The Preparatory School started in 1925 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 in turn gave it over to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany (New York, USA) when the school was set up.
The Franciscan Sisters or Allegany conducted schools in Kingston, Jamaica were asked to open schools in Montego Bay. This school was opened as a fee-paying school.
At first the name of the school was St. James Academy, but was later changed to Mount Alvernia Academy. There were twenty pupils enrolled. This included day pupils and boarders, ranging from kindergarten to high school.
Sr. Theophane was the first headmistress, assisted by Sr. Eugene. Classes were held in the convent, as there was no separate building. Sr. Eugene returned to Kingston in 1930.
In 1932, Sr. Salome arrived as superior of the convent and taught in the Kindergarten and Prep department, with Sr. Theophane in charge of the “higher education” and music. Sr. Elaine also arrived in 1932 for a year. She died quite suddenly on September 10, 1933.
In March 1934, Sr. St. James joined the staff and was put in charge of the “lower education.” The school was growing in numbers and to facilitate the great demand for school places, the boys dormitory was converted each day into a classroom–bed out, desk and chairs in! The process was reversed in the evening! This onerous chore would not be tolerated today, but need prompted this sacrifice and the Sisters willingly shouldered this.
From June 1938 to August 1939 the Sisters lived at Bloomsbury Guest House while the convent was being renovated and enlarged. A garage was also built, but the Sisters could not afford a car; this was used as a classroom and cafeteria. Some years later, this substantial base was converted into a two-story building which housed one of the kindergarten classrooms. Lay teachers supplemented the staff, notably Miss Beryl Evelyn, Miss Valerie Hylton, and Mrs. E. Edwards.
Sr. Antoninus arrived in 1939 as the new superior and taught a few subjects in the Prep Division. Sr. Magdalen Marie taught for several years as a lay teacher and returned after her profession as a Sister.
In 1964, a new separate building was started in Kindergarten and Prep. This was a three-story structure to accommodate two kindergarten classes and six grades. Sr. Elizabeth was in charge for one year.
In 1965, the Tate property adjoined Mount Alvernia was acquired and provided boarding space and ground area for playing field to implement the sports programme.
Sr. St. Thomas took charge at this time and there was no other Sister on the staff for the following year. However, Sr. Charlotte came in 1967-1969, and then Sr. Josette Marie taught from 1968-1969.
In September 1969, Sr. St. Thomas was transferred to Highgate as Principal of Marymount Prep.
Sr. Anne Martin was the next headmistress for a year, assisted by Sr. Mary Murphy. For the next two years Sr. Danita was in charge, 1970-1972. Then Sr. Stella Rose for one term. She died tragically in December 1972.
In January 1973, Sr. Greta Clarke arrived as head teacher and ran a fine school that contributed to a great need in Montego Bay.
Mrs. Hyacinth Myrie was the first secular principal. She assumed the office in September 1994, after Sr. Magdalen retired.
Mount Alvernia Preparatory School is rated as the finest Prep. School in and around Montego Bay.