KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica says it has high expectations for the 2025/2026 academic year, including an island-wide national school bus system and the reintroduction of civics in schools.

“The society that ensures its children are exposed to a solid education guarantees its long-term stability, growth and development with much excitement and high expectations, the NPTAJ is anticipating yet another value-added school year,” it said in a statement on Thursday.

The organisation maintained that parents are ready to “put their shoulders to the wheel” and carve with precision a positive place in society for our nation’s children.

The NPTAJ says it will be expecting the continuation of:

1. A dedicated island-wide school bus system for children to and from school.

2. Nutrition in schools aimed at mandating providers to serve healthier, more nutritious meals.

3. Encouragement of greater teacher retention.

4. Enhanced safety in schools.

In its thrust to galvanise parents to think and act always as nation builders, the NPTAJ is also imploring the Government to improve [access] for special needs [students], enhance mental health services, and speedily reintroduce civics in schools.

“The new school year 2025/2026 will certainly present disruptions during the first week; however, our school system in Jamaica has faced its fair share of challenges over the decades. With the strong alliance of the PTA, Teachers and School Administration, there is no hurdlewe can’t overcome,” it said