Committed to providing a nurturing environment where students can excel academically, develop strong character, and prepare for future success.
Happy Grove High School was founded in 1898 by the American Friends Mission of the Quakers, initially as a girls’ boarding school in Portland, Jamaica.
Growth occurred with the addition of a boys’ school which later merged, the tenure of the first Jamaican headmaster, Montclair E. Hoffman, and the establishment of a house system, an agricultural program, and later a student loan fund for higher education.
Today, it is a government-aided co-educational high school and has recovered and improved its infrastructure after hurricane damage. Early years and growth – 1898: Founded by Alsina Andrews of the American Friends Mission of the Quakers as a boarding school for girls -1915: A separate boys’ school, located at Golden Grove, St. Thomas, merged with the girls’ campus. The boys’ dormitory was officially opened in January of 2025.
Montclair E. Hoffman: Served as the first Jamaican headmaster from 1922 to 1973, a period marked by significant growth and the instilling of a strong belief in the potential of black students.
House System: The school’s house system was named in honor of key figures, including Montclair House for Hoffman, Bancroft House for Emma C. Bancroft, and Swift House for the Swift family who generously supported the mission.
Happy Grove’s main priority is their students. Consequently, they strive to provide an atmosphere where students can become the best at all times, for their school, their parish, their country, and themselves. Happy Grove offer students a balanced academic programme with a strong emphasis on Mathematics, English Language and the Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) areas. In addition, there are many after-school programmes for enrichment and personal development.
Happy Grove’s Staff feels that educating students for responsible citizenship, is part of their responsibility to the nation’s children. They have begun a renewed focus on using technology as an instructional tool and have been equipping more rooms with technological devices and internet access, to meet the emerging demands in education.
At Happy Grove High School, they are committed to providing a nurturing environment where students can excel academically, develop strong character, and prepare for future success. Their dedicated faculty and comprehensive programs ensure a well-rounded education.
Happy Grove is a disciplined child-centered institution with exceptional educators and other active stakeholders who are accountable for achieving every student’s holistic development. At Happy Grove High school, they provide quality education to develop every student’s intellectual capacity by partnering with parents, private entities and the local community through the utilization of data-driven, innovative instructions and stimulating experiences. Thus, enabling them to acquire the requisite skills that will develop their communities, country and the global economy.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Character Building.
Our beliefs and practices are centered around four (4) main values, commonly called Core Values. They are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. The school aims to raise student’s literacy and numeracy levels and to improve academic performance. Help students to develop their talents and realize their potential. Improve attendance and punctuality for class and school. Maintain a clean and attractive school environment. And to encourage students to appreciate their school environment and protect buildings, plants and furniture.
Happy Grove High School is very big on Track and Field and use every opportunity to develop new talent. They have a dedicated coaching team who works without pay. They work hard to help students both academically and athletically.
Holistic approach: The coach’s mentorship approach focuses on both academic and sports success, helping students earn scholarships and stay motivated, underscoring the school’s commitment to a well-rounded education.
In the past five years, Happy Grove High School has achieved significant athletic success, particularly in track and field, highlighted by a student winning a gold medal at the Carifta Games. This accomplishment was part of a five-year goal set by the school’s coach, who achieved it in just three years, showcasing the school’s dedication to both sports and academic success through dedicated coaching and mentorship.
