A Century of Stars Illuminating the future
The year 1925 saw the birth of three educational institutions, now known as Chetwood Memorial Primary School, Mount Alvernia Preparatory and Kindergarten and Mount Alvernia High School.
Sponsors
Our Schools Brief History
Where Did Chetwood First Start?
Chetwood was first started in a little shed behind the first church St. James Catholic church at Market St. by the Franciscan sisters when they came to Montego Bay. The sisters invited the children especially the Catholics and those who were poor and had no school to attend. Sister Seraphia was the first principal.
The school was later moved to another site where a one room school house was erected in memory of Mrs. Eleanor Keyes Chetwood, mother of Fr. Thomas Chetwood S.J. the pastor of the St. James Church.
Where Did Mount Alvernia Prep And Kindergarten First Start?
Mount Alvernia Prep and Kindergarten and High Schools were started by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on what was called Prospect Hill in a wooden frame house former home of a Presbyterian Minister.
The Catholic diocese obtained the property for the resident priest who then gave it over to the sisters when the school was set up. The school was opened as a fee paying school.
Where Did Mt. Alvernia High School First Start?
Mt. Alvernia High School was established by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, continuing their mission of education and service rooted in Catholic values. Located on the scenic Prospect Hill, the school began in a modest wooden-frame house that once served as the residence of a Presbyterian minister.
The property was originally acquired by the Catholic Diocese to house the local parish priest, who later entrusted it to the Sisters for the purpose of establishing the school. Mt. Alvernia High School opened its doors as a fee-paying institution, dedicated to nurturing academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual growth in young women.
Past Events and Activities
Centennial Celebration
Centennial Launch Press Conference
Municipal Corporation
Highly interactive. Always in context. Lightning fast.
St James Municipal Corporation
St James Municipal Corporation motion to declare Mt Alvernia Chetwood Day in Montego Bay and to give keys to the city to the Franciscan sisters of Allegany.
100TH Year Anniversary
Celebrating 100 years of excellence in education, Chetwood Memorial Primary, Mount Alvernia Preparatory and Kindergarten, and Mount Alvernia High School mark a century of shaping young minds, nurturing values, and empowering generations through faith, learning, and community service.
Board Chairman
