Ashlee Major
Lead Teacher- Deep Creek Middle School

The upcoming school year marks an exciting new chapter for Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS) and the Island School community. Not only will DCMS celebrate its 25th anniversary, but it will expand its resources and enrich the student experience by moving its learning spaces to The Island School’s campus on Cape Eleuthera.

With new opportunities, new faces, and a shared vision for the future, we are thrilled to welcome students and families to what promises to be a dynamic year.

For many years, The Island School has envisioned bringing all of its students together on a shared campus, and that vision is now becoming a reality. By uniting our elementary, middle school, and high school students in one location, we are strengthening the values that make our community unique.

This move creates greater opportunities for collaboration among students and staff, encourages meaningful connections across grade levels, and gives all students full-time access to the incredible resources, facilities, and learning spaces available on The Island School and Cape Eleuthera Institute campuses. Most importantly, it reinforces our belief in an intentional community, where everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone learns together.

Learning That Meets Every Student Where They Are

Our One School Model is designed around the belief that every learner deserves the support they need to thrive. Students will move between learning groups for literacy and numeracy instruction, allowing teachers to provide targeted support based on individual learning needs rather than simply grade level. This flexible approach creates opportunities for collaboration between elementary and middle school educators while ensuring every student is challenged, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Enrollment

The enthusiasm for DCMS has never been greater! This year, we experienced a 300% increase in applications—about four times more than we received last year. 

We are thrilled to welcome so many bright, curious, and enthusiastic students who are eager to begin their middle school journey with us. Our growing community is a reflection of the confidence families have in the unique educational experiences offered at DCMS, and we look forward to watching each student grow academically, socially, and personally.

Preparing Students for Success In and Beyond the Classroom

While experiential, place-based learning remains at the heart of everything we do, we are equally committed to ensuring students are prepared for future academic success. This year, DCMS will continue to align its curriculum with the knowledge and skills that students need for the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC) examinations in English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.

To further support student achievement, we will also offer after-school tutoring, giving students additional opportunities to strengthen their understanding and build confidence as they prepare for these important assessments.

Science Comes to Life Through Research

One of the most exciting additions to our program this year is the introduction of a dedicated research class. Students will have the unique opportunity to work alongside scientists, exploring authentic scientific investigations and learning firsthand how research is conducted in the real world. This hands-on, minds-on experience perfectly reflects our commitment to inquiry, discovery, and learning by doing; bringing science beyond the textbook and into the field.

Summer Bridge: The Adventure Begins

Before the school year officially begins, we’re excited to welcome our newest Grade 7 students through our Summer Bridge Program, running August 24 through 26. These three days are designed to help students become comfortable with life at DCMS, meet their teachers and classmates, explore campus, and experience the exciting opportunities that await them. We’ll be welcoming students from:

• Deep Creek Primary School
• Wemyss Bight Primary School
• Green Castle Primary School
• Tarpum Bay Primary School
• Emily G. Petty Primary School
• Palmdale Primary School (New Providence)

We can’t wait to see the unique personalities, talents, and perspectives each student brings as they become part of our growing Island School family. The first day of school marks more than just the beginning of another academic year. It marks the start of a bold new chapter built on collaboration, innovation, and community. Together, we’ll continue exploring, questioning, creating, and growing as one school, one campus, and one community. Here’s to an incredible year ahead. 

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