The Great Start Academy (GSA), a beacon in the Bull Savannah Community, South St. Elizabeth, and its environs, conceptualized through to the vision of Founder and Principal Director Mrs. Sharon Bent in 2014. The school has made significant academic and infrastructural progress over the years, from Market Street in Junction to its current home in Bull Savannah. The institution’s progress is manifested through the growth in population due to the overwhelming demand for space by stakeholders near and far. The school has indeed found its niche and has earned its place as a school of choice in St. Elizabeth. I am indeed humbled and extremely proud to serve as chairman of this illustrious institution.

In the short lifespan of the institution, the school family has much to celebrate; these accolades include becoming an examination centre two (2) years after its inception, participating in the JCDC festival, and attaining and attaining over 80% Average in traditional high school placements consistently. Additionally, the school entrance into the TVJ Junior School’s Challenge Quiz in 2022 and its 2nd place placement in 2023 has placed in in an elite group among elementary schools in Jamaica, Prep or Primary and has presented it as a formidable academic force.  

The school’s eleventh year boasts a population exceeding 450 students, a record in enrolment and extremely supportive parents, caring staff and a community atmosphere. The GSA family is unique as it creates an extremely welcoming and nurturing environment for students with special needs, building confidence in students and providing hope for parents who were otherwise despondent.

The Great Start Academy is indeed a Brand, created through hard work, love for children, dedication to success, inclusion and equity. Credit must be awarded to our transformational leader and Principal Director and the entire Great Start team for their purpose driven focus on achieving success for every student entering the halls of this centre of excellence. Each child is therefore assured of a “Great Start, setting him/her on a path to a Great Future.” Our brilliant and well-mannered students continue to bring us immense pride and joy.

Our school boasts a phenomenal leader, and founder, whose passion is to fashion students into wholesome, talented young people who are willing to exploit their talents and gifts to be worthwhile citizens of the world. She is dedicated to contributing positively to our nation Jamaica through education and social contributions. We are also blessed with a dedicated group of academic, administrative, and ancillary staff, who go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect our students. They help create a family atmosphere as all are referred to as “Aunties and Uncles”, while they attended to the students in a nurturing manner.

We are grateful to you, our stakeholders who have partnered with us to make Great Start Academy, a school of choice in this community; our parents who have given indefatigable support to your children and the school. Thanks to our corporate sponsors who are always there to support events at the school, members of the Bull Sav, Junction and adjoining communities, friends of the school and the Ministry of Education and Youth. Finally, we give thanks to almighty God for his blessings on this Great institution and pray that it will continue its phenomenal work and growth.

Dr Prim R. Lewis
Chairman of The Board
Great Start Academy