History and education

The Convent of Mercy Academy "Alpha" continues to turn out bright and promising students

1880–1894

Initial Vision (1880): The institution began with Jamaican woman Justine 'Jessie' Ripoll, who used her personal savings to purchase 43 acres of land on South Camp Road. On May 1, 1880, she and two companions opened an orphanage named "Alpha Cottage" to care for abandoned children.

133 Years of history and education

The Convent of Mercy Academy "Alpha," commonly known as Alpha Academy, is a prominent Roman Catholic high school for ladies in Kingston, Jamaica. Its history is deeply intertwined with the religious and social mission of the Sisters of Mercy.  Read more

Principals

1894 - 1895

Sister Margaret Mary Ximinez

1895 - 1898

Sister M. Evangelist London

1898 - 1903

Sister M. Agnes Clare Mackey

1903 - 1907

Mother Mary Aquinas Kearns

1915 - 1916

Sister M. Stanislaus Driscoll

1916 - 1925

Sister M. Veronica Doorly

1925 - 1932

Sister M. Fidelis Nearly (Little Flower Academy)

1932 - 1943

Sister M. Veronica Doorly

1943 - 1952

Sister M. Cecilia Feehelly (Convent of Mercy)

1949 - 1952

Sister M. Pascal Figueroa (Acting-Principal) Sister Pascal Figueroa was conferred with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) in 2008 for services in the field of Health and Education

1953 - 1960

Sister M. Philomena McCaherty

1960 - 1995

Sister M. Bernadette Little In 1977 Sister Bernadette Little received the National Honour of the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) and two years later, she received the Papal Award of Pro Ecclesia et Pontiface in recognition of her outstanding service to the nation and the field of Education.

1966 - 1968

Sister Donna Lowe Ching (Acting-Principal)

1969

Sister M. Pauline Mallette (Acting-Principal - January - May)

1984 -1985

Mrs. Gerda Theobalds (Acting-Principal)

1995– 2001

Sister Catherine Grace Barrett

2006

Mr. Sydney Reid (Acting Principal) September - December

2001 - 2016

Mr. Mackran Singh Mr. Singh was the first layman to hold the position of Principal at the Academy. Mr. Singh received the Order of Distinction (Officer Class) in August, 2011 for his contribution to Education.

2016 - Present

Mrs. Kali McMorris