To reduce operating costs and help establish the institution’s environmental footprint, the operators of the Drax Hall, St Ann based Pimento International Academy, hosted a fundraising Halloween party on the weekend.

According to board member Asha Issa, the turnout was impressive.

“All of our Pimento families were in attendance, plus we welcomed many new children and families to our campus,” Issa told Observer Online on Monday.

Issa said, “The aim of our Halloween party was to raise funds for a solar system for the school — not only to help reduce our operating costs but the school’s environmental footprint.”

Issa noted that the event raised half of the required funds; however, the institution is awaiting further committed donations and contributions.

The Pimento International Academy is located in Drax Hall estate, in the hills of Drax Hall. It was previously located at the St Ann Polo Club in Drax Hall before relocating to its present location in January.

The institution opened almost 20 years ago in Runaway Bay.

“We currently have 38 students, and some of these students are from various nationalities including Spain, Japan, India, Italy and of course Jamaica,” said board member Susanne Valli.

While the institution currently operates kindergarten to grade eight, there are long-term plans to expand to accommodate high school students.

The school’s principal is Kayla Hanson.