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. Our alumni are excited to connect with you to share more about their experiences as a student at The Island School!
To get connected with an Admissions Ambassador, fill out the form below and specify the name(s) of the ambassador you would like to speak with (listed below). An Ambassador will reach out to you shortly!
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The Bahamas
Dymond, Nassau
BESS Scholar
Dymond, Nassau
“The research experience was especially important to me. Being involved in marine mammal research showed me what scientific work actually looks like beyond textbooks – asking questions, collecting and interpreting data, working as part of a research team, and understanding that good science requires patience, curiosity, and attention to detail.”
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.”
Trevan, Nassau
BESS Scholar
Trevan, Nassau
“Ultimately, this experience transformed me into a better individual by helping me become more open-minded and punctual. It granted me access to unique knowledge that I otherwise would not have acquired, making this a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Northeast
Madison, MA
Madison, MA
“The Island School impacted me in the very best ways. It brought me to some amazing people, and it helped me realize my full ability in this world. The hardest part was leaving my family and friends, but it showed me all the experiences out there waiting for me and only brought me closer to those people when I got back.”
Joanne, NY
Joanne, NY
“The Island School is oceans of opportunities and breathtaking sunsets, but more importantly, it is a challenge. The Island School is hard; it truly is. Only those willing to seek challenge and, hence, transformation have the courage and grit to go on this journey.”
Clara, NJ
Clara, NJ
“I felt so connected to the Earth and became so much more able to function while being very uncomfortable, tired, and dirty.”
Henry, NY
Henry, NY
“It helped me realize that I can rely on my community members more as they will be there for me.”
Sasha, MA
Sasha, MA
“I honestly thrived at The Island School. I always knew I was right where I wanted to be, and there was no other place on earth I would rather be. If I could go back and do it all over again, I 100% would.”
Kailyn, MA
Kailyn, MA
“The experience gave me more confidence to try new things, and I still think about the lessons I learned about teamwork, sustainability, and making the most of every opportunity.”
Eviana, CT
Eviana, CT
“Everyday felt more meaningful and alive since you got to live it alongside your best friends, even simple actions like brushing teeth felt so full of joy.”
Alice, NY
Alice, NY
“One of my biggest takeaways was that you can find family in the most unexpected places and among the most unexpected people. It takes time, vulnerability, and effort, but those relationships can become an incredibly valuable source of support.”
Payton, MA
Payton, MA
“I came home feeling stronger, more independent, and a better version of myself. I feel as though I am better prepared to face future challenges in whatever life throws at me! “
Phoebe, MA
Phoebe, MA
“At The Island School, I challenged myself in ways I never could have at home and was surprised by my resilience. The 8-day kayak trip was my highlight because it taught me to be present in the current moment and to take in all the natural beauty around me.”
Isabella, MA
Isabella, MA
“I am a very social and outgoing person who loves to constantly be surrounded by other people, so I was initially very scared for the solo. What I didn’t know was that I also very much liked to spend time alone. It allowed me to reflect on not only my semester so far, but also my life as a whole. I had never felt as connected to the earth and my heart as I did during those 48 hours.”
Ethan, NY
Hope Ignites Scholar
Ethan, NY
“The Island School gave me opportunities to take on more of a leadership role. I became more comfortable taking initiative, helping others, and being someone my group could depend on.”
Claire, CT
Horizons Scholar
Claire, CT
“I was surprised how hands-on the learning experience was and how it really did take us beyond the classroom to apply our learning and discover nature for ourselves.”
Mina, D.C.
Mina, D.C.
“I came into The Island School barely knowing how to swim. When the super swim came, I pushed myself harder than I thought I was capable. Not only did I finish, but I finished fast! “
Alexis, CT
Alexis, CT
“I loved the technology free education. I was looking forward to it before I left, and I appreciated the time without technology even more than I had anticipated.”
Copeland, MA
Copeland, MA
“My time at The Island School was truly incredible and impacted me greatly. Before this experience, I had never been away from home for an extended period of time. After this experience, I realized that I should not be scared to go into an opportunity like this.”
Caroline, PA
Caroline, PA
“The research that you contribute to is really unique and interesting, you get to do work in a research project that actually makes a difference and helps to make further scientific progress.“
Brody, D.C.
Brody, D.C.
“What stood out to me in the academic courses at The Island School was the approach they took on learning. We weren’t forced to memorize from a textbook and study for tests; instead, we learned through hands-on experience and place-based learning, which allowed us to enjoy learning and get much more out of our classes.”
Ella, RI
Veteran Scholar
Ella, RI
“I learned so much from the island school about my capabilities, how although being out of my comfort zone doesn’t feel right sometimes, that’s the feeling when the most growth takes place. Through this discomfort, I became a better person, and I will always be grateful for that.”
Keisha, NY
Keisha, NY
“This summer, I learned that the biggest obstacle is usually your mindset and not your physical ability. It was not only through training but also believing in myself and having others believe in me that I could proudly finish the monster run swim.”
Sofia, MD
Sofia, MD
“Through camping, the solo experience, and living closely with people from different backgrounds, I became more comfortable being vulnerable, slowing down, and being present. Most importantly, I realized that the people you experience something with can become just as meaningful as the place itself.”
Hugh, MA
Hugh, MA
“What surprised me most was how quickly the community formed. I expected activities and place to be the highlight, but the people ended up mattering just as much. I feel connected to my brothers and sisters deeper than any friendship I have at home.”
Will, NY
Will, NY
“What surprised me was that while the classes and experiences offered by the school during Summer Term were exceptional, both in terms of education and fun, my greatest enjoyment came from the relationships I built there. With both students and staff alike, I built meaningful connections that have lasted beyond the trip home.”
Amahle, MA
METCO Scholar
Amahle, MA
“It was amazing, it was so fun being around people from around the world and wanting to build a genuine relationship without the distractions of a phone.”
Eveline, NY
Eveline, NY
“Island School changed the way I approach the uncertainty and pressure of everyday life. One idea that has stayed with me is to “have faith in time,” which has helped me become more patient with myself and trust that I do not need to have everything figured out immediately.”
Aiden, CT
Aiden, CT
“I sought a way to learn more about myself, not through time in a classroom, but out in the world in a new place, and that is exactly what Island School delivered.“
Symmes, NY
Symmes, NY
While I had never done something like this before I found that the environment that we were put in made it very easy to connect and make friends. Since there was no phone to look at you would have a conversation with somebody and this made the dorms super fun and always full of laughter.”
Miles, NY
Miles, NY
“The ability to experience something as special as scuba diving is an unearthly experience. It was truly like being in space, and the fact that part of our classes involved doing that and learning how to do it is an experience like no other.”
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
Tabor, WA
Tabor, WA
“The campus also made sustainability feel real. It was not just something we studied in class, but it influenced how the campus operated and how we thought about the resources we used. It showed me that sustainability is beyond an idea, it is a series of everyday choices that can have a meaningful impact.”
Maerav, WA
Maerav, WA
“The combination of hands-on projects, learning about different cultures and perspectives, and being surrounded by the ocean was exactly what I was looking for.”
Jackson, CA
Jackson, CA
“The idea of intentional community from the Island School is something that is really going to stick with me. I think that the mentality of working towords connection and support of one each other is such a important part in creating the world tht we want.”
King, CA
College Track Scholar
King, CA
“The Island school really changed the way I move through life now. I learned about impermanence; it means not everything lasts forever, so you must cherish the moments you have and take every opportunity that comes your way.”
Amelia, CA
Amelia, CA
“I have come back with so many exciting new stories and lessons to share, along with a new way of thinking that makes all of my actions so much more intentional.”
Anggie, CA
College Track Scholar
Anggie, CA
“It taught me to appreciate everything and truly be present in the moment. Things don’t last forever, so make the best that you can while here.”
Maggie, CA
Maggie, CA
“I’m now more mindful of what I buy and where it’s sourced from. I strive to limit my waste, donate what I no longer need, and buy used materials and clothing at places like thrift stores.”
Rose, NM
Rose, NM
“I loved living on campus. It was definitely an adjustment to living with so many people at first, but it became something I absolutely loved. I loved that, living on a green campus, I was always thinking about my impact on everything around me.”
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.”
South
Malin, TX
Malin, TX
“I loved that we could take what we learned and immediately apply it in the field, especially through the way scuba diving was incorporated into so many parts of my academic week. It was also incredible to be directly involved with the Cape Eleuthera Institute and contribute to real-world research.”
Amelia, SC
Amelia, SC
“Doing AMX each morning was one of the most important parts of my island school experience. Though it was an early time to wake up, I think that it fueled me for each day and made me excited for what was next to come.”
Finn, FL
Finn, FL
“My biggest takeaway is gratitude for the friends I have made and the staff and teachers that mentored me while I was there.”
Abigail, AR
Abigail, AR
“Instead of just reading about a topic, we were able to go outside, experience it for ourselves, collect data, and learn directly from the environment around us. This made me more engaged and curious because what we were learning felt real and connected to the place we were living in.”
Isabella, FL
Isabella, FL
“I pushed myself past limits I didn’t think were possible, thanks to the people who encouraged me to be consistent with the workouts and pushed me through the times when I felt like giving up.”
Gwen, VA
Gwen, VA
“What stood out most academically was how hands-on everything was. Instead of just reading about research or ecological concepts and lessons in a textbook, we were out doing it, we were collecting data, working directly in the environment we were studying, and seeing the real-world application of what we were learning almost immediately.”
Elizabeth, FL
Elizabeth, FL
“I was pushed past what I thought I could handle every single day. Whether it was through camping, waking up to workout every morning, or experiences in the academic courses, I realized I could do so much more than I thought.”
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.”
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
Josephine, IL
Josephine, IL
“I felt myself grow and change into a version of me that had always existed, but never had the freedom to truly flourish. I became more carefree, happy, diligent, and grounded.”
Rylah, IL
Rylah, IL
“A big thing we would talk about was cracking everyone’s shells, and by day 30 mine had been cracked. It was hard to go up and approach people, but I learned that nothing bad would come out of it and to try even if it’s hard.”
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
Morgan, UT
Morgan, UT
“I loved that no one had a phone or access to the internet, it made me closer with the people I was with.”
George, UT
George, UT
“I had never been able to keep a schedule with my training, and, honestly, never had the desire before. However, AMX, with the strict schedule and planned-out routine, rewrote that stigma.”
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
Wei Li, Taiwan
Wei Li, Taiwan
“The time at The Island School—I’m really surprised by how close and well I’m able to get to know a lot of people, because I’m a bit of a shy person, but everyone was just really friendly and nice. “
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.”
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.”
