Established in 1880 as a "school for wayward boys", it became renowned for both the discipline it instilled in its pupils and the outstanding musical tuition they received.

[6] Its music instructors have included Lennie Hibbert, Ruben Delgado and Sparrow Martin.

[11] Alpha's tee shirts include designs for the Jamaica Sound System Federation & Active fashion India.

Featuring music performed by Alpha's alumni, including jazz stalwarts of the 1950s and 1960s like Joe Harriott and Dizzy Reece, ska pioneers the Skatalites, Cedric 'Im' Brooks and Rico Rodriguez; Vin Gordon; Leroy Smart and Leroy 'Horsemouth' Wallace; and Winston 'Yellowman' Foster.

[18] In November 2017, authors Heather Augustyn and Adam Reeves published their book, Alpha Boys' School: Cradle of Jamaican Music, from Half Pint Press.