History

Since our founding in 1962, Lyford Cay International School has been committed to inspiring excellence in its students, teachers and community.

EP TAYLOR FOUNDED LYFORD CAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, later renamed Lyford Cay International School (LCIS), for the children of employees in his grand property venture on the western side of New Providence, The Bahamas. What started with just nine students and two teachers has grown to a school that serves local students seeking an innovative and rigorous educational experience, as well as the international business and diplomatic community of the island.

The 1990s were a period of tremendous growth for the school, with the addition of the Early Learning Centre, new buildings and international accreditation. By 2003, the original Secondary School building was completed and LCIS received authorisation from the International Baccalaureate (IB) to offer the Middle Years Programme. By the end of the decade, the school had expanded to Grade 12, and achieved authorisation for the IB Diploma and Primary Years Programmes. In 2018, facility and programme expansion continued with the addition of a multipurpose building on the Lower School campus, the start of construction for a new secondary campus and the addition of the Career-Related Programme.

The new state-of-the-art Upper School campus was opened in 2021, featuring a science lab, physics classroom, robotics lab, art studio, dance theatre and multi-purpose sport courts, with additional facilities planned as part of a multi-year master plan.

Timeline

  • Black and white professional photo of founder E P Taylor wearing suit and tie.

    1962

    Entrepreneur and horse-breeder, EP Taylor, founded the school with nine students and two teachers.

  • Black and white photo of student body group shot. A pet dog included. Students are all wearing white shorts and school blouses.

    1974

    The student body increased to 95.

  • Black and white photo of students holding school banner marching in parade.

    1991

    Lyford Cay School is the first primary school to have a marching band and its own newspaper.

  • Blck and white photo of students working at vintage computers.

    1993

    The school is incorporated as a non-profit.

  • Photo of ribbon cutting ceremony.

    1994

    The new Early Learning Centre and Elementary School buildings are opened.

  • Students and teacher gathered around a table looking at project.

    1998

    International accreditation is established.

  • Photo of students gathered around upright piano singing.

    2003

    The school is authorised to offer the IB Middle Years Programme.

  • Photo of early stages of construction project.

    2004

    An expanded high school opens in a renovated building and the school is authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme.

  • Group shot of graduates in school blue graduation gowns.

    2006

    Lyford Cay School is renamed Lyford Cay International School and sees its first class of graduates.

  • Photo of group of five students oi classroom smiling for the camera.

    2009

    Authorisation for the IB Primary Years Programme is achieved.

  • Six stakeholders at ribbon cutting event posing in front of Dingman .

    2018

    The new multipurpose building is dedicated as Dingman Hall. The school received authorisation to offer the IB Career-Related Programme.

  • Main entrance to new Upper School building

    2021

    LCIS officially opened the new Upper School campus just a half-mile walk away from the original Lower School campus in Lyford Cay.

  • School logo with 60 year added.

    2022

    LCIS celebrates 60 years since its founding in 1962.

LCIS At-a-glance

Lyford Cay uniform

Vintage photo of jocky on thoroughbred at race on the track with full stands behind.

LCIS has developed and changed over its nearly 60 years in existence, but one thing remains the same. The uniforms have always included references to the turquoise and gold of EP Taylor’s horse-racing colours, as seen here on his famous thoroughbred, Northern Dancer.

Vintage photo of group of students wearing white shorts and light blue blouses and two teachers.
Left side is photo of young boy in an inner tube wearing blue v-neck shortsleaved shirt with yellow collar and trim. Right side shows two young girls on swing wearing blue dresses with yellow neck ties.
Left side shows 5 girls in cheerleading uniforms right photo shows two boys arm in arm wearing blue polos and yellow ribbons
Right side shows young girl on a tricycle wearing a blue and white gingham style checked dress with school patch and school hat. Right side shows toddler wearing blue t-shirt with large school logo.

Lyford Cay Logo Through the Ages

Lyford Cay Mascot

“LC was a special sea dragon for it is said that anyone who catches sight of him will be blessed with good fortune. One day, LC found himself swimming through the canal at Lyford Cay. Amidst the buildings of a lovely school was a sweet, purple sea grape tree in full bloom. After he’d eaten his fill of his favourite food, he dozed off under the tree. LC woke up to the sounds of laughing children. The sea dragon roared, but the children were not afraid. They invited him to play and he is now sure to visit them on any special school occasion.”
— From the 1995 Yearbook

Lyford Cay Yearbooks Through the Ages

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“From the beginning, the values of the school have included open-mindedness, respect for the opinions and cultural background of others, positive communication and a safe, friendly, supportive community. I believe that my first formative years at LCIS were very instrumental in building the values that I have applied in my later education, work, community and family life.”
— Simon Townend, Board Chair and Parent

1962

Year Founded

9

Number of Original Students

1:72

Schools Worldwide to Offer All Four IB Programmes

2006

First Graduating Class