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My husband was offered a great career opportunity in the USVI. We have never even thought of moving to the USVI or even out of NJ ( where we live). He wasn't looking for a new job, a recruiter called my husband & now we are thinking about moving to St. Thomas. The job would only be located in St. Thomas for 2 years. Our main concern about relocating is our 2 young daughters ages 6 and 2 1/2. Is the island safe? Are there a lot of young people with children from the mainland? If so, where do they live? Do they live in a community together? Do the private schools provide the same level of education? I haven't spoken to anyone from the private schools yet but have reviewed their web-sites. After reviewing the Antilles website ( private school in St. Thomas) I felt what my daughter learned in Kindergarten is what the students are learning in 2nd grade. I could be wrong & haven't spoken to the school yet. My daughter is going into first grade. We will definitely be coming back after 2 years & would not want her to be considered behind in school when we do come back. What school is the best private school on the island? Would my daughter have a difficult time making new friends? She is very out going. I'm just worried about how children are treated from the mainland? Do the children have a lot of play-dates etc...? Would she have a lot in common with the children? For example, practically, every 6 year old here loves High School Musical, Webkinz ( LOVE webkinz, stores can not keep them on the shelves) TV shows ( Zach & Cody). Do they have gymnastics? I have so many questions but my most important question is safety & how young children are treated. I really appreciate the time anyone can put in to help me. Thank you so very much.
Might want to try your post on the relocation board.
Have you ever been to the VI? If not, you MUST plan a visit before you decide. If you cannot afford such a visit and if your prospective employer will not finance it -- then you should not accept the job, no matter how good it sounds.
Plan on staying for at least 2 weeks. Rent a condo, don't stay at a hotel. Rent a car, go to the grocery stores, try to check out the schools (this may be hard since it's summer) go to the hardware store, the mall, ride around the island. Read the paper. Cneck out the rentals. Eat in, prepare your own meals.
If you can't do this, don't plan on moving. The islands are different that the states, not better or worse, just different. And the difference cannot be overstated.
Anytime someone wants to move down here that has school aged children, my government office tells everyone to forget it. You do NOT want to expose them to this type of environment and, yes, we also found out that they must repeat grades when they return to the states.
hawaii: Do go over to the relocation forum and check out all the moving stories, schooling threads, etc. You'll find volumes of material to go through which will be of tremendous help to you.
I agree with all the posters who've responded to you but have one comment to make about ambassador's post when he/she says," we also found out that they must repeat grades when they return to the states." Although this is true for the public school system, I know at least the Antilles private school on STT defies those odds. Many people I know whose children have gone to Antilles and returned to "good" stateside schools have been AHEAD of their peers by as much as two grades. It has an enviable track record but the cost of schooling there is VERY high.
Good luck with all your researching. Cheers!
Ambassador. what government office? Curious.
RL
Linda, Thank you so much! Yes, we have been to St. John & St. Thomas. We think it is beautiful & one of the nicest islands we have visited. Do you live there? We will take a trip there after doing more research. Thanks again!!
Thank you for your response!! The private schools are not good? What kind of environment is it? Is it dangerous? Thank you so much!!!
Private schools are great. Many successful people have come out of them.
RL
BTW, you really should go to the relocation board for help! Just click on Relocation Message Board above.
Thank you very much STT resident,
Do you live in St. Thomas? I looked on-line to find out the tuition( Antilles school) but it wasn't listed. I have to call. Does private schooling cost more in the USVI? Where I live it is about 15,000 -20,000 a year. My husbands job would be in St. Thomas & we know if we do move there we could also live in St. John. The research I have done so far, we think we would adjust better living in St. Thomas, being, it is more built up. We do not live far from NYC. Do you agree that St. Thomas would be a better choice? Would my children be treated as if they are outsiders? Also, do they celebrate holidays on the island? Halloween ( do children go trick or treating) More importantly, Christmas. Do people have Christmas trees in their homes? Thank you for all of your time. I really appreciate it!!!!!!!
Don't understand why you don't want to go to the relocation forum that this website provides. There are tons of questions answered there similar to what you are asking here on the travel forum.
We have halloween, Christmas with real Christmas trees(no snow),Easter, 4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day. All US Federal holidays as well as a bunch of local ones. No reason your kids will be treated as outsiders or you for that matter.
RL
Thank you Ron,
I just read your message & was actually just reading on the relocation board. I posted on the wrong board. Thank you for your help & time.
You're welcome. Just that you are more apt to find more answers over there. Some of us do frequent both boards.
RL
