First Baptist Christian School (FBCS)

First Baptist Christian School offers a quality American educational program in a Christian environment. FBCS is a culturally diverse school with students from 14 countries around the world, and approximately 63% of our students are Caymanians.

It offers education for preschool children from grade 2 to grade 7. The school is committed to helping students become independent, resilient learners who set goals, track their progress, and persevere in challenging tasks to become successful learners. The FBCS uses an American curriculum and adheres to Virginia’s standards for English, math, science, and specialty subjects such as music, physical education, technology, and Spanish.

It follows the Cayman Islands Social Research Program to explore the landscape and history of the Cayman Islands and neighboring countries, as well as the ACSI Bible Study Program. A biblical worldview is integrated into all subjects, and students also have the opportunity to express this through the chapel, worship services, and Bible studies.

The staff consists of attractive, fully qualified, and experienced teachers from all over the world. The FBCS is a First Baptist Church ministry led by a school ministry team. As educators, the school believes that all students can learn and achieve good results.

They adhere to an educational philosophy that is student-centered and teacher-centered. The learning experience touches on several areas of learning: cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual. Learning also stimulates growth and development towards complexity in these areas.

The emphasis is on the social aspects of learning, therefore interdependence and community participation is valued and practiced. Learning is integrative where hands-on learning, problem-solving and innovation are used as an opportunity for learners to see their education and life experiences as a whole and become independent learners. a nurturing, kind, caring environment in which every student can grow and develop.

St. Ignatius Catholic School

Founded by the Jesuits over 50 years ago, St. Ignatius School is renowned in the Cayman Islands and beyond as one of the leading educational institutions in the community. The main mission of the School is to create a solid foundation of academic excellence in serving the values ​​of the gospel and the holistic formation and development of our students.

With over 690 students, the school’s dedicated and qualified senior leadership team and educators work diligently in partnership with parents/guardians to ensure that each student reaches their highest potential in a safe, supportive, caring and Christ-centered learning environment. To this end, their curriculum and focused teaching are designed to ensure that our students succeed and improve their learning experience at St. Ignatius.

The school welcomes children of all nationalities, religions, and circumstances. From preschool/kindergarten to grade 13 – hallmarks of St. Ignatius – academic excellence, strong Christian values ​​and principles characterized by mutual respect, high morals, generosity, and service are promoted.

The students enjoy a myriad of activities and activities related to prayer and worship, drama, music, sports, and community service, among others, to develop their spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional character along with their academic pursuits.

The school’s goal is to help the students grow up to be positive, responsible people equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. Throughout their educational journey to St. Ignatius, the school’s patron St. Ignatius of Loyola says the children are shaped to “go ahead and burn the world” and have a positive impact on their community.

Triple C School

Triple C School has been providing quality Christian education in the Cayman Islands since 1941. It was the first private school to provide both primary and secondary education. The school, which includes preschools up to grade 12, is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Fifty percent (50%) of graduates seek tertiary education in the United States and Canada. The remaining fifty percent (50%) choose to go to college or university locally or elsewhere, or successfully apply for a job after completing our career/work experience program.

Students at Triple C will gain wisdom, knowledge, and a biblical outlook as evidenced by a commitment to Jesus Christ with a creative, character, leadership, ministry, leadership, and worship lifestyle.

Triple C School partners with families to provide internationally competitive education in a Christ-centered environment and strives to lead students towards the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

Triple C School does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, disability or age in its programs and activities.

Triple C School has a dual purpose – to develop the intelligence of its students through strong academic programs and their character through numerous and varied experiences. The success of this dual-purpose depends on a staff of competent, committed Christian professionals who are role models and fully guided by a worldview firmly grounded in the infallible Word of God.

They strive to clearly convey to their students that the Bible and the teachings of Jesus should not be relegated to any small religious domain, but to be effective, they must be fully integrated into all aspects of their lives.

While they understand that this decision must be completely in their hands, they hope and pray that all the disciples will be analysts, thinkers, active Christians and people of high moral and Christian qualities, not only adopting Christian views, but also fully committed to their own business.

Advantages of studying in an International School

There are undoubtedly many advantages of studying in international schools. Its strength lies not only in the implementation of curricula that are better adapted to the demands of the modern labor market and a globalized society but also in a multicultural environment. Below we list the most important benefits of studying in international schools.

1. International curriculum

As you may know, international schools offer education in accordance with foreign curriculum. However, many of them combine elements of more than one system, for example, a curriculum based on the Turkish core, enriched with elements of the British, American and other systems. Such training programs are often much better suited to the demands of the global labor market.

A particularly interesting option is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which prepares children for an international diploma. The goal is a comprehensive education focused not only on good knowledge and skills, but also on individual development and the formation of an attitude of tolerance, understanding and responsibility.

2. Learning languages

Since classes in international schools are conducted in a foreign language (usually English), they provide exceptional opportunities for the development of language skills. These schools also offer a wide range of additional language courses: French, German and Spanish, as well as languages ​​less popular in Turkey, such as Arabic. Knowledge of languages ​​is confirmed by appropriate certificates, respected all over the world, which is a great advantage in the labor market.

Both public and private schools with international classes are also required to teach Turkish. This gives expats the chance to expand their communication skills, learn more about the culture and adapt to Polish society. It also ensures that children from Turkey who attend an international class or school do not lag behind in learning their mother tongue, as well as Turkish geography and history, because these classes are mandatory for them.

3. Own grading system

International schools use not only foreign curricula but also the assessment systems used in other countries. They are often more motivating and less stressful for children and adolescents than the classical system used in Turkey. It should be remembered that in primary schools, including international ones, children must take the Turkish language exam in the 8th grade.

4. International environment

One of the really greatest benefits of studying in an international school is the multicultural environment, where students get to know other cultures. Through this, they develop the ability to cooperate with people of different characteristics, customs, and cultural norms. They also learn tolerance, mutual respect, empathy, and understanding of others – their behavior, motivation, aspirations, and values. Such an environment helps to shape the world’s citizens who will feel comfortable wherever they are.

5. Greater opportunities in the labor market

Graduating from an international school increases opportunities in the global labor market. This is especially true of the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate program. The IB diploma is recognized by most foreign universities, and employers are very positive about it.

A diploma from an international school allows a graduate to stand out and testifies to a high level of knowledge and competence, which gives its holder a significant advantage over graduates of ordinary schools.

6. A wide range of extracurricular activities

International schools are not only providing interesting international academic programs, but they also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that include foreign language lessons, sports, and art activities such as music, art, dance, and photography.

The wide range of these activities allows students to develop their interests, build their curiosity about the world and teach them a systematic approach to acquiring skills and achieving goals. Thanks to this, a student of an international school has the opportunity to acquire general and professional knowledge, as well as to develop socially and emotionally.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

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.