Annual tuition JMD 940,500; termly tuition JMD 330,000 (three-term billing). Prep students are required to purchase their own books; book costs are not included in the tuition listed for Prep.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Billing cycle: Tuition may be paid in one annual payment or in three termly payments. Parents are asked to select a payment option; if none is selected tuition will be invoiced on the standard three-term schedule.
- Standard tuition due dates (example schedule shown): August 1, January 1, and April 1. Invoices for annual payments are due and payable in full on or before the annual due date specified on the invoice (annual-payment discount applies if paid by the stated early-payment date).
- Early-payment discount: 5% discount applied if annual tuition is paid in full by the published early-payment date.
- Sibling discounts: High School: 10% discount for the second and subsequent children attending High at the same time. Prep: 10% discount for the third and subsequent children attending Prep at the same time.
- Late payment penalty: Payments received 10 working days after the due date incur a late-payment fee of USD 200 applied to outstanding balances; failure to clear outstanding balances and penalties by the first day of school may result in the student being denied attendance and withholding of reports/transcripts/results until payment is made.
- Transferring/withdrawal notice and fees: A full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student; if a full term's notice is not given, a full term's fee is due and payable in lieu of notice. Fees are payable for the whole term in which enrolment is terminated unless the Head Principal determines fair notice was given or impractical (fair notice is deemed to be one semester).

Boarding fees
- Boarding: Not applicable — there are no boarding fees listed and no active boarding programme or boarding fee schedule provided. Day-school tuition and incidental-charge arrangements apply.

Other costs and incidental charges
- Items explicitly excluded from tuition: Lunch; uniforms; personal laptops and repairs; transportation to/from school; personal school supplies. Prep students must purchase their own books (these are not covered by Prep tuition).
- Additional charges that may be billed separately as required: textbooks for Prep, uniforms, extracurricular activities, school trips, sports participation fees, external examination fees, after-school care, and other incidental items. Invoices for these charges are due on receipt.

Refunds and deposits
- Deposit treatment: Accepted Kindergarten and Grade 7 deposits (30% of the first payment) are applied toward the August invoice. If the deposit is not received by the stated deadline the place is not considered confirmed and may be offered to another student.
- Refunds on tuition: No automatic pro-rata refunds are provided for mid-term withdrawal; fees are payable for the whole term in which enrolment is terminated except where the Head Principal determines fair notice was given or impractical. A full term's fee is due where adequate written notice (one term) is not given.

Fee payment options and instructions
- Acceptable payment methods: (1) deposit at the bank in person, (2) online bank transfer, (3) credit card payment at the school (a 3% surcharge applies to credit-card payments). No other form of payment (including cash or cheque) will be accepted on the school campus for tuition payments. Proof of payment must be submitted to accounts@fairfieldacademyja.com as instructed on invoices.
- Bank accounts: Separate bank accounts are used for Prep (JMD) and High School (USD) payments; parents must pay to the account specified on their invoice. Confirmation of payment must be submitted as directed on the invoice and to the Business Office email.

Summary note about the academic year covered by these figures
- The fee figures and policies presented above are taken from the published tuition- and fee-policy materials available for the 2023–2024 academic-year cycle and the school's fee-billing documentation; no later academic-year (2025–26 or 2026–27) fee schedule was located in the available admissions and tuition policy materials. The amounts and rules above reflect the published values and policies in those materials.
Academics

Fairfield Academy teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), IB (DP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
FIA grants an American high-school diploma. In the Middle Years (7th and 8th grades), students study language arts, visual and performing arts, sciences, mathematics, history, Spanish and physical education/health with an emphasis on good habits, values and connectedness to the world. In High School Years (9th–12th grades), courses are college-preparatory with electives, emphasizing independent learning, personal motivation and service. In 10th and 11th grades, students take PSAT/NMSQT examinations; in 11th and 12th grades, students take AP and SAT II examinations as appropriate. The middle-years curriculum is reviewed annually in line with FIA's accreditation and certification standards (NEASC and CIE). All students take seven classes each semester during a two-semester school year. Graduation requirements are determined by the year of entry into FIA.

Student Teacher Ratio
The school has a small teacher:student ratio of 1:5.

Higher Education Progression
College counseling begins in the 7th grade and continues through the 12th grade to help identify colleges and universities that match students' interests and goals, and to support the college application process. FIA graduates have been admitted to colleges around the world.

Gifted and Talented
AP track provides advanced coursework, and Advanced STEM programs (physics, biology, chemistry, robotics, earth science and oceanography) with labs offer opportunities for advanced learners.
Parent Experience

History
Fairfield International Academy is a private, independent, coed international school located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, serving Pre-Kindergarten to 12. The Governing Board provides oversight of operations and fiscal management, and a separate Founding Board oversees the Operational Board and the school's direction. The Governing Board and the Founding Board work with board committees and the Head Principal to support administrative, educational, fiscal and institutional strength. The Operational Board is chaired by Lisa Lake and the Founding Board is chaired by Lisa Lake as well; other current Board members include Madhu Mahtani, Anne Chang, Adam Stewart, Marvin Hall, and Candace Hart, while Founding Board members include Madhu Mahtani, Jaime McConnell, Adam Stewart, Jill Stewart, Yoni Epstein, Mark McConnell and Ranjeet Mahtani.

Community
FIA is engaged with the Montego Bay and Jamaican communities through service learning and community involvement. Students, staff and families participate in events such as the Jamaican Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run, International Coastal Clean-Up Day, the CUMI initiative and a 5K Color Run, with the school's Key Club leading service projects and partnering with Watford Hill School and the One Love Learning Foundation.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Fairfield International Academy Parent, Teacher and Student Association (PTSA) supports the school by enhancing the school community and enriching the experience of the students and their families. It creates unique calendar events, school spirit events and goodwill through PTSA officers and the parent body. Areas of focus include opportunities for parents and teachers to interact, food and refreshments for events, supporting the Head Principal on identified matters, fundraising to acquire items for FIA, and assistance with the yearbook. Official PTSA meetings are held twice a year, including the AGM; officer roles include Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Student Representative.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located on the shore of western Montego Bay along the northern coastal highway, the current Fairfield International Academy campus is a purpose-built site designed to support a holistic-hybrid international curriculum and safety protocols. The campus hosts school events such as Coffee Mornings, Movie Night, Winter Performance, Sports Day and Graduation, with the PTSA coordinating activities. The FIA Plan outlines a new 14-acre campus nearby, with athletic track and multipurpose field planned as the first facilities. The current campus provides a full Physical Education programme and spaces that support health, nutrition and emotional well-being.

Sports Facilities
The current campus supports a full Physical Education programme and offers activities including soccer, volleyball, swimming, SCUBA, sailing, standard ball sports and ultimate frisbee. The FIA Board has prioritized the buildout of athletic facilities for the new campus, with a track and soccer field planned as the first facilities. There is a pool on the school grounds.

Academic Facilities
The academic program integrates health and physical education in spaces and outdoors to support students' physical, nutritional and emotional health, alongside the core curriculum. The school operates a 1:1 technology program, with each student owning a functioning device and access to wireless Internet. Google Classroom, Meet, Chat and Zoom are used for online, face-to-face and hybrid learning, with an Acceptable Use Policy in the student handbook and a parent–student portal for communication and assignments. The campus is designed to meet the needs of FIA's international students and holistic hybrid curriculum, with ongoing planning for facilities to support academics, athletics and extra-curriculars.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A wide range of clubs and activities meet at lunch or after school, including Chess Club, Soccer Club, Yearbook Staff, SCUBA Certification, Culinary Club, Technology and Robotics Club, FIA Swim Team, Key Club, Jamaican Culture and Development Commission (JCDC) participation, Model United Nations, Future Entrepreneurs, Music Improv Club and Student Council. The community also supports Kiwanis K-Kids and Key Club, along with sports such as football, volleyball, swimming, chess, equestrian riding, tennis, basketball, table tennis, pickleball and organic gardening. The Parent-Teacher-Student Association hosts events on campus, and Camp FIA! offers a summer day camp on the FIA campus for ages 7 to 13.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
FIA grants an American high-school diploma for grades 9–12. The middle years program covers language arts, sciences, mathematics, history, Spanish, visual and performing arts, and physical education/health, with seven classes per semester. In high school, PSAT is offered in the 10th and 11th grades, and students may take Advanced Placement and SAT II examinations. FIA's accreditation by NEASC and CIE supports its international standards, and the school focuses on the Diploma Programme within its international education framework.

Arts & Creative
Visual and performing arts are integrated with hands-on learning and exhibition of student work. The Visual and Performing Arts program emphasizes creative expression and cross-disciplinary approaches, guided by accomplished art faculty. A range of art classes and artistic extracurriculars, including Yearbook, improv music, culinary club, and robotics/technology activities, support artistic development. The arts program is reinforced by a culture of exhibitions and performances across the FIA environment.

Cultural & Language
FIA has an international profile, with staff and students reflecting seven cultures; roughly two-thirds are international. The school celebrates national and international events, reflecting a global perspective. The curriculum emphasizes world languages, including Spanish taught in the Middle Years. English is a core discipline within the curriculum.

Social & Hobbies
Co-curricular activities span a broad range of clubs and teams. FIA students participate in clubs such as Key Club, Chess Club, Yearbook, Culinary Club, Technology and Robotics, the SCUBA Club, and Model United Nations, meeting during lunch or after school with supervision. A Student Council leads student governance, and involvement with the PTSA supports community events. Competitive events and collaborative projects are encouraged across activities.

Community & Service
Service is embedded in FIA life, with local and global service projects connected to clubs like Key Club and partnerships with the Montego Bay community. The school emphasizes community engagement through leadership activities and global exchanges, integrating service into the student experience.

Leadership & Professional
Student Government and the PTSA provide leadership opportunities and community involvement. A strong college counseling program supports career planning and university admissions from 7th grade through 12th grade, with a focus on global opportunities. The staff and school maintain international networks and affiliations to support leadership development and professional growth.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and fitness are integral, including soccer and swimming programs, along with physical education/health in the core curriculum. Co‑curricular offerings such as SCUBA and other athletic activities promote physical well‑being and hands‑on learning in a holistic education model. The school emphasizes wellness and balanced development as part of its holistic approach.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught in the Middle Years (7th and 8th grades) as part of the curriculum.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The school is accredited by the Jamaican Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI), NEASC, and the Commission on International Education (CIE).
Admissions

Admissions
Prep Admissions (PreKindergarten to 6th Grade)
1. Applications are accepted once a child is born and named. We maintain waiting lists, and families, after paying the application fee, will remain in touch each year to keep the application active. When admitted, the child and family are invited to a Campus Visit Day in the spring before the start of the school year. This provides an early introduction to FIA's community and routines.

Prep, Middle & High School Admissions
1. Step 1. Peruse all information, including FAQs, on the FIA site, or request information directly from the School Secretary. This helps families understand the admissions process and what to expect before applying. Being informed supports a smooth transition into FIA's programs.
2. Step 2. Complete the full application, using the forms downloaded online or provided by FIA. The USD 160 application fee must accompany the completed application. Submitting the application promptly helps ensure timely processing and placement.
3. Step 3. Be sure the appropriate school documentation (math and English teacher recommendations, and school reports from the last three terms) has been submitted. These documents are part of the review materials for consideration. Providing all required documents supports a complete review of the applicant.
4. Step 4. Once your materials have been received, schedule a personal interview on campus, which generally lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The interview allows for discussion of the student's background and fit with FIA's community and values. This step helps the school and family assess alignment and expectations.
5. Step 5. Notification of the admissions decision will be sent in writing within a week of the interview. If a scholarship application has also been completed, it cannot be considered until these first five steps have been completed. A timely decision allows families to plan for the upcoming school year.
6. Step 6. Once the decision has been sent and the admissions offer has been accepted, the one-time enrollment fee of USD 1500 for the student to be officially enrolled, registered and scheduled into the new school year must be paid. This completes the enrollment obligations to secure placement.
7. Step 7. Testing and college process: Rising 7th graders applying to FIA are not required to take or present scores for the PEP. At the end of every semester, all FIA students in grades 7 to 12 sit for compulsory internal examinations. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors will be advised when and which SAT I, Advanced Placement, and PSAT examinations to take. FIA provides guidance as part of the college process and career planning.

Scholarships
Fairfield International Academy offers four types of scholarships based on financial need: Virtus Scholarship, Fair Chance Scholarship, Arts Scholarship, and Athletic Scholarship. All scholarships require evidence of financial need and are dependent on available sponsorship. Forms for scholarships can be accessed via the Financial Aid & Scholarships page and should be submitted to scholarship@fairfieldacademyja.com.

Waitlist
The school maintains waiting lists for admissions. After paying the application fee, families should stay in touch each year to keep the application active. When admitted, the student and family are invited to a Campus Visit Day in the spring before the start of the school year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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