Our Heritage
A century of Franciscan excellence in Jamaican education.
1897
Year Founded
125+
Years of Service
1st
Catholic Teachers’ College
The Arrival
Three Franciscan Sisters of Allegany arrived from New York, answering the call to serve the Jamaican people. Their mission laid the spiritual foundation for what would become a beacon of teacher education.
Duke Street Foundation
Under the leadership of Sr. Deloris McGrane, SJTC opened its doors with just six female students. It was the first institution dedicated to training Catholic teachers in Jamaica.
Resilience & Rebirth
After a devastating fire at Duke Street, the college relocated to Alvernia. This move, supported by the D’Aquin family, marked a new era of permanence and growth in Kingston.
Breaking Barriers
A historic milestone as the college transitioned to co-education, enrolling its first male student. This shift broadened the college’s reach and impact across the entire education sector.
The Degree Era
Transitioning from diploma-level training to offering full four-year Bachelor of Education degrees, solidifying SJTC as a premier tertiary choice in the Caribbean.
Modern Expansion
With a state-of-the-art Mathematics building and the William Sheehan Library, we continue to expand our physical and academic footprint to meet 21st-century needs.