Jamaica College (also JC or J.C.) is a public, Christian, secondary school for boys in Kingston/St Andrew, Jamaica (Caribbean).
Motto (Latin): Floreat Collegium, Fervet Opus in Campis (May the College Flourish, Work is Burning in the Field).
Jamaica College (JC) was established in 1789 by Charles Drax.
Founded in 1789, it is the fourth oldest high school in the country.
First established as a boarding school for boys, it has remained a single-sex school with the boarding facilities removed.
During the 18th century when Jamaica prospered as a sugar colony of the British Empire, several large donations were made for the funding of schools.
The objective of these bequests was usually to provide free education for the poor of the parish to which the benefactor belonged and Jamaica College (JC) is a product of such a bequest.
During its history, the school has changed both name and location four times.
1. Drax Free School
2. Jamaica Free School
3. Jamaica High School
4. Jamaica College
Drax Free School: location St. Ann, founded by Charles Drax. Occupation; planter originally from Twickenham, England.
Jamaica Free School: location Walton Pen, near Moneague, St. Ann. In 1807 a year later, another Act of Legislature gave the school the name, Jamaica Free School.
Jamaica High School: In 1879, during the governorship of Sir Anthony Musgrave, a provision was made by law for the Jamaica Free School to come under the jurisdiction of the Jamaica School Commission.
The school was removed from Walton Pen, St. Ann in 1883, and classes were conducted at Barbican Great House until mid-1885 with new headmaster, Reverend (later Archdeacon) William Simms.
The buildings on Old Hope Road were opened on 9 July 1885, by the then Governor of Jamaica, Sir Henry Wylie Norman, and the first classes took place in September of the same year.
In September 1890, a college was opened in connection with the school, known as University College. The site at Old Hope Road was also the tropical outpost of the University of London.
The name revision reflected this change, which became the school's second purpose. Until 1902 there were two separate names for the school's units. Subsequently, Jamaica High School and University College were amalgamated under the name Jamaica College.
Given that the sole purpose of Jamaica College from 1903 onwards was to train potential university students in the days when the University of the West Indies did not exist, in practice most students did not go further than fourth or fifth forms.
Jamaica College developed as a boarding institution until 1967, when that system was removed. Up to that period, the school population was primarily composed of boys from affluent families and heritage.
Today, as a day school, it comprises students from a wide cross-section of the community.
Over the years, it has nurtured a rich tradition in academic and athletic fields.
Its Old Boys continue to play important roles in the religious, political, business and professional services, of Jamaica.
Notably, in 2011, JC was awarded to be the most innovative high school in Jamaica which is a reflection of the many achievements and special development programmes.
Awarded through the Unearthing Innovations Project education competition.
The Jamaica College Museum was established at he school to preserve the rich history of the school.
The museum boasts scores of poster boards.
It also boasts several video screens, allowing users to find the articles they need speedily.
Pictures of original buildings, as well as schoolboys participating in various sporting disciplines.