What are the best international schools in Cayman Islands – part 1-that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
The Cayman Islands is one of the British overseas territories that recently became one of the main attractions and favorite spots for tourists and expats from all over the world. The fact that the Cayman Islands is considered as one of the huge offshore tax places in the world has only resulted to more and more expats settling there over the years.
Most of the citizens, expats in the Cayman Islands and settlers in the territory come here from the UK, USA, Jamaica and Canada, and therefore they predominantly speak English. A very small proportion of the settlers are Spanish citizens and members of the Patwa Jamaican community.
The Cayman Islands include 3 main islands, namely Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Each of these islands has its unique features and attractions. So, if you’re into scuba diving or snorkeling, head to Grand Cayman. If deep sea fishing is your preference, Cayman Brac is the island for you, and wildlife lovers can head to Little Cayman.
Living in the Cayman Islands can give you a feeling of a mixture of old and new, traditional and modern, with British and American influences. While making serious steps to save their old traditions, the Caymanians are very proud of the progress and increase their country has made during this time.
The country’s political stability – a factor of great importance in the financial and tourism industries – is largely due to the fact that the inhabitants of the Cayman Islands have taken the lead in commerce, public service, a variety of professions and skilled occupations.
One of the main reasons that such a big number of expats plan to move to the Cayman Islands is because it offers them a long-awaited break from their dynamic lives. They can enjoy the same relaxed lifestyle almost every day, which is nothing more than a dream when they live in a big city.
Let’s find out what other reasons might prompt you to consider moving to this majestic paradise?
1. Beautiful beaches
Perhaps the biggest reason expats move to the Cayman Islands is because of the beautiful beaches they have. It is rare to find any other Caribbean island that looks so clean and beautiful from afar. Boating, snorkeling, kitesurfing and other activities for children are very common on these beaches. The climate is also quite pleasant, so children can play heartily on these beaches.
2. Tax-free zone
Duty Free Zone The fact that the Cayman Islands are tax havens makes them very popular destinations for people all over the world. In the Cayman Islands, there is no tax on what you earn or what you eat and drink. Instead, the government receives the funds through fees and import duties, as the country has to import everything from time to time. Very wealthy people often invest their money in the country itself to buy real estate or contribute to the many trusts located in the Cayman Islands. If you are looking for a low-tax retirement in the Caribbean, the Caymans are the natural choice.
3. Weather
When we compare to other beaches, the Cayman Islands’ hospitable weather attracts many expats throughout the year. The rainy season lasts six months from May to November. Most of the time, however, it’s just a passing shower. Summer in the Cayman Islands can be too hot for some expats.
4. Cultural diversity
The diversity that you can see in the Cayman Islands is very surprising, moreover when you learn that people from over different developed countries moved to there before settling permanently. This left behind a very diverse cultural mix. It’s great to see this melting pot of cultures in such a small country, each celebrating each other’s beliefs and differences. Such a varied mix is contagious and won’t let you go anytime soon.
5. Food
Several countries have influenced food choices in the Cayman Islands. Over the years, the kitchen collection has become a favorite for everyone who loves to eat. You can choose from a huge variety of cuisines, much better than you can ever find in any other Caribbean country.
Education in the Cayman Islands
If children accompany you when moving to the Cayman Islands, they must be approved as dependents of your work permit. This will require a letter confirming that they are enrolled in a school on the island, or documents proving that you have enrolled them in a recognized online school/home school program.
Expatriate children are not allowed to attend public schools in the Cayman Islands, and waiting lists (especially for lower grades) at international private schools can belong. It is advisable to start the school application process as soon as you decide to move. Most schools will require your child (s) to have at least two years of official and academic transcripts, as well as an entrance test and interview.
The education system quality is high in Grand Cayman. International schools include Cayman International School in Camana Bay, Cayman Prep and High School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Grace Christian Academy, First Baptist Christian School, Montessori by the Sea, and Triple C.
For expatriates interested in continuing education, the island has a law school, a medical school, and UCCI, which offers undergraduate programs. Below we will review some of the best international schools for expats who are moving with their families and kids.
International schools in the Cayman Islands are a very good choice for many expat parents who are looking for assuring the continuity in their children’s education. Standards are generally high and teaching staff are are usually well-trained.
These international schools offer a range of curriculum activities, which are a great option for expat parents hoping to give their children a smooth transition into life in Cayman Islands.
Cayman International School (CIS)
Cayman International School started as Faulkner Academy with lofty ideals in October 1994. The school was acquired by International Schools Services (ISS) in 2002 and the name of the school was changed to Cayman International School (CIS) in 2003.
CIS is a non-sectarian co-educational private school for students aged 2 through 12. It was created to provide an American / international educational program for the dependents of multinational professionals living in the Cayman Islands. The school buildings were provided through the generosity of the William and Claire Dart Foundation.
Cayman International School is administered by International School Services (ISS). ISS is a non-profit corporation headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. She is engaged in the professional development of children attending overseas schools around the world. Since 1955, ISS has developed into a dynamic educational force in the overseas community. ISS is a global leader in providing a wide range of quality educational services for schools, teachers, families, and corporations.
The mission of ISS-operated schools “is to provide a comprehensive accredited American / international college preparatory education program that ensures all students become successful learners of good character by acting as responsible leaders within a culturally diverse global community.”
ISS-administered schools follow the US calendar, strive for US accreditation and offer quality study programs based on the US and international standards, and recognized exemplary teaching strategies.
The goal of ISS Schools is to create an educational environment in which students develop healthy self-esteem, learn self-discipline, acquire knowledge and achieve competencies in a range of skill areas. They will also gain insight into their national heritage by recognizing that they belong to the larger global community.
Accreditation
Cayman International School strives to ensure that the education provided meets an acceptable level of quality as measured by several accreditation agencies.
The Middle States Schools and Colleges Association (MSA) provides school accreditation and improvement services for American international schools overseas and in the Caribbean, as well as schools in the US Mid-Atlantic region. CIS has received full accreditation up to grade 12 from the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) has authorized CIS to present the Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12. Schools wishing to offer any of the IB programs must go through a rigorous process called authorization, which is similar to accreditation, but with a focus on curriculum and only teaching standards. CIS received permission to present the Diploma Program in March 2008.
The Cayman Islands Education and Evaluation Standards Unit (ESAU) is the government agency responsible for independently evaluating the public and private schools in the Cayman Islands. ESAU’s mission is to contribute to the continuous improvement of education in schools. CIS was inspected by ESAU in November 2007. CIS is committed to educational excellence.
Cayman International School is a member of the Association of American Schools in South America (AASSA). AASSA’s mission is to provide and promote programs and services for member schools whose primary language of instruction is English, with the aim of improving the quality of American and international education in the Americas.
You can see part 2 here.
