The Mission
Our Mission as a school is "Making Jesus proud showing love and respect among staff, students, and parents, so that all feel loved through excellence in teaching, learning, caring, and working together." The main goals of this Christian School are to encourage a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and to build a foundation for further Christian maturity; to produce responsible citizens and prepare them for leadership in their communities; to provide secondary education in preparation for further education or occupation.
1950's
Founded on The Rock
Independent missionaries from Missouri and South Carolina came to Eleuthera in the 1950’s and held adult classes, and children’s camps. In the 1960’s missionaries with Gospel Missionary Union came to help expand these ministries.
It was soon recognized that children living on the family islands of The Bahamas had no opportunity for high school education unless they left their home island and lived with relatives in the capital city of Nassau. The Bahamas Ministry of Education and private church related schools at that time provided scholarships to students who scored well on the Common Entrance Exam taken at age eleven.
Missionaries and community leaders from Savannah Sound and other settlements had the vision of building a boarding high school so that children could be educated closer to home in a Christian environment. The community of Savannah Sound gave the lovely site named Melrose Hill. The campus of Windermere High School overlooks the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the turquoise waters of Exuma Sound on the West.
1967
Building Commenced
Building commenced with missionaries and many volunteers from Savannah Sound and other settlements working hard to clear the land and erect the principal’s residence, the first dormitory, and the dining hall. Windermere High School was officially opened in September 1967, after community leaders petitioned the government for permission to begin. Eleven students enrolled to prepare themselves for writing the Bahamas Junior Certificate Examinations. In January, 1968, three additional students joined the class bringing the first years enrollment to 14. Students came primarily from Bible Classes that had been conducted throughout Eleuthera.
During the first year, the students, staff, and volunteers constructed a large two-story dormitory, which made room for the expansion of the student body. The ground floor included a room for the library and two classrooms. The second year the student body grew to 39 and then continued to increase making further building necessary.
1970's
Expansion Continued
The first dorm was extended, and two dorm apartments were added. A main classroom building housing the library and serving as an auditorium was added in the 1970’s and in the 80’s the classroom complex was completed with the addition of three classrooms, three offices, and a staff room.
In 1972, a Bahamian Committee of Managers was officially inaugurated to give direction to the school. Well-known Bahamian Evangelist, Tom Roberts, was the first President. He was succeeded by Mr. Oswald Ingraham, now the Honorable Member of Parliament for South Eleuthera and Speaker of the House of Assembly. Alumnus, the Rev. James Neilly followed as the third President with the well-known educator, Ms. E. Rosetta Gibson serving as the fourth President.
2003
Period of Transition
In 2003, the capable, enthusiastic leadership and sponsorship of Born Again Bahamians known as The Windermere Group. Gospel Missionary Union continues to work along with the school. Along with the transition Windermere High School to Bahamians, the Committee of Managers along with the Board of Directors had named Dr. Walter Gibson as the Chairman of the Board.
Currently we are catering to the needs of grade 7-12 with students writing the Bahamas Junior Exams at Grade 9 and the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education exams in Grade 11 and 12. There is classroom space for 125 students and housing space for 25 boys in the boys dormitory, and 30 girls in the girls dormitory.
Windermere High School has a strong academic emphasis with a balanced curriculum. Our staff has an international flavor, coming from six different countries and each is a born again Christian. Each staff member is dedicated to providing academic excellence as well as a caring Christian community for each student at Windermere High School.
Windermere has a well-rounded physical education and sports program. School teams compete in softball, basketball, volleyball, track and field, with other high schools on the island. Spiritual emphasis is highlighted during the spring and fall of the school year. A special youth speaker is invited. Students participate in the opening sessions with drama, skits, music, reading and dance. The opportunity for ministry and leadership training by conduction Children’s Bible Clubs in various settlements is offered to students who volunteer.
Windermere has contributed to the education of 1000 plus students and has produced quite a number of outstanding alumni who are giving meaningful leadership, quality service and making a positive impact on their island nation.
The major goals continue to be:
- To encourage a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and to build a foundation for further Christian maturity.
- To produce responsible citizens and prepare them for leadership in their communities.
- To provide secondary education in preparation for further education or occupation.
We praise the Lord for his goodness, provision, and the opportunity to work with Bahamian young people and help them becomeChristians and mature young citizens ready to take their responsibility in a growing, maturing nation.