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Welcome to GHS
Welcome to Gifft Hill School where we offer dynamic, experience-based programs for toddlers through twelfth graders from the communities of St. John and St. Thomas. The Gifft Hill School learning community is committed to reflecting the cultural diversity of the Caribbean basin and being inclusive in every way. As we seek to meet these goals, GHS considers every applicant's potential to benefit from and enhance the school’s academic and co-curricular programs. Our commitment to maintaining small class sizes, means that sometimes we receive more applications than we have spaces. Below you will find more information about the procedures and timelines that guide the re-enrollment and admissions process.
Equal Opportunity
In accordance with the Gifft Hill School’s Equal Opportunity Policy, the school admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or territorial law, to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Need-Blind Admissions
We are committed to making a GHS education accessible to those who seek to join and enhance our community. Admissions decisions are not influenced by a family's financial situation. Applications for admission and for financial aid are considered independently of each other. A family's eligibility for aid is determined through careful analysis of financial information including recent tax returns, provided by parents and guardians.
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Application Process
2022 - 2023
APPLY NOW FOR
2022 - 2023
APPLY IN 6 SIMPLE STEPS
1. Apply Online
Fill out the online application using TADS. There is a $50, non-refundable application fee. You may begin a financial aid application at the same time, using the same portal.
2. Student Records
All new applicants with the exception of students applying to the Early Learning Center (ages 2-4) must provide records from their previous school. Please fill out the School Records Release Form and the Teacher Reference Form. Applications cannot be reviewed without student records.
3. Interview, Tour, and Placement Testing
All new applicants meet with a member of the admission team for a personal interview and tour. Please call the main office in advance at (340) 776-1730 to schedule. If the applicant is currently residing off-island, a video conference can be scheduled. The admissions team may also schedule a time for the applicant to shadow in a class and complete placement testing (as appropriate).
4. Notification of Acceptance
Upon acceptance to Gifft Hill School, each student will be notified via email and prompted to proceed with the next step of the enrollment process in TADS.
5. Enrollment
In order to hold the applicant's spot and communicate a desire to move forward in the registration process, parents must complete the enrollment tab in TADS. At this stage TADS will request a deposit which is later credited towards tuition. If the applicant is applying for financial aid, payment of the deposit may be postponed until an award is made. A financial aid award cannot be issued until the enrollment information is completed.
6. Tuition Agreement
In this final step, applicants agree to the terms and conditions of enrollment, create a payment plan, and sign the contract. (If the deposit was not paid prior, it is required at this point).
The GHS Experience
Academics
Creating a nurturing, stimulating environment for our young learners. Fostering the skills, talents, and creativity of each student.
Faculty
Our faculty are here to provide mentorship and guidance to help each student develop as a scholar, athlete, and global citizen.
Experiential Learning
We engage our students in hands-on experiences and reflection by using our gardens, National Park, and sea as living laboratories.
Athletics
Athletic competition hones body and mind, develops teamwork and leadership skills, and forges lifelong bonds.
Visit Us
Nestled between terraced gardens and verdant hillsides, with historic ruins and National Park trails and beaches only minutes away, Gifft Hill School is perfectly situated to deliver a unique place-based learning experience. Take the next steps towards joining the GHS community by scheduling an in-person or virtual visit to see what we are all about.
Tuition (2022-2023)
Grade
Tuition
Early Learning Center
$12,954
K - 5
6 - 8
9 - 12
$13,770
$15,810
$18,768
Multiple Student Credit
Gifft Hill School offers a multiple student credit of $250 off of gross tuition for each additional child in a single family.
Payment Plans
In an effort to make tuition payments as convenient as possible, Gifft Hill School offers the flexibility of four payment plan options: annual, semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly. You may choose to pay on the 5th or 15th of each month.
Reservation Deposit
Upon enrollment / re-enrollment to Gifft Hill School, a non-refundable reservation deposit must be submitted to guarantee your child’s place in the program. This deposit is $500. This deposit is credited to your child’s tuition.
Tuition Insurance
Gifft Hill School offers optional Tuition Insurance, which covers up to 60% of your tuition obligation in the event you need to withdraw your child from Gifft Hill School. The cost of tuition insurance is equal to 5% of your total obligation. Please contact the Business Office for more information. If you decide to participate, full payment will be due 15 days after the signed agreement.
Other Expenses
Some field trips and other educational activities held off-campus may require additional costs.
Required school uniform shirts, if purchased from GHS, are $20 per shirt. GHS patches can be purchased for $5 each and you may sew them onto your own solid color polo. Students may purchase a GHS lightweight zip-up hoodie ($25) from the school store. A solid, one-color long-sleeved sweater or sweatshirt with a sewn-on GHS patch is also acceptable.
Gifft Hill School strives to remove financial burden as a barrier for families in St. John and St. Thomas who want a rigorous, experiential education for their children. The School offers financial aid for full-time students. All awards of financial aid are made consistently and objectively.
Financial Aid
Families applying for financial aid must submit both their application for admissions and their application for financial aid through the TADS portal at www.mytads.com along with supporting documents. Gifft Hill School charges a $50 application fee for admissions, and TADS charges a $45 financial aid application fee. If you have questions about Gifft Hill School's application process, please contact the main office at 340-776-1730 or email the business office at businessoffice@giffthillschool.org. A financial aid award cannot be finalized until the student has been accepted to Gifft Hill School and the parent has completed the enrollment process.
TADS
To apply for Financial aid, please complete a TADS Financial Aid Assessment application online at www.mytads.com. After your TADS application has been submitted and verified with all supporting documentation it will be reviewed by the GHS Tuition Assistance Committee. You may expect a decision within 2 weeks. A financial aid award cannot be finalized until the student has been accepted to Gifft Hill School and the parent has completed the enrollment process.