- The Office of Education of the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists exists to ensure that its
Servant Feature Focus: Pastor John Carey possesses a quiet spirit and is a gentle force. A servant of servants, he is always calm yet firm, always down-to-earth in his relationship with others. He is the epitome of consistent spiritual service and a great example of Christ's humility and honor. After meeting Pastor John Carey, you will be amazed how quickly you become his friend. He serves as the Director for the Education and Communication Departments for the Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and as assistant to the president.
- youth receive a quality education that prepares an individual for this life and for Eternity. It seeks to develop the whole person by providing a balanced physical, mental, spiritual, social, and vocational education in harmony with denominational standards and ideals. The Office of Education is committed to helping its youth develop character through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A true knowledge of God, fellowship and companionship with Him in study and service, likeness to Him in character development, are the source, the means, and the aim of Seventh-day Adventist education.
- We are committed under the continuing guidance of God to an ongoing program of:
- promoting, through a strong and effective public relations program, that our schools are geared to facilitate Christ-centered quality education.
- upgrading our teacher delivery and student performance in our schools.
- encouraging and facilitating the teacher’s professional development
- improving and expanding the curriculum to include more practical subjects and music.
- providing adequate and relevant physical facilities (building and ground) and educational equipment for our schools.
- involving parents/guardians in the educational advancement of the students.
- working collaboratively with church members and the wider community to improve relationships among them and our schools for the good of our schools.
- fostering programs that will help to finance our schools.
- establishing a Colporteur Club that would allow students and parents/guardians to become involved in the Publishing Ministry of the Church to assist in financing students’ education.
- providing scholarships for deserving students to attend our schools.
History of Adventist Education in the Bahamas
The history of Seventh-day Adventists Education in the Bahamas could be traced to 1912. With professor Coffin as principal and his wife as teacher, the first church school opened in the Odd Fellows building on Meeting Street. The pupils enrolled were children of missionary parents, Elder and Mrs. James Smith. From that small beginning of a two-pupil school, supported by a band of faithful believers in Christian education, the institution grew into separate schools with a total enrollment of eight hundred and forty-eight students and a combined teaching staff of thirty-five.
During the first thirty-five years of its existence, the school was primarily an elementary school. It operated at various locations in New Providence, including the basement of the old Shirley Street Seventh-day Adventist Church. From this location the school was moved to Hawkins Hill (Mt. Royal Avenue) until 1948, when it was relocated on the present Wulff Road site. It was housed in a building designed and built by Elder H. D. Colburn, then president of the Bahamas Mission of Seventh-day Adventists.
During the early years, the principalship of the school was held by a number of missionaries from North America and Jamaica. These included the Coffins, one Miss Wright, A. R. Haig, Mr. Salters, the Beddoes, Crawfords, D. B. Reid, Miss Zoe Lawrence, O. P. Jones, W. W. Liske, and Miss Jane Mullings. The first Bahamian principal was H. A. Roach. He was succeeded by John Carey, who was succeeded by Miss Ruth White, who was succeeded by Mrs. Cheryl Rolle, the current principal.
In the early 1980's. Mrs. Ruth McKinney, wife of Pastor McKinney, was appointed as the first principal of the Grand Bahama Academy.
In 1983 The Board of Regents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists granted the Academy initial accreditation. Full accreditation was granted in 1985 for a period of three years.
In September 1985 Mrs. Althea McMillan was appointed principal of the elementary division of the Academy. This appointment marked the separation of the administration of the two schools. It was believed that the a reorganization of the administrative structure of the Academy would enhance the development of both the elementary and secondary schools. In September 1986 Mrs. Mary Brennen, a veteran teacher in the elementary school, assumed a new role of Vice Principal of Bahamas Academy Elementary School.
Moreover, in 1991 Mrs. Cheryl Rolle, succeeded Miss Ruth White as principal of Bahamas Academy Secondary School and Mr. Anthony Burrows became the new vice principal. N.B. Any history of Adventist education in The Bahamas would be incomplete without some reference to "Mr. Toote's School" in Andros and Grand Bahama Academy. However, as noted by historian, Jeff Thompson, more research will have to be conducted to ascertain the relevant information on these two schools. Therefore, every effort will be made to include these schools in a revised account of Adventist education in The Bahamas. See complete list of former principals of Bahamas Academy.
- Forms PDF Format
- Quarterly Report Form for Education Department Print out this form, fill out, and fax it to the number on top of the form
Job Application Form For persons applying for Bahamas Academy located in Nassau, print out and fax to 242-341 4088 Also persons interested in applying for work at Grand Bahama Academy, located on the island of Grand Bahama in the Northern Bahamas Mission, print out the same form and send to 242-373 7065. Please indicate on the form "Grand Bahama Academy"
Report of Physical Examination Form Page 1 Page 2 JPEG File This file must be downloaded and brought up in a word processor or photo editor and adjusted to the proper size before printing.
- Online Job Application
- This is the online application for Adventist Christians interested in working as a teacher in an Adventist school in the Bahamas. Applicants are also required to complete the hardcopy (PDF Format) and fax it to the number above. However, filling out this online application will help speed up the process.
Job openings to be posted soon
