The little red school house in Hope Town

My father grew up in Commerce, Georgia.  He attended school in a small one room building in Apple Valley.  It was still standing on my last drive through Apple Valley.  Our family reunions were often held in the church next door to the school.  All the young people were intrigued by the size of this school and often tried to find a way into the building.  

I was a teacher for several years and I enjoy seeing the schools in the cities that we visit.  I supposed one can learn much about a community through a visit to the local schools.  One look at the Hope Town School and I was thoroughly charmed.  

Imagine the cool ocean breezes coming through this hallway while siting on the little red bench.  Small crates of books and other miscellaneous school supplies were sitting out ready for little hands to explore and use.  It appeared that there are indoor classrooms but I would much rather be in that hallway.  The playground is out front.  

I suppose gym class is held outside as well with the blue mats ready for a tumbling lesson.  

This school which opened in 1893 is for children from kindergarten to sixth grade.  Built by Loyalist shipbuilders out of Abaco pine, the sturdy school has withstood more than one hurricane.  

Hope Town was British colony at one time.  In the 1950’s and 1960’s students continued their education in England and Canada and the British influence on the curriculum was strong.  In the 1970’s a more Caribbean curriculum was followed with the addition more Bahamian textbooks and grade level exams.  The current trend is that many students further their education in the United States.  Because of this  trend  the curriculum is geared toward preparing students for success in U.S. based education system.

The school is a certified Eco School in Abaco.  Eco School is an international program designed to teach environmental sustainability, conservation and protection.  Hope Town School is also a member of Sand Watch a community group which monitors beaches in the community.  This watch group measures changes in the beach, keeps it free of litter and plants native flora to prevent erosion.

I invite you to read the Hope Town Primary School Blog written by the students to learn more about this interesting little school on Elbow Cay.

Joy