Hillel Academy

Jamaica, Kingston

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The school at a glance

Fees $10,890 - 17,400

Ages 3 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 800

Type Co-educational

Opened 1969

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum IB (DP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE

Taught languages Spanish, French

Typical class size 20

Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages

Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service

Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form

Introduction

Founded in 1969 by the Jewish community, Hillel Academy is Jamaica's largest international school. It sits in Kingston with a Preparatory School (ages 3–11) and a High School (ages 11–19). It is non-denominational, independent, co-educational and private not-for-profit. The curriculum runs IMYC in Grades 7–9, IGCSE in Grades 10–11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 12–13; Grades 1–6 follow Jamaica's National Standards Curriculum, with Spanish starting in Kindergarten 1. The school prepares students for national assessments and international examinations, is NEASC-accredited, Cambridge-authorised and an IB World School. About 700 students from over 40 countries study on campus in the Blue Mountains foothills, with extensive sports facilities and a vibrant visual and performing arts programme. Co-curriculars span debating, robotics, dance, drama, music and art; there is a House System, Student Council and community service opportunities. The campus offers a safe, stimulating environment for social, emotional, creative and academic development globally.

363G+58F, Upper Mark Way, Kingston, Jamaica

Gallery

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The Essentials

Location

51 Upper Mark Way, Kingston 8, Jamaica. The school is located in Kingston 8. Prep School contact: (876) 905 3351; High School: (876) 905 3352; Main Office: (876) 925 1980; Admissions: (876) 941 2912. Admissions email: admissions@gohillel.com.

Stages

K1 – Grade 6 (Prep School); Grades 7 – 9 (Middle School); Grades 10–13 (High School – IGCSE and IB Diploma and Courses).

Type

The school is non-denominational, independent, co-educational and multicultural, and a private not-for-profit institution.

Religious affiliation

Non-denominational

School day structure

Prep School day starts at 8:00 and ends at 1:00. The timetable includes learning circles and thematic learning, with a lunch time and story time.

Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Prep School uniform requires a blue shirt with the school crest and blue shorts for boys; black shoes and navy blue socks above the ankle. Girls wear a blue dress with the crest (KG1–KG2) or a blue blouse with the crest and blue skirt (Grades 3–6); Grade 3 may wear either the dress or the dress-and-skirt combination; black shoes and navy socks above the ankle. Hair must be well-groomed and tied back if shoulder-length or longer; plain white, brown or blue hair clips may be worn with the blue uniform; boys may not wear earrings, while girls may wear one pair of small hoops or knobs.

Food Options

Hot lunches and snacks are provided by the canteen at variable prices. The canteen is open 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Kindergarten 1 and 2 must bring their own lunch; Grades 1 and 2 may visit the canteen on two days; other grades may purchase from the canteen or bring lunch.

House System

The school has a House System. Every student and teacher is assigned to a House; the Houses are Sinai (Blue), Masada (Red), Maccabees (Green) and Carmel (Yellow). All academic and athletic achievement earns House points.

Governance and Ownership

Hillel Academy is a non-denominational, independent, co-educational and multicultural school operating as a private not-for-profit organization. The Board of Trustees and Governors governs the school, with responsibilities for governance, strategic decision making, financial oversight and policy; the Director holds executive prerogatives and is responsible for implementing Board policies, with accountability to the Board.

Fees

Fees (2025–2026 Academic Year, International Students)

Application and Enrolment Fees
New Student Enrolment Fee (one-time, non-refundable):
Kindergarten 1–Grade 11: USD 3,500
Grades 12–13: USD 875

Tuition Fees (Per Term and Annual Totals)
The school operates on a three-term academic year.

Prep School (Per Term):
KG1: USD 3,630
KG2: USD 3,840
Grade 1: USD 4,360
Grade 2: USD 4,360
Grade 3: USD 4,450
Grade 4: USD 4,450
Grade 5: USD 4,560
Grade 6: USD 4,560

High School (Per Term):
Grade 7: USD 4,860
Grade 8: USD 5,250
Grade 9: USD 5,250
Grade 10: USD 5,540
Grade 11: USD 5,540
Grade 12: USD 5,800
Grade 13: USD 5,800

Annual Tuition Range (3 Terms)
Lowest (KG1): USD 10,890 per year
Highest (Grades 12–13): USD 17,400 per year

Billing Schedule and Payment Terms
Fees are due at the beginning of each term. For the Christmas Term, payment must be made on or before September 12, 2025. Easter and Summer Term fees are due during the first week of each term. Reports and transcripts may be withheld for non-payment.

Refund Policy
The enrolment fee is non-refundable. If a student withdraws after a term has commenced, that term’s fees are not refunded. A full term’s notice is required for withdrawal, otherwise the next term’s fees are payable.

Payment Methods
Payments may be made via Scotiabank Jamaica (branch, TeleScotia, electronic banking, or wire transfer), cheque, debit card, or credit card. Cash is not accepted.

Academics

Curriculum

K1–Grade 6 follow the National Standards Curriculum, with Spanish introduced in Kindergarten 1 and continued through Grade 6. Primary learners develop collaboration, communication, creative and critical thinking, and self-regulation as part of preparing for Ministry of Education assessments. Each Grade comprises two sections, with dedicated spaces and resources for language, arts and life skills. Grades 7–9 implement the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), a rigorous, inquiry-based framework for ages 11–14 that emphasizes learning goals, international mindedness, independent and collaborative work, and Big Idea units; Hillel Academy is the only Jamaican school offering IMYC. Grades 10–11 offer Cambridge IGCSE, a two-year programme beginning in Grade 10 with eight subjects and a pathway to the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 12. Grades 12–13 provide the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Courses (IBDP), a two-year pathway designed to develop the whole student and prepare for higher education and employment.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school creates a positive ethos and caring atmosphere. The goals include developing emotional, moral and social skills and attitudes to help students become productive, lifelong learners. It promotes positive self-esteem and collaborative learning, and aims to produce confident, caring and ethical individuals who can contribute to positive change. Guidance services support student well-being, and Peer Counsellors are available to assist students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school provides adequate learning support systems for those students with recognised needs.

Mental Wellbeing

The Wellness Centre supports student health and well-being. The school nurse handles minor illnesses and injuries, with protocols to contact parents or the family doctor and to arrange care when needed. Guidance services include counselling and college/career guidance to support students' emotional and social development, and Peer Counsellors provide additional support.

Safeguarding

Accident insurance is provided for students and staff through Sagicor Life Jamaica. A school nurse handles minor illnesses and injuries, with procedures to notify parents or the family doctor and to arrange care as needed. Medical forms must be updated regularly and submitted on or before the first day of term. The school has established emergency procedures and disaster preparedness measures.

Parent Experience

History

The school was founded by the Jewish community in 1969. It is the largest international school in Jamaica. It is a non-denominational, independent, co-educational and multicultural school, and a private not-for-profit institution. The campus comprises a Preparatory School (ages 3-11) and a High School (ages 11-19). It offers the IMYC, IGCSE, and the most extensive IB Diploma Programme in Jamaica; Hillel Academy is NEASC-accredited and authorised by the Cambridge International Examinations and the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer their programmes and examinations, and is an IB World School.

Community

Hillel Academy is located in Kingston, Jamaica, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains range. The student population stands at approximately 800 children from over 40 countries. It is non-denominational, independent, co-educational and multicultural, and a private not-for-profit institution. The campus comprises a Preparatory School (ages 3-11) and a High School (ages 11-19).

Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school has extensive sporting facilities, a vibrant visual and performing arts programme, and a wide variety of co-curricular activities suitable for all ages. The campus comprises a Preparatory School (ages 3-11) and a High School (ages 11-19). It is located in Kingston, Jamaica, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The school offers a safe and stimulating environment for social, emotional, creative, physical and academic development. The student population stands at around 700 students from over 40 countries.

Sports Facilities

The school has extensive sporting facilities.

Academic Facilities

International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) are offered. It is authorized by Cambridge International Examinations to offer IGCSE and is an International Baccalaureate World School. The academy has been accredited by AdvancEd and SACS-CASI since 1999 and serves approximately 700 students from over 40 countries. The campus comprises a Preparatory School (ages 3-11) and a High School (ages 11-19). The curriculum aligns with Jamaica's National Standards Curriculum for Grades 1-6 and prepares students for national assessments such as the Primary Exit Profile.

Extra Curricular Facilities

At Hillel Academy, a broad spectrum of co-curricular activities is offered. All students participate in at least two co-curricular activities per term, with one sporting and one arts, service or creative activity. Students choose from a range of sporting and arts or service options, and the program provides opportunities to try new activities, build relationships and strengthen camaraderie with peers.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Creative activities involve debating, robotics, dance, drama, music and art. These activities are showcased through rehearsals and performances for events such as Prize Giving, Heritage Week Celebrations, Carol & Chanukah Hour, Environmental Week, Modern Languages Week, concerts, musical productions and plays, and through participation in national arts events such as the Festival of the Arts and Model United Nations Debating. A CAS framework provides Creativity, Activity and Service hours for co-curricular work, and students are encouraged to complete these hours each year.

Arts & Creative

The co-curricular programme includes creative activities such as debating, robotics, dance, drama, music and art. These activities include scheduled rehearsals and performances for school events such as Prize Giving, Heritage Week Celebrations, Carol & Chanukah Hour, Environmental Week, Modern Languages Week, concerts, musicals and plays, and art exhibitions. The school also participates in national arts events including the Festival of the Arts and Model United Nations Debating.

Cultural & Language

Modern Languages Week and Heritage Week Celebrations are part of the co-curricular calendar, with cultural programming such as Carol & Chanukah Hour. The school participates in cultural activities aligned with national events, including the Jamaican Cultural Development Commission Festival of the Arts.

Social & Hobbies

The High School has a Student Council with two representatives from each class, providing a forum for student opinions and helping to spearhead school initiatives. Peer Counsellors are available to assist students. The school uses a House System with Sinai, Masada, Maccabees and Carmel to organize activities and award points. Field Trips are an integral part of the instructional programme.

Community & Service

Community Service and co-curricular hours are part of graduation requirements. CAS hours are 30 for Grades 7–9, 60 for Grades 10–11, and 150 hours over two years for 6th Form. CAS hours can be earned through creativity, activity and service opportunities such as visits to orphanages, school-organized projects and community service initiatives.

Leadership & Professional

The Student Council is comprised of two representatives from each class and leads many school initiatives, including Community Service. Prefect duties provide leadership opportunities for senior students. A College Guidance Counsellor supports students with higher education planning and college applications.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Physical Education programme is an integral part of the school's educational programme; all students in Grades 7–10 participate unless medically unfit. After-hours, sporting co-curricular activities include school team training or club participation. The House System promotes team spirit and camaraderie, and Field Trips form part of the wellbeing-oriented learning experience.

Languages

Language Provision

Spanish is introduced in Kindergarten 1 and continues through Grade 6. English as a Second Language is available with levels Basic, Intermediate and Fluent.

Reputation

Awards

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Accreditations

The school is accredited by NEASC and authorised by the Cambridge International Examinations and the International Baccalaureate Organisation to offer their programmes and conduct examinations; it is an International Baccalaureate World School.

Admissions

1. Kindergarten 1 and 2 admission: Children entering Kindergarten One (3-4 year olds) must have had their third birthday on or before August 31 of the year in which they start school. Children entering from other schools must present satisfactory previous school reports and other relevant documentation. Those seeking admission to our Kindergarten 1 and 2 classes for the following September will be invited to spend part of a day at school for informal group activities during the months of March–May preceding the admission date, and parents will be informed of the date at least two weeks in advance. The children's general social maturity and adaptability within a group, large/fine motor skills, and age-appropriate readiness skills for numeracy and literacy will be observed.

2. Grades 1–6 admission: Older children seeking admission to the Prep School will be assessed at age-appropriate levels in English and Mathematics on an individual basis. These assessments can be arranged at any time throughout the year. Report cards from their previous school(s), for up to three years, depending on the age of the child, must be submitted along with the Registration Form.

3. Please remember the registration fee. Download Admissions Procedures and Download Application Form are available to guide the admissions process.

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is Hillel Academy located and what ages does it serve?

Hillel Academy is located at 51 Upper Mark Way, Kingston 8, Jamaica, in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The school serves children aged 3 to 18, with a Preparatory School (K1–Grade 6) and a High School (Grades 7–13).

Is Hillel Academy a religious school and what type of school is it?

Hillel Academy is non-denominational, independent, co-educational and multicultural. It operates as a private not-for-profit institution governed by a Board of Trustees and Governors.

How large and how international is the student community?

The school serves approximately 800 students from over 40 countries, making it Jamaica's largest international school. The community is multicultural and co-educational across all year groups.

How do I apply for my child and what assessments are required for entry?

Applications follow age-specific procedures: K1 applicants must be three by August 31 of the start year and K1–K2 candidates invited to spend part of a day for informal group activities during March–May. Children entering Grades 1–6 are assessed individually in English and Mathematics, and report cards (up to three years) must be submitted as part of the process.

What are the New Student Enrolment Fees for international students?

The New Student Enrolment Fee is USD 3,500 (one-time, non-refundable) for Kindergarten 1–Grade 11 and USD 875 (one-time, non-refundable) for Grades 12–13.

When are term fees due and how can I make payments?

Fees are due at the beginning of each term; Christmas Term fees must be paid on or before September 12, 2025, while Easter and Summer Term fees are due during the first week of each term. Payments may be made via Scotiabank Jamaica (branch, TeleScotia, electronic banking, or wire transfer), cheque, debit card, or credit card, and cash is not accepted.

What curriculum does Hillel Academy follow across the different age groups?

K1–Grade 6 follow Jamaica's National Standards Curriculum (with Spanish from Kindergarten 1), Grades 7–9 use the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), Grades 10–11 study Cambridge IGCSE, and Grades 12–13 offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Courses. The school prepares students for both national assessments and international examinations.

How are primary classes organised and when does Spanish start?

Each primary Grade comprises two sections with dedicated spaces and resources for language, arts and life skills. Spanish is introduced in Kindergarten 1 and continues through Grade 6 as part of the primary programme.

Is there a direct pathway from IGCSE to the IB Diploma at Hillel Academy?

Yes, Grades 10–11 follow a two-year Cambridge IGCSE programme that provides a pathway to the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 12–13. The IB Diploma and Courses then prepare students for higher education and employment.

What sports and arts facilities does the campus offer?

The campus has extensive sporting facilities and a vibrant visual and performing arts programme, supporting a wide range of athletic teams and arts activities. Facilities are used for curriculum PE, after-hours training, rehearsals and performances.

How is the campus organised between Prep School and High School?

The campus comprises a Preparatory School (ages 3–11) and a High School (ages 11–19), each with dedicated spaces and resources to support age-appropriate learning. The site is situated in Kingston in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.

What co-curricular activities are available and are students required to take part?

Co-curricular options include debating, robotics, dance, drama, music and art, among others. All students participate in at least two co-curricular activities each term—one sporting option and one arts, service or creative activity.

How does Hillel Academy structure community service and CAS requirements?

Community service and co-curricular hours form part of graduation requirements, with CAS hours structured as 30 hours for Grades 7–9, 60 hours for Grades 10–11, and 150 hours over two years for 6th Form. Students can earn hours through creativity, activity and service projects including school-organized community initiatives.

What student leadership opportunities exist at the school?

The High School has a Student Council with two representatives from each class, and senior students take on Prefect duties to lead school initiatives. A College Guidance Counsellor also supports students with higher education planning.

What health services and emergency procedures are in place?

The school operates a Wellness Centre and employs a school nurse to handle minor illnesses and injuries, with protocols to contact parents or the family doctor when needed. Accident insurance is provided for students and staff through Sagicor Life Jamaica, and medical forms must be updated and submitted on or before the first day of term.

What counselling and wellbeing support is available for students?

Guidance services include counselling and college/career guidance, and Peer Counsellors are available to assist students. The school promotes social-emotional learning to develop students' emotional, moral and social skills.

Does Hillel Academy provide support for students with recognised learning needs?

The school provides adequate learning support systems for students with recognised needs to assist their academic progress. Specific support measures are arranged based on identified needs and school procedures.

How does the House System work at Hillel Academy?

Every student and teacher is assigned to one of four Houses—Sinai (Blue), Masada (Red), Maccabees (Green) and Carmel (Yellow)—and academic and athletic achievements earn House points. The House System is used to organise competitions and promote team spirit and camaraderie.

What food options are available for students and are younger children required to bring lunch?

A canteen provides hot lunches and snacks at variable prices and is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Kindergarten 1 and 2 pupils must bring their own lunch; Grades 1 and 2 may visit the canteen on two days, while older grades may purchase from the canteen or bring lunch.

What are the tuition fees at Hillel Academy?

Annual tuition at Hillel Academy ranges from USD 10,890 to USD 17,400 depending on year group. Fees are reviewed each year, so check the school's current fee schedule before applying.

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