There’s a special energy on campus this week as we dive into our fall semester! It is the first time we’ve had our Elementary Learning Center, Deep Creek Middle School, and Island School Semester program students all learning on the same campus! 

We started the week with a historic morning circle around the Flagpole, where, for the first time in more than 25 years of our history, all of our educational programs and staff gathered together to kick off the school year.

Each department introduced itself with a hand-painted sign and a chant, bringing the intentional community culture we have at The Island School to life. Over the past few days, the students have stepped into new classrooms, met new friends and teachers, and have started to get acquainted with the campus! 

While the first week looks different for every age group, each program is starting the year with a spirit of exploration, hands-on learning, and community building. Here’s a glimpse into what they’ve been up to! 

Elementary Learning Center

Our primary school-aged students in the Elementary Learning Center (ELC) have welcomed a new addition to their classroom! Chris and Pam Maxey gave them tadpoles to care for, giving the students the opportunity to feed them and watch their transformation firsthand! As the students watch the tadpoles grow and change, they will practice observation and learn about life cycles. It is a small, fun, hands-on way to bring a natural example into their everyday learning. Between read-alouds, playing on the swings, and working together with their classmates, the first week has allowed our youngest students to settle in for a great semester ahead.

Deep Creek Middle School

This fall is especially exciting for our middle school students as they begin their first semester on The Island School campus! They wasted no time exploring beyond the classroom, heading out for a snorkel adventure at our very own Beach House beach! Getting into the water allows students to become familiar and get comfortable with the marine environment surrounding their new campus and also helps them begin making connections between what they can learn in the classroom and what they can observe firsthand. It’s so valuable to use this campus and surrounding environment as an extension of the classroom! Additionally, they have enjoyed overlapping with the ELC and Semester students in their free time, whether playing soccer together or gathering for meals. 

Island School Semester

Our fall semester students have jumped right into the action, Island School style!  After their arrival on campus on Monday night, the students kicked off their morning with a community circle and snorkel! From there, they split into two groups, with half headed out on a four-day kayaking expedition, while the other half began working toward their scuba certification! Both of these experiences challenge students to learn new skills right off the bat, working together and building confidence in unfamiliar environments. Whether it’s on the kayak expedition or learning to dive for the first time, the students are beginning the semester with an emphasis on teamwork, gaining independence, and an appreciation for their environment here in Eleuthera.

One week down, and we’re just getting started! We can’t wait for all that lies ahead. To stay up-to-date on our educational programs, check out our Flickr or follow us on Facebook and Instagram!