Our History
Ardenne High School’s History
Ardenne High School’s (AHS) story begins in the wake of Jamaica’s great 1907 earthquake, when Rev. George and Nellie Olson arrived from the Church of God headquarters in Anderson, Indiana, to serve as missionaries. In May 1927, they opened their first small school on Highholborn Street in Kingston with just five students.
Two years later, through the generosity of the Church of God Missionary Board in the U.S.A. and private donors, a 12-acre property on Ardenne Roads was purchased, and the first buildings were constructed. In January 1938, the school officially moved to this new campus.
Mrs. Nellie Olson, co-founder, served as the first principal until 1944, followed by her daughter, Miss Mary Olson, who led the school through its formative years until 1969. She was succeeded by Miss E.M. Claire Gayle, then Mr. Roy J. Ebanks (1979–1996), Mr. Winston Roberts (1996–2000), Mrs. Esther Tyson (2000–2012), and Miss Nadine A. Molloy (2012–2024). The current interim principal is Dr. Jacqueline Pinto.
Today, Ardenne hosts about 2,000 students and 150 faculty and staff. The facilities and programs have grown to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, offering 39 subjects through the Caribbean Examinations Council, supported by a unique Personal Development program, a lively Chaplaincy, a dedicated Dean’s Office, and a strong Guidance and Counselling Department.
AHS is dedicated to nurturing the whole student—mentally, physically, socially, academically, and spiritually. Ardennites are encouraged to participate in at least one co-curricular activity, with options ranging from competitive sports (Swimming, Football, Netball, Track & Field, and more) to clubs, societies, and cultural groups such as Drama, Dance, Chess, Debating, Schools’ Challenge Quiz, and the Ardenne Coalition of Environmentalists (ACE).
When the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March 2020, Ardenne was able to pivot quickly to virtual learning, thanks to the early integration of Information and Communication Technology into teaching and assessment. Today, the school fully embraces the STEAM approach, ensuring our students thrive in both in-person and online environments.
AHS’s Christian heritage remains central to everything they do. Guided by their motto, Deo Duce Quaere Optima — “With God as Guide, Seek the Best” — they continue to collaborate with alumni, PTA, and corporate supporters to provide an education that prepares students to succeed in an ever-changing world.
