So in 2005 I wrote to tell you all about my troubles with a certain private school in Nassau. My son was five at the time and I took him back to Canada with me from January to June. He was fine in school....K5. His day consisted of free play and minimal seat work. Not the way of our Nassau schools.

Well I am back in Nassau..... All done with my Masters. My son is now near six. I registered him for a Catholic school as I liked their curriculum....somewhat. My son is verbal...can converse with anyone. He has a vast vocabulary but he has not been worksheet trained as students in most Nassau schools. Of course after today's screening, the school has said my brilliant child is not ready for grade one but too advanced for Kindergarten. Their grade one classes have 30+ students so the principal feels that he will not get the attention he needs in his weaker areas. (I agree with this as well.)

After my initial hurt...you know how we parents never want to hear that a child is not up to par...... I had to think of what to do.

The options for schooling in Nassau have increased but with it the prices also. To place my son in a school where he would get the attention that he needs will cost me almost 2000 a term. I guess sacrifice I must! My meager salary does not do much for me at all. Any suggestions that are feasible will be appreciated.

Westminster College, Blake Rd. $950 per term
http://westminstercollegebahamas.com/Home_Page.html (http://westminstercollegebahamas.com/Home_Page.html)

Jordan Prince Williams $775.00 per term--one thing i must say about this school is that they don't run behind you for funds--All you have to do is pay before the end of the term--I have two sons who graduate from there--One is a civil technician and the other one is an Electrical technician--They both pass ten BGCSE with the lowest grade being C--My baby is there he is in grade 5 going on to grade 6 in the fall and he is an honor roll student--My 2nd son and my baby started at the reception and it is a good school to consider although it has its fault--Hope you find a good school for your son.

Get a second job or take out a loan, but whatever you do, invest in your child/children. That is part of your legacy to them. Good luck!

Can you afford some summer tutoring, perhaps to bolster some of the weaker skills? A good tutor can go a long way.

Can some fun home schooling lay some groundwork in the mean time? Flash cards and a cattle prod work well...

Check out South Haven Christen Academy on Gladstone Road on the grounds of the Bahamas Youth Camp. Entire school only has about 40 students. Abeka system that uses DVD's. Mandatory chess, karate and orchestra instrument. Approx. $700 a term. School is not for everyone, but definitely worth exploring.