History of Ardenne Preparatory Mandeville

ARDENNE PREPARATORY Mandeville was previously known as Excell Learning Centre, which opened its doors in September 1989 with seven students. This institution was the brainchild of Daphne Holness, a trained teacher with a passion for education and children.

The school was located on the property of the Mandeville Church of God, utilising the space in an adjoining building.

Over the years, the school has grown while meeting the needs of the Mandeville community for primary education at a minimal cost.

Prior to her retirement in 2008, Holness made an offer to the Church of God in Jamaica to assume ownership and management of the school as she did not want to see it close its doors.

The church took over complete ownership and responsibility for the school in July 2010, with a population of approximately 50 students.

Under new management, the school was accepted as a member of the Ardenne Group of Schools, and in 2014, the school was rebranded Ardenne Preparatory Mandeville. The growth and the interest in the school from the community were tremendous as they embraced the ‘Ardenne’ brand in Mandeville.

This entity now occupies the buildings owned by the Church of God, previously used for the conference centre.

The school enjoys collaboration with other entities of the Church of God, especially the Leadership Training Institute and the Mandeville Church of God.

GROWTH CONTINUES

With the renewed thrust, the population continued to increase to over 200 students in 2016, and numbers have continued to grow steadily, and it has become necessary to expand the existing facilities to accommodate additional classroom and bathroom spaces.

The evolution of the school is not only evident in the expansion in the numbers and physical facilities, but also in the programmes that have been offered to enhance the curriculum. Such programmes as music and information technology and the inclusion of clubs and societies are assisting to develop the necessary skills of the 21st-century learner.

Our spiritual focus has also been intensified, with the provision spiritual guidance for each child through the daily worship exercises and our Christian Emphasis Week as we seek to provide high-quality education in a Christian environment.