Public schools, safer areas

[soccerrprp]

Hi all,

Teacher here. Planning to teach in the US Virgin Islands and bringing beautiful physician wife and four ethnically diverse children under the age of 10 along for the ride. Want to and considering LT stay, but want to know more about the diversity, condition of the public schools. Do most that move down to the USVI enroll their children into private schools instead?

Also want to get a general idea of what part of the islands are "safer", less crime.

Thanks all.

[equineannie]

Most do private schools, safest area is East End: Red Hook, near Four Seasons. Stay away from downtown, locals avoid after dark. West End is beautiful but a bit remote. North Shore is fine except Smith Bay...I lived on St Thomas and St John. It's a challenge, but worth it. Like anywhere, it has crime, especially drug related, but most of the locals are pretty nice. Strongly suggest where you live has a generator, and make sure you have a solid vehicle that will handle the hillss. Enjoy your adventure!

[Exit Zero]

There is no Four Seasons on St Thomas - there are 'safe' areas on every part of the islands - there is a vast difference between St. Thomas, St Croix and St. John so perhaps narrowing your question down to a particular island will allow for much more detailed responses.
Generally the private schools both sectarian and non- sectarian are very diverse and because they are somewhat costly it is more of an income driven enrollment - the public schools vary through the grade levels but certainly do graduate a fair number of college bound seniors each year.
You might want to read a lot of the info available on a relocation website:

http://www.vimovingcenter.com
It is an interesting locale to live in but definitely not for everyone and overall is more expensive Cost of Living than most stateside communities.