IT has only been in operation for a year but already the Brighter Dreams Preparatory School in Beverley, Runaway Bay, St Ann, is making a name for itself, as its students won four medals in the recent staging of the parish finals of the 4-H competition.

Since it opened its doors in April 2013 the school has grown significantly under the leadership of principal and founder Chelsian Pyne.

Persons, she said, can expect to hear of many more positives coming out of the school in the near future.

“They will be hearing a lot about Brighter Dreams at the parish and national levels,” she told the Jamaica Observer North East.

At a time when teachers were panicking that there would be no opportunities for them when they finished their studies, Pyne, who was out of a job for months, had a vision.

The educator who possessed a great business mind decided to start a school which would not only allow her to utilise her skills as a teacher but would provide employment for several others.

“You have to be smart when starting a business,” the young head of the school said.

According to Pyne, the school started out in an apartment with only six students and three teachers, which included herself, but she had a plan and it did work.

Over the months, the numbers grew to its current population of 32 students and six teachers at the institution which had to relocate from its original home.

The teachers have been working assiduously with the students and already the fruits of their labours are evident.

Outside of the 4-H club there are several other clubs which have been aiding in the development of the students.

“It is an elated feeling to see my sister accomplish so much in one year,” said Ash Monique Fullerton, a teacher at the institution.

She was among several who expressed delight at seeing the growth of the school in one year.

“I feel ecstatic,” Sharma Henry, another teacher at the institution said.

Duewayne Neath, the only male teacher at the institution, also expressed his happiness with the school’s growth.

“It is a remarkable effort, one that has a lot of possibility as long as we get added resources,” he said.

While the school has been performing well in its first year of existence, Neath said there is always room for growth as the school has a lot to offer.

“It’s a friendly environment with caring and responsible teachers, one that is conducive to learning, no distractions,” he explained.

Pyne added that the staff at the school put their own touch to the conducive learning environment.

“We have a brilliant and well-experienced GSAT (Grade Six Achievement Test) teacher,” Pyne explained, adding that the school entered its first student for GSAT this year.

With many institutions failing, the staff at Brighter Dreams Preparatory said this is not an option for the school.

“Failure is not an option. We are united for the cause. As our motto states ‘togetherness is a mark of success. Therefore we will bond towards our achievement,” Pyne said.

According to Fullerton, the school has students who travel from as far as Discovery Bay.

“We provide our own transportation for children,” Pyne said, noting that this is a big step by the school as many institutions do not offer this service.

Extra curricular activities are important for the school which encourages its children to participate in activities outside of the classroom in order to enhance their intellectual growth and development.

The school has several clubs which include the Brownie, 4-H, Spelling Bee, Scouts, Drama and Speech, Wellness, Reading, and Math clubs.

“We not only focus on the academics as we believe that children must be given the chance to explore and gain experience,” the principal said.

She also explained that in addition to the core academic subjects, the students were introduced to other areas such as Spanish, computer science, music, and guidance and counselling.

Pyne said she is grateful to the many persons who have helped to contribute to the success of the school.

“Thanks to our chairman Roderick Campbell, my mom Joycelyn Grant Fullerton and all the other persons who contributed to the organisation,” Pyne said.