A Seventh-day Adventist Institution
History of Harrison Memorial Preparatory & Kindergarten School
Our beginning
Harrison Memorial Preparatory School shares a rich history with Harrison Memorial High School, having operated jointly from 1953 until 2014. The desire to impart true education was expressed in the germination and birth of the Harrison Memorial High School on January 12, 1953 under the auspices of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Elder Hiram S. Walters.
A Legacy of Growth and Transformation
The school was aptly named after Margarett Harrison, who is celebrated as one of the first known Seventh-day Adventist in Jamaica. The school was originally located at 30 Church Street, later moved to 3 Cottage Road, and now resides on the grounds of the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
The transition for the preparatory school took place with Mrs. Clair Gunter at the helm. The preparatory division was housed upstairs the cafeteria in the Claude Plummer Hall for several years while the construction of two new blocks was being completed. The preparatory division envisioned and anticipated being accommodated in their own space and this became a reality in 2004.
The continuous growth of the preparatory division necessitated the separation of the preparatory department from the high school and the process commenced in 2014, with Mrs. Joan Brevitt at the helm carrying the torch. In 2015, the Preparatory and Kindergarten divisions became a separate entity, continuing the legacy of excellence as a private, co-educational day school serving students ages 3 to 12 years.
Growth
There has been rapid growth in population for the Harrison Memorial Preparatory School which demanded that infrastructural enhancement had to be made. This resulted in the construction of a third floor for classrooms and which also doubles as an assemble area for chapel. This was completed in 2018 and in March 2020 the cafeteria was completed.
Over the years, the institution has experienced steady development. Most recently, a modern resource centre was added, enhancing the school’s facilities to house a computer lab, reading room, and music room located on the lower level. The expansion also includes new male and female restrooms, further supporting the comfort and needs of our growing school community.
Our institution is proudly owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Funding is provided through tuition fees, the operation of a canteen and tuckshop, contributions from the governing organization, alumni donations, and various fundraising events such as our annual Evening of Excellence and Fish Fry.
Our Philosophy of Education
Guided by the educational philosophy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, our school is founded on the belief that education and redemption are one. Our core principles include:
The Unity of Education and Redemption
We believe that teaching is not just the transmission of knowledge but a spiritual mission.
Restoration of God’s Image
Created in God's image, humanity fell through sin, but through Jesus, that relationship and image can be restored.
Whole-Person Development
We view our bodies as temples of God, and therefore strive for the balanced development of the mental, physical, social, and spiritual aspects of each student.
The Bible as Our Guide
The Holy Scriptures are our foundation, providing wisdom and direction in every area of life.
Purpose Through Service
Our existence is rooted in serving God and others as we prepare for life both now and in eternity.
At Harrison Memorial Preparatory & Kindergarten School, we are committed to nurturing a community where academic excellence, spiritual growth, and holistic development thrive together. This is the history of an institution that has been blessed by God and stands as a bastion of Seventh-day Adventist Christian Education, with the mission of “Quality Seventh-day Adventist Christian Education, through the integration of faith and learning that harmoniously develops the whole being to serve God and humanity.” Our motto- FIAT LUX- LET THERE BE LIGHT.