The story of First Born Basic School begins in the early 1960s, when a vision for quality early childhood education took root in the heart of St. Catherine. Born from the nurturing environment of a local church, the school was established with the fundamental belief that 'Only The Best Is Good Enough' for the children in our community. From these humble beginnings, First Born Basic School set out to provide exceptional infant education grounded in Christian values and academic excellence.
Throughout its early decades, the school built a reputation for producing well-rounded students who went on to become outstanding men and women in their communities. Despite changes in leadership over the years, the school's commitment to excellence remained unwavering, and it continued to serve as a beacon of quality education in the Old Harbour Road area. The school's foundation within a church setting instilled a strong sense of community and spiritual values that would define its character for generations.
A pivotal moment in the school's history came in 1999 when Kathleen Dodd was appointed as Head Teacher following her predecessor's illness. Under Mrs. Dodd's visionary leadership, the school entered a new era of growth and development. Recognizing that the institution had outgrown its original church premises, she spearheaded efforts to secure a dedicated facility for the school.
Through determined fundraising efforts and with the generous support of the local community, Mrs. Dodd successfully led the school's relocation to its own grounds at 11 Williams Lane. This transition marked a significant milestone in the school's journey, providing students with a purpose-built learning environment designed specifically for early childhood education. The move demonstrated the school's commitment to providing only the best facilities and resources for its students.
Today, First Born Basic School stands as a testament to the power of vision, community support, and unwavering dedication to educational excellence. With over six decades of service to the St. Catherine community, the school continues to thrive 'by the grace of God,' as Mrs. Dodd fondly notes. Under the guidance of Chairman Kemar Johnson and the Board of Directors, including members Marie Grant, Michael Williams, Dwight Stewart, Dowane Stewart, and Kareem Smith, the school remains committed to its founding principles while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation in early childhood education.