GHS's UNIQUE HISTORY

It began as a vision over a quarter century ago. . .a vision shared by a small group of St. John families who saw clearly the need for an educational alternative that offered challenging academics in an environment that nurtured children's talent, character, and intellect. Through shared vision and community support, our school has grown with the island, but our commitment to each student and our standards of excellence remain constant.

1978

Pine Peace School was founded by a group of St. John parents as a preschool. The school grew quickly, adding both students and grades. After moving four times in as many years, the school settled on Gifft Hill. In 1982, the original building was constructed by generous and creative community members.

2000

Coral Bay School was the first independent middle and high school on St. John, enrolling just 13 students in grades 7-9 its first year. Over the next four years, the school grew to 85 students in grades 7-12, gained accreditation, and graduated the first senior class in St. John history.

2004

Pine Peace School and Coral Bay School merged as Gifft Hill School and 8 acres of land on Gifft Hill were donated to the school, nearly contiguous to the Pine Peace campus. For the first time in island history, students receive the benefits of a seamless curriculum, emphasizing active student learning, community involvement and high standards in both character and academic development.

2004 - Present

Gifft Hill School has graduated 8 classes totaling 63 students since becoming the first and only high school on the island. Our graduates have gone onto some of the finest colleges and universities in the country, including Georgetown, M.I.T., N.Y.U., Stanford, Wesleyan, and U.V.I.

2010

Construction was completed on the athletic field at the Upper Campus, which is host to many athletic and community events and is the finest field in the Virgin Islands. In June, the dedication ceremony was held, during which the field was named Trayser Field in honor of long-time supporter and former Trustee, Fred Trayser. Judy Chamberlain joined the GHS community as our new Head of School, bringing with her over 25 years of experience running independent schools.