Admissions Ambassadors
Semester & Summer Term Ambassadors
We believe the best people to tell you about our programs are those who have lived it for themselves! As Admissions Ambassadors, the students below embody the core of The Island School’s ideals; leadership, curiosity, sustainability, and community. Our Ambassadors are excited to connect with you to share more about their experiences applying to The Island School, their time on Eleuthera, and the transition returning back home. We truly believe that the success of our program is represented by our passionate alumni.
Below, we hope you find a student that reminds you of yourself (scroll through based on residential location)! If you would like to speak with an Admissions Ambassador, please submit the form at the bottom of the page. An Ambassador will reach out to you shortly after!
The Bahamas
Farah, Freeport
Farah, Freeport
“It was refreshing to be disconnected. Not always knowing what was going on in other people’s realities allowed you to appreciate yours.”
Journey, Elbow Cay
Journey, Elbow Cay
“I developed a stronger desire to learn and was reminded to stay curious because I was physically in the field, actively observing what we were discussing. For example, in my coral research class, I didn’t just learn about coral reefs from slideshows; I got to explore an entire underwater world firsthand. Being able to see the reefs with my own eyes, observe marine life up close, and collect data in real time made the learning experience so much more meaningful.”
Northeast
Adalia, NY
Adalia, NY
“During my time at Island School, people would say that ‘your mind will quit before your body does.’ This mindset taught me how to keep going even though you feel like you can’t because you will discover your limits. During my down island trip and solo, I learned how to embrace the uncomfortable. During hours spent in vans or doing ORCA’s, I learned how to spend time with myself and reflect and embrace the strange moments.”
Alison, NY
Alison, NY
“The Island School left a lasting impression on me by showing me that leadership can take many forms. Leadership isn’t always about being the loudest or most outspoken in a room. Sometimes it’s about listening, supporting others, leading by example, or showing up with integrity day after day.”
Alling, MA
Alling, MA
“The research and place-based classes are probably what stood out to me the most about the academic courses. I had not realized how involved we would be in our research classes and that we would actually get to contribute in real ways to ongoing, relevant research. This was something I would have never had the chance to do had I not attended The Island School, and Fish Physiology was definitely a highlight of my semester.”
Anna, MA
Anna, MA
“I learned how to confide in my peers and faculty. I’ve always loved nature and animals, but I feel like I learned how to really love people.”
Anthony, CT
Anthony, CT
“It left a good impression mainly from closeness in community and how we would all come together at circle and give our announcements, kudos, and ‘nammis,’ which you wouldn’t see that anywhere else.”
Barlow, ME
Barlow, ME
“The dorms are a great place to live and help you build great relationships. I loved showering outside and reducing my shower time. Disconnection from tech was awesome as well; it was so easy, and I never felt like I wanted my phone. Being home, I realize the privilege I had to live in a phone-free community.”
Eliana, MA
Eliana, MA
“I think the morning exercise programs taught me a lot about self-accountability and about showing up for your own success. In training for the final events and preparing for solo, you are really the only one reaping the rewards of your efforts.”
Emma, MA
Emma, MA
“The 8-day kayak trip was definitely my favorite part of Island School. I learned that I can push myself and be okay with being uncomfortable. During this kayak trip, I also felt the most connected to nature and in the moment I have felt my entire life.”
Grace, MA
Grace, MA
“I felt myself become more independent and more of a type-B person in a good way. I feel like before I went to the Island School, I was always stressed about the next thing, and always planning for worst-case scenarios, but now I feel more relaxed, and trust myself to live more in the present.”
Hattie, RI
Hattie, RI
“I learned so much about myself as I pushed limits I did not know existed. I was able to improve my running so much throughout this program, completing my half marathon 15 minutes faster than my initial goal. AMX helped me learn how I best improve and reach goals I set for myself, and expeditions taught me how to problem solve in stressful situations.”
Katie, MA
Katie, MA
“My biggest takeaway from The Island School is the importance of a strong community. The IS community is vast but yet still feels so small. You get the privilege of getting to know everyone, no matter their role in the community on campus or off campus. You learn to step up and lend an extra hand wherever they are needed, whether that is in the kitchen, the farm, or the ELC. You are told and eventually learn to put the community first and put yourself second.”
Keagan, NY
Keagan, NY
“What stood out to me was how much field work we did. I was expecting us to do hands-on learning. What I wasn’t expecting was how many different places we went to. I also didn’t expect research to be as fun as it was.”
Khalid, MA
Khalid, MA
“The Island School showed me that leadership means serving others and the planet. My biggest takeaway is that small changes—like conserving energy or helping a teammate—can create a big impact. It made me more confident in my ability to make a difference.”
Lekha, NY
Lekha, NY
“I was surprised by the level of interconnectedness on campus, something I hadn’t fully anticipated. At the start of the summer, one of my goals was to have a conversation with someone new every day, and that’s exactly what happened. Whether through interviews with locals, business owners, and tourists on the Down Island Trip (DIT), or in everyday interactions with staff and faculty, each conversation became a meaningful thread in my summer story.”
Lila, MA
Lila, MA
“One of my favorite quotes that I’ve learned from The Island School is: “nothing gold can stay”. To me, it means enjoy every moment and live in the present because time keeps moving. It also encourages me to find the good in every situation because I might not realize how lucky I am to be experiencing something until after it has finished.”
Lindsay, CT
Lindsay, CT
“I learned that waking up every morning to jump in the water or go on a run is so good for one’s mental and physical state. I learned how much more motivated I was to get on with my day, and I felt I had already achieved something so early.”
Lulu, PA
Lulu, PA
“Living on a remote and green campus allowed me to feel truly connected to my environment. It was very interesting to learn about the different sustainable systems on campus and how they work together to make the Island School an environmentally friendly organization. We were taught about the little things we could take into account that could make even the smallest difference on our ecosystems, such as mindfully recycling and composting our food.”
Lucy, VT
Lucy, VT
“One of the things that surprised me most about The Island School was the friendships that I came away with. I never expected to learn to love living in a dorm with 29 other girls. I never expected to make lifelong friendships with people who live all over the world. I loved living in such a tight-knit community of people who truly loved and supported each other.”
Madison, NY
Madison, NY
“My biggest takeaway was learning how to swim at The Island School!”
Maya, NY
Maya, NY
“At The Island School, the opportunity to be involved in real-life, hands-on research was incredible. I was able to not only hear what I was learning, but see it with my own eyes.”
Mia, VT
Mia, VT
“The Island School opened my eyes in various ways, which allowed me to mature, thrive, and become my realest self. I never expected a group of kids to be the ones to really help me get out of the small bubble I used to be locked in.”
Nicolas, NY
Nicolas, NY
“It was the best way of life I’ve ever had. Being able to get rid of phones and wifi and just be grounded and there was incredible. I loved being able to step out the door and just grab a coconut or a piece of fruit was such a fun highlight of my experience.”
Oliver, MA
Oliver, MA
“The outdoor physical aspects of IS taught me how to have discipline and to find comfort in being uncomfortable physically and especially mentally.”
Rachel, NY
Rachel, NY
“I was able to step outside my comfort zone, I was able to form deep connections with my peers and teachers, I was able to learn about the Bahamian culture, I was able to create lasting memories even though my time was cut short. My biggest takeaway is you only live once, so live life to the fullest.”
Rhys, NY
Rhys, NY
“Not trying to sound cliche, but the Island School changed my life. It taught me things in life that I would never have learned if it weren’t for being on a remote island with no phone. Being disconnected from social media and being trained to make connections face-to-face helped me understand the beauty of life and how to “be where your feet are.”
Tristan, MA
Tristan, MA
“Living in the remote environment was really cool for me personally. Coming from a city where I never had neighbors my age or much greenery, it totally brought out this childlike curiosity in me about everything around.”
Victor, MA
Victor, MA
“As for what surprised me, I have to say myself. I don’t know how or why, and I can only give guesses, but I learned so much about life, the world, people, and myself. The level of self-awareness and discovery that the program has allowed me to achieve is something I would not have known about myself in a million years. I can only say I expected to learn more about the ocean and fish, but The Island School has taught me much more important lessons about love, community, and genuine relationships.”
Willa, NY
Willa, NY
“I love marine biology and wanted to have the opportunity to dive in (literally) and explore the ocean as well as the whole island of Eleuthera. I’ve also been at the same school my whole life and wanted to venture out.”
Yoel, MA
Yoel, MA
“Everything exceeded my expectations and opened me to a newer world…”
Bob & Catherine, Parent Alumni
Bob & Catherine, Parent Alumni
“She spoke to us about the inclusiveness of the community right from the start and explained how anyone could approach anyone else, at any time, and find openness. On weekly phone calls, we listened to the physical and emotional gains she made, and also how much she was changing because of what she was seeing and learning.”
George, Parent Alumni
George, Parent Alumni
“The Island School 1000% met our expectations. Our child was a fairly shy kid but also willing to try new things-a nice yet unique combination. The Island School brought out every great quality and characteristic. We owe a great deal of thanks to Chris Maxey and faculty for their vision and hard work to make IS a reality for parents like us who want a “different ride” for today’s teenagers.”
Nadya, Parent Alumni
Nadya, Parent Alumni
“My daughter was supported in multiple ways through her time at the Island School. Being so far from home was hard at the beginning, but she had an amazing advisor who was a huge support and showed her grace and kindness. She helped my daughter navigate being away from home and getting used to a new environment and was her advisor, teacher, mentor, friend, and advocate. She was also supported by other advisors and staff members and there was open communication with me to keep me informed on how she was doing.”
Meg, Parent Alumni
Meg, Parent Alumni
“We were so fortunate to visit The Island School for Family Weekends Spring 2023 and Spring 2024. Nothing prepares you for the exuberant experience of living The Island School experience for a few days with your student. The joy, love, and energy from all at The Island School is infectious and it was a privilege to live The Island School way and understand a bit better what your children are experiencing during their semesters. Be prepared to laugh, cry, learn, take risks, and leave with your heart so full!”
Mandy Brooks, Parent Alumni
Mandy Brooks, Parent Alumni
“The Island School program was a positive and exhilarating experience for our children. The program was amazing, and the kids grew as even stronger leaders among their peers at the school and also back home. The stories of their adventures are incredible and life-changing. We are HUGE fans!”
Catherine Elton, Parent Alumni
Catherine Elton, Parent Alumni
“She is a transformed child—the focus on presence and gratitude was life-changing. Plus, the natural environment and experiential learning work well for her.”
Corinne McKamey and Max Chang, Parent Alumni
Corinne McKamey and Max Chang, Parent Alumni
“Hattie and Myles learned so many things. Most important, locating themselves in the world and recognizing their values. They both learned they could do hard things and left with a commitment to climate and sustainability.”
Kate Cherepowich, Parent Alumni
Kate Cherepowich, Parent Alumni
“Prior to arriving on Eleuthera, I definitely had some days where I wondered if we’d made the right decision to send Anna there. But when we got there and we were able to see the amazing way of life at Island School, everything made perfect sense. In fact, I cried happy tears the entire time we were there because I was able to witness, first-hand, that Anna had found her place and her people. You have to experience it to understand the power of it.”
West Coast
Emily, CA
Emily, CA
“During solo, I was able to use a lot of my time to reflect on myself and the impact I’ve made on others, finally learning that even the smallest things can make a difference. During AMX, I learned that I can do hard things as long as I try my best.”
Isabella, CA
Isabella, CA
“I was not expecting to find myself. I gained not only a sense of place while at the Island School, but a sense of self. I realize after my time at The Island School that I was constantly overbooking myself and never left time for myself and to sit with my thoughts. The 40-hour solo, which I was aware I would have to be alone for a certain amount of time, but other than that had no clue what it was, turned out to be the most transformative and one of my favorite parts from the 6 weeks.”
Lila, CA
Lila, CA
“Being in the midst of my junior year, I felt as though I needed something to bring back my inner child and loved the way the island school fostered curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking through hands-on learning in the environment.”
Luke, CA
Luke, CA
“I thought 6 weeks in the beginning was going to be incredibly long, and I wondered if I would start to want to go home after a while, but I never did. I met new people, dove with sharks, woke up at 6 to either run, swim, or both, and had a blast learning so much through the whole thing. At graduation, it didn’t feel real. I didn’t want to leave the place where I had spent so long cultivating our community.”
Sasha, CA
Sasha, CA
“Something that stood out to me academically was how much knowledge I gained. Everything was new and interesting, so it wasn’t hard to stay focused in class. I also loved the way we learned. It was all very hands-on, and we took trips to even further our knowledge on the three courses. We also got to meet people who work in these fields, and this really helped to deepen our understanding and love for these topics.”
Veronika, CA
Veronika, CA
“Living at The Island School was incredible. Something that really surprised me was how easy I got acclimated to the dorm space. It felt like I was home when I got there.”
Cynthia Paniagua, CA
Cynthia Paniagua, CA
“The program went beyond my expectations. Biggest takeaways for my student was her self-esteem growth, her spiritual growth, her independence growth, her maturity and leadership levels are higher (and they were already high); her ability to reflect, and just so much more.”
Sal, Parent Alumni
Sal, Parent Alumni
“I have never seen my daughter as confident returning to school as she has this year. She knows that she was privileged to attend The Island School, and have an experience that many have not. She is carrying with her the new found knowledge and perspective that she gained, to propel her learning this pivotal school year.”
South
Grady, FL
Grady, FL
“The Island School has taught me to live my life for me and have fun. Because it’s my life to live and I want to enjoy it.”
Jayden, FL
Jayden, FL
“I learned a lot from every physical experience. For starters, the AMXs and run-swims allowed me to see and feel what it means to work as a team—motivating each other to strive for more and push ourselves. Whether I was falling behind or someone else was, as a group, we would always cheer and encourage each other to finish strong.
On the expeditions, and especially during my solo, I learned how privileged I am to have access to all the resources I do. It also taught me the peace behind solitude—that not everything has to be moving all at once, and sometimes it’s better to take a breath and step back.”
Maeve, NC
Maeve, NC
“It stood out to me how engaging the instructors are. How much they love what they are teaching and how well they teach it hands-on. Also, just the work we do in general is very interesting and honestly fun to do.”
Reuben, TN
Reuben, TN
“Expeditions were incredibly fun—kayaking for days on the open ocean. I mean, can it get more peaceful? Camping on the beach, laughing around a fire, and spending time with friends. How lucky were we to be swimming in the ocean while other students back home were stuck in classrooms?”
Sadiqa Williams-Glusman, Parent Alumni
Sadiqa Williams-Glusman, Parent Alumni
“He was supported with all areas. Someone ran with him to hold space while he practiced his pretty tough half-marathon. They let him call us when he was emotionally vulnerable. They always instilled respect for all living beings, from people to ocean life, to land species.”
William, SC
William, SC
“The Island School left a large impression on me. It has made me a more social person, and it made me reflect on how you only live once, so take every opportunity that is given to you and have fun with it.”
Kathy Upton, Parent Alumni
Kathy Upton, Parent Alumni
“I was able to visit Maeve during Family Weekend. Our plane was diverted at the last moment, and we were sent back to the U.S. Maeve’s friends and all the faculty and staff rallied around Maeve and made her feel so supported until we could find another flight and make it to Family Weekend. That alone let us know that The Island School was exactly where Maeve needed to be. Family Weekend gave a glimpse of life at the school. We were challenged (biking, running, swimming), a little nervous (that cliff jump is no joke), entertained, and educated about the programs at the school. It gave a deeper understanding of what Maeve experienced.”
Midwest
Gray, OH
Gray, OH
“I knew I would get close with everyone, but I didn’t realize how much I would miss them after returning home. I actually consider The Island School my home away from home, and I would do anything to go back right now and start the term all over again. I really enjoyed how immersed the students were (ex: scuba diving, lionfish dissection, interacting with locals and tourists on DIT) during the term, too!”
Piper, OH
Piper, OH
“As for living so remotely on a green campus and in a room full of other girls, you learn so many life skills. I learned how to minimize how much water I used because I knew how many other people needed it. I also created some of the most amazing friendships and memories through sharing clothing and all getting ready together each morning, and especially on fancy Fridays. It is nearly impossible to be sad or in a bad mood when you are surrounded with so much kindness and laughter.”
Vivienne, MI
Vivienne, MI
“I learned that you can achieve anything you want to; you just have to have the right mindset and push yourself.”
Jennifer Wick, Parent Alumni
Jennifer Wick, Parent Alumni
“We were extremely impressed with the campus, faculty, and advisors. Family Weekend was a great peek into all of the interesting and challenging experiences Piper had over the prior 6 weeks.”
Heather Alfonso, Parent Alumni
Heather Alfonso, Parent Alumni
“This program exceeded our expectations and we are so proud of how much our child has grown and developed. She realizes how special the opportunity is to attend The Island School. She academically, physically and mentally stronger and more prepared for life after high school thanks to her time at IS. She also has a deeper desire to travel the world.”
Mountain States
Heidi, CO
Heidi, CO
“Island School taught me how to become the hard-working and social person I have always wanted to be. I learned to get off of my phone, live in the moment, and be where my feet are. A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”
Sonja, CO
Sonja, CO
“I left with a new family and memories that I will carry with me and cherish for my whole life. I could go on and on about how much my semester impacted me, but my biggest takeaway is that there is so much good in the world and I actually can make change.”
Adam & Jen, Parent Alumni
Adam & Jen, Parent Alumni
“The theme of ‘living well in a place’ is not just a statement, it is infused into all aspects of IS life. From educating and debating topics in tourism and development to understanding the role of conch as a food source to having a close enough bond with the local ice cream shop that the owner attends graduation, values are lived.”
Carolan & Chris, Parent Alumni
Carolan & Chris, Parent Alumni
“One of the biggest moments of celebration was just listening to her grow each week in our phone calls. There were many calls where we were all crying together about her growth, her ability to articulate her challenges and experience, and her awareness that something significant was happening to her.”
International
Aishwarya, London
Aishwarya, London
“Island School helped to change my attitude about life and how I approach things. Before coming to Island School, I let hard things take me down and not stand up to the challenge, but after Island School, I learned that I can do hard things, I should challenge myself, that is what life is about, and more comes out of it when you do challenge yourself each day and find the positive.”
Alice, Sintra
Alice, Sintra
“I learned about my own strength, mental more than physical. With AMX, running was a struggle for me in the beginning, but I committed and went to every optional run and improved quickly. This showed me that if I put my mind to something and put in the effort, I could achieve it.”
Anna, Delft
Anna, Delft
“It was very uncomfortable at first but by the end I loved it and didn’t want to leave.”
Quinn, London
Quinn, London
“I was surprised at how easy it felt to make friends and feel comfortable.”
Karen & Ian, Parent Alumni
Karen & Ian, Parent Alumni
“Students are placed in Advisories, usually consisting of 4-5 students and a leader. Katie was very well-matched with her Advisor and he became a great friend and supporter. His communication and contact with us were excellent, and during a time when Katie was sick, he responded quickly to all of our questions and concerns. By the end, we felt he truly knew our daughter and it was a great feeling to realize how much the entire Island School team knows and cares for our daughter.”
Julian, Parent Alumni
Julian, Parent Alumni
“The biggest takeaway was Jayden finding his “sense of place.” We talk about that a lot. He has experienced this, I just hope he can translate/adapt and find equivalent “senses of place” in the other school/work environments he encounters. That would be the greatest gift from the Island School. We are also truly grateful for the unique connection to nature, climate and local people he experienced at IS and that will probably stay with him for life.”
Shalini Bath, Parent Alumni
Shalini Bath, Parent Alumni
“The program met our expectations by far, we would recommend it to so many kids, and we have already. The biggest takeaway was the values they teach one’s kids, the ability that one can do anything one wants to do, you are self-sufficient and empowered. Another one is how a group of kids can work through issues and support each other, to talk, to discuss, to work through issues, whether it is on a kayak trip, or in everyday school.”
Jennifer Hogan, Parent Alumni
Jennifer Hogan, Parent Alumni
“The Island School provided a safe emotional environment for my teenage son to recognize that to care is cool; to be a good friend and leader is admirable; to work as a team is better than working alone. Quinn understands now that at the most challenging moments are the ones that make you grow the most.”
Dana Spurling, Parent Alumni
Dana Spurling, Parent Alumni
“As a parent, one of the many wonderful facets to the Island School program is the offline, off-grid component. That time together, as young adults without access to technology, seems to have solidified their developing healthy and supportive interpersonal communication skills that, sadly, are otherwise extremely hard to encourage in society today.”
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