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History of Paradise Preparatory School
History of Paradise Preparatory School
Paradise Preparatory School was founded in July 1969 by the Paradise Park Limited, a Community project, initiated by Mrs. Ingrid Clarke and Mrs. Penny Williams, two mothers who had young children who were ready for school and who both wanted to give their children special attention. The school opened for classes in September 1969 under the distinct leadership of Mrs. Elizabeth Shenton, Mr. Eric Clarke, the Custos at the time and owner of the Paradise Park Property, donated the school, its building and land.
Mrs. Elizabeth Shenton, who had previously taught in England and the Queen's School in Kingston, became the first principal of Paradise Preparatory School and remained with the school until 1982 when she retired. The first Chairman of the Board was Mr. Teddy Wong, followed by Mr. Dudley Calder and Mr. Freddy Hamaty, now a senator in the Jamaican Government.
Mr.Osmond Clarke is the longest serving Chairman of the Board. The Paradise Preparatory School continues to receive enormous support and direction from the school Board and many thanks go out to each and every serving member.
In September 1969, the school opened with twenty four (24) students and two teachers. The school progressed quite significantly until the late ninteen seventies (1970's) when, as Mrs. Shenton described in her letter published in the 21st Anniversary Magazine, "the political climate cause many families to migrate and the economy was divested." The school was able to keep its head above rough waters however, even throught the floods of 1979.
In 1982 Mrs. Shenton retired and a line of distinguished hardworking principals followed including Mrs. E. Seung (1990), Mrs. Miriam Jameison (1990 - 1991), Miss Marcia Rose (1992 - 1005), Mrs. Vanetta White (1996 - 2004) Mrs. V. McIntosh, Past Education Officer (2005 -?/) and Mrs. Street (20?? to present).
The students of Paradise Preparatory School have been exceptional since 1969. In the early years and up to the 1990 the graduates made incredible successes at home and abroad. The school has produced some outstanding scholars including government scholars Glaister Leslie (1997) and Everton Hylton (2001); coporate scholars Andre tate (2003 HEART NTA); Lumar Gordon (2003 J Wray and Nephew) and Candice Medley (2004 Westmoreland Coop Credit Union and Jamaica Constabulary Force Federation Award Cornwall).
From the inception the parents have been playing a significant role in the growth and development of the school. Since this is a private or independent school then its financial resources are mainly garnered through school fees and fundraising ventures. Over the thirty six (36) years of the school life, it has been kept alive and well through the vision, hardwork and commitment of its many parents, teachers and well-wishers through its Parent/Teachers Association.
In 2003 the school was relocated to Chantilly Road on property leased from the James Family. The School continues to grow beyond expectations. The demands for more places have management looking closely at a two-stream school at Paradise. Where the future leads is up to the will of God
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