The International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands was founded in 1987 as the International School of the West Indies, then commonly called the Leeward School. It began in 1986, in the old Tranquillity House at Leeward, while the first building was under construction.
The year started with 12 students, ranging from kindergarten to high school. The teachers were Monica and Harry Potts (Headmaster), Sylvie Wigglesworth and Becky Carlson.
Doug fitted his old, white van with wooden bench seats along either side so Becky could carry the children back and forth to school - our first bus. Because the children spent their time at the beach, no one wore shoes. At Christmas, the students did a fantastic performance of Tartusee, written by Moliere, completely in French. Grades were combined, and the atmosphere of a bug family developed.
The school moved to the new building in January 1987 with all the students helping with transporting of books and desks. That year, Yves Coutissant did the first landscaping, including the planting of the ficus trees that are now so predominant.
After the first 2 years, The Boards of Directors instated the uniform and the change to elementary grades only. A proper curriculum and books were added. Eventually the second building was constructed, allowing space for each grade to have its own classroom and teacher, plus a staff room/office and library.
Each year, more resources were purchased and more qualified teachers recruited. A PTA was started, and parents worked hard to raise funds for much needed additional equipment. The preschool started, and Ms Barbara joined the staff. Mr. Ashcroft purchased Leeward Development and the school in 1996 and provided our fully equipped computer facility. More classrooms, a science lab and staff room were part of the expansions of new building.
In 2016, the International School of the TCI celebrated its 30th year of educating the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The small school that was started many years ago in Leeward has grown into amazing school. Children can start from the age of 9 months in our nursery til they are in Grade 9.
From our tiny beginnings, we have grown immensely: a nursery program, a language program, PE program, speciality teachers and of course our swimming pool but what makes our school so special…the students, the teachers and parents!
Our latest editions to the school include the Nursery School, the swimming pool and the Middle School.
Over these years, the school has evolved to become a respected academic facility of high standards and remarkably, has retained a close, caring and safe environment that makes it very special indeed.
Our school is a happy and thriving school for children aged 1 to 13 years. We currently have 153 children on roll with 11 classes. At the time of writing we have 20 different nationalities represented within our staff and student body.
This makes an incredibly rich environment for children’s learning to take place. It allows us to truly respect difference and celebrate diversity. We really are an international family.
