Convent of Mercy (Alpha Academy)

In 1894, Alpha cottage, which served as a home for the sisters and the orphans, was transformed into a High School for girls and became known as the Convent of Mercy Academy ‘Alpha’. Mother Mary Aquinas Kearns was officially named the first Principal and the building was formally blessed and declared open on May 1, 1894. The first students were Ethline and Ivy Hodge, Leah and Ella Johnson; by 1918 enrollment had reached 100. It served as a secondary institution for upper and middle class children of Kingston and St. Andrew. The High School has borne various names, among them ‘The Little Flower Academy, ‘Alpha Academy’ and finally, ‘Convent of Mercy Academy, ‘Alpha’. Increasing enrollment and academic achievement brought recognition and approval to this institution which qualified for assistance from the government in 1939. The present enrollment is approximately 1400 students.