Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What grades does Good Hope Country Day School serve?

Good Hope Country Day School (GHCDS) serves students from our Early Learning Center (ELC) through Grade 12, providing a continuous educational journey in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Where is GHCDS located?

Our beautiful campus is located on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, offering students a safe and engaging environment where they can learn, explore, and grow.

Is GHCDS accredited?

Yes. GHCDS is fully accredited and offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that meets national and international standards. We are accredited by the Middle States Association of Education and Cambridge International Education.

 

Academics

What curriculum does GHCDS follow?

GHCDS combines an exceptional college-preparatory curriculum with the internationally recognized Cambridge International Education program. Our goal is to produce engaged, reflective, confident, innovative, and responsible learners.

What makes a GHCDS education unique?

Our students benefit from:

• Small class sizes
• Individualized instruction
• Cambridge International curriculum
• Hands-on learning
• STEAM opportunities
• Fine and performing arts
• Athletics
• Leadership and Service learning
• A strong sense of community

Do students take standardized assessments?

Yes. Students participate in age-appropriate assessments, including STAR Assessments, Cambridge examinations, and the PSAT depending on grade level.

What is Cambridge International Education?

GHCDS is proud to offer the renowned Cambridge International curriculum, providing students with a rigorous, globally recognized education that prepares them for success in university, careers, and life. Through deep subject knowledge and conceptual understanding, students develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, research, collaboration, communication, and independent-learning skills. The Cambridge approach also encourages curiosity, creativity, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives, helping GHCDS students become confident, reflective, responsible, innovative, and engaged global citizens with a lifelong passion for learning.

What is an AICE Diploma?

The AICE Diploma stands for the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma. It is an internationally recognized diploma awarded by Cambridge International Education to students who successfully complete a rigorous program of advanced-level coursework and examinations.

 

Early Learning Center

What ages does the Early Learning Center serve?

Our ELC welcomes our youngest learners starting at age 3, providing a nurturing, play-based environment that builds the foundation for lifelong learning. The ELC houses our Nursery, PreK, and Kindergarten classrooms. Class sizes range from 5-20 students.

What is the philosophy of the ELC?

The ELC emphasizes curiosity, creativity, social-emotional development, literacy, numeracy, and learning through exploration and play.

 

Lower Division

What classes do lower division children take?

The Lower School features an integrated curriculum that promotes learning as an active and cooperative process. The curriculum includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health, Spanish, Art, Music, Physical Education, Swimming, Computer Science, Music, and Library. Core subjects are taught in self-contained classrooms by a teacher. Students travel to their “specials” courses (Art, Music, Spanish, P.E., Swimming, Library, and Computer Science) 1-2 times per week for each course. Snack and recess time allows for social interaction and physical activity every day.

What Cambridge courses do they have in the Lower Division?

Students take Cambridge Global Perspectives, Cambridge Computer Science, and Integrated Math in grades K-6.

 

Student Life

What extracurricular activities are available?

Students may participate in a wide variety of activities, including:

Athletics, Band, Drama, Community Service, Math Counts, Music and Choir, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Sailing, Spelling Bee, Steel Pans, Tri-M, PRISM, Chess Club, Swimming, Cross Country, etc.

New clubs are regularly added based on student interests.

 

Support Services

What support services does GHCDS offer?

GHCDS is a dedicated team committed to delivering personalized academic and support services, ensuring students attain positive outcomes for success in their educational journey. We offer support in Literacy, Math, Social-Emotional Learning, a school counselor, and a school nurse. There is both individual pull-out support as well and in-class support for our community.

 

Athletics

What sports does GHCDS offer?

Sports offerings vary by season and grade level and may include:

Cross Country, Netball, Flag Football, Volleyball, Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, Golf, Basketball, Track & Field, Soccer, Sailing. Our athletic program emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and healthy competition.

How do I sign up for a sport?

Up to 4 weeks before the start of the season, an email sign-up will go out from the Dean of Student Life and Athletics

Does GHCDS provide transportation for games?

Yes, GHCDS provides transportation to away games; however, parents must pick up their child from the game location afterward

Where can I buy school spirit wear?

 

Performing Arts

Does GHCDS have a theatre program?

Absolutely! Our award-winning theatre program produces multiple productions throughout the year and provides opportunities for students interested in acting, singing, dancing, technical theatre, stage management, lighting, sound, costumes, and set construction.

Can students participate without previous experience?

Yes! Students of all experience levels are encouraged to participate, starting in 7th grade for Drama Club and depending on the production, younger students may also participate.

 

Admissions

How do I apply?

Families may begin the admissions process by completing an online application and submitting the required documents. Our Registrar is available to guide families through every step. Admissions is on a rolling basis, depending on availability.

Can prospective students visit campus?

Yes. We encourage prospective families to schedule a campus tour and, when possible, a Shadow Day experience.

 

Tuition & Financial Assistance

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. Need-based financial assistance is available to qualifying families. We encourage families to apply early and submit all required documentation.

Are payment plans available?

Yes. Flexible tuition payment plans are available.

 

Transportation

Does GHCDS provide transportation?

Transportation is not provided by GHCDS.

 

Technology

Do students use technology in the classroom?

Yes. Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the curriculum to support research, collaboration, creativity, and digital citizenship. Students in grades 7- 12 can use a school-provided computer or use their personal computer. We provide free wi-fi on campus. Students can bring a phone to school but cannot use it during class.

 

Parent Involvement

How can parents get involved?

Parents are encouraged to become active members of the GHCDS community by volunteering, joining the Parents' Association, attending school events, supporting athletics and performing arts, and participating in fundraising initiatives.

 

College Preparation

How does GHCDS prepare students for college?

Students receive personalized college counseling, academic advising, leadership opportunities, community service experiences, and access to rigorous coursework that prepares them for success at colleges and universities around the world.

 

School Community

What is the GHCDS community like?

GHCDS is a close-knit, welcoming community where students are known, challenged, and supported. Our faculty partner with families to cultivate confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens.