Early Child Care
Early child care is important to every child’s development. Seek out the institution that will best cater to your ideals on child education. For example, you may desire a strong religious education at a young age or you may prefer a school that is known to have a strong focus on mathematics. Investigate which school is best suited to you and your child’s needs.
Formal education in the territory must begin by age five. Parents also have the option of keeping their children at home or with a friend or relative before the age of five. If you choose to send your child to an educational institute before that age, you will need to consider nursery, day care and pre-school.
Nursery
The age for nursery ranges from two years and under. Fees for nursery school can range from $3,000 to $9,000 dollars per year, which works out to about $250 - $750 per month.
Daycare
The age for daycare ranges from two to three years of age. Fees for daycare can range from $3,000 to $9,000 dollars per year, which works out to about $250 - $750 per month.
Preschool
The age for pre-school is from three to five years of age. Fees for day care can also range from $3,000 to $9,000 dollars per annum, which works out to about $250 - $750 per month.
Kindergarten
Formal education of children in the territory begins at the age of five. Kindergarten is the first stage of elementary or primary school education. Children can remain in private institutions that have primary schools in addition to their nursery, day care and preschools or they can go to other institutions offering elementary education. You may also choose to homeschool your child but you will have to get special permission from the Ministry of Education.
Elementary education in the territory is available at both the public and private levels.
Elementary School (Private)
Private elementary school costs can range from $4000 - $11,000 per year. This works out to about $300 - $900 per month. Some schools work the fees out so that earlier and younger classes are a bit less expensive than older classes.
Elementary School and Secondary Schools (Public)
Public primary and secondary education in the British Virgin Islands is free. However, parents and guardians should factor in costs for uniforms, books school supplies, and lunch for each form. Costs associated with extra-curricular activities should also be considered.
Secondary School (Private)
Private Secondary education in the territory can range from $4,000 to $14,000 per annum. This works out to about $300 - $1100 per month. The additional costs for book, school supplies, etc. also apply for private schools.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricula activities can stretch one’s budget, but promise to keep students busy while enhancing their formal education. Some extracurricular activities include music or piano classes, art classes and karate. These activities can range from $30 - $80 per month. Many sporting clubs are also available through registration with the Department of Youth and Sports Affairs, or at the local district level. A few programmes charge fees but most are free. You should factor in the purchase of equipment and necessary tools that will be needed for each activity, such as music books, painting equipment, sporting equipment.