Cayman Islands Education
Finding a School
The Cayman Islands is fortunate to have an excellent choice of schools, from preschool to University.
The Cayman Islands Education Law mandates that all children between the ages of 5 and 17 must be in full-time education, either registered at a school or as a registered homeschooler. Homeschooling is becoming more popular in Cayman as the demand for school places is at a premium. Tutors are readily available to assist if you decide to homeschool your child.
There are many government schools. However, spaces in these are reserved for Caymanians and children whose parents work for the Cayman Islands Government.
There are many excellent private schools to choose from. Although space in these is limited, so it is wise to add your child to a waiting list as soon as you can.
Quality Education in the Cayman Islands
Schools in the Cayman Islands
From Nursery to Unversity
Cayman International School (CIS) offers the International Baccalaureate programme. Additionally, it is currently undergoing a huge expansion, resulting in an additional 500 school places for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Cayman Prep & High School and St Ignatius Catholic School offer the British curriculum leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels. Often there are spaces available in these two schools for entry into Year 10 as many children leave for boarding school at this time.
Island Montessori is expanding from a nursery school into a full primary school, offering the British curriculum. Several new and small boutique schools have recently opened and cater to children who benefit from a smaller learning environment, Clever Fish, Footsteps, and Cayman Learning Centre. These schools are inclusive and will accept children with learning needs.
Should you want the American curriculum, Triple C is the largest school and, alongside Grace Christian Academy, cater to children from KG – Grade 12. First Baptist Christian School also follows the American Curriculum, although only at a Primary level.
There is a wide variety of excellent pre-schools and nurseries, including several Montessori schools, some of which take children up until the age of 11 years. Like compulsory schooling, places at these schools are at a premium, and many have large waiting lists.
Educational Standards in the Cayman Islands
Expect the Highest Standards
Whichever school you choose for your child, you can be assured that it will fall under the Cayman Islands Office of Educational Standards’ scrutiny, which inspects each school at least once every two years and reports on its findings.
These School Reports are available to read as part of choosing a Cayman School for your child.
