About
About
The mission of The Island Academy of Hilton Head is to provide preschool through 12th grade students with a collaborative, challenging, and creative learning environment empowering them to be contributing citizens.
We seek to ensure that all students participate in their own education. We provide a unique learning opportunity by partnering with our community, focusing on mastery over grades, and teaching children how to become curious lifelong thinkers and doers who explore and create in and beyond the classroom.
At The Island Academy, students:
are known and respected as unique individuals.
engage in small-group, collaborative learning supported by master teachers.
experience tailored instruction and care thanks to our intentionally small class sizes.
learn through a rigorous, integrated, project-driven curriculum, designed to support creativity, innovation, mastery, and life-long love of learning.
participate in purposeful field trips and community partnerships where students actively explore, engage with, and learn from the world around them.
Classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8:45 am until 3:30 pm and Friday 8:45am until 1:30pm.
Integrated Support for Every Child
At The Island Academy, we believe that every student learns best when they are supported as a whole person. That’s why we intentionally create time and space within the school day for students to work with tutors, therapists, and other support professionals—right here on campus.
Whether a student benefits from occupational therapy, speech services, academic tutoring, or emotional support, we welcome outside specialists to partner with us during the school day. This collaborative approach minimizes disruption to learning, ensures consistency, and makes support feel like a natural part of the school experience—not something extra or separate.
By opening our doors to the experts who know your child best, we’re able to create a personalized and empowering environment where every student can thrive.
Calendar
Calendar
School Calendar for 2025-2026
We are excited about this extraordinary year so far and to come! Stay updated with events this school year. If you cannot find for what you are looking, contact us! We love hearing from you.
Our Team
Our Team
Our Team
Mary Ann Cyr, High School Teacher
Mary Ann is one of the founders of The Island Academy. She has her B.A. in Economics and Russian History from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.A. in Education and History from Tufts University, and a C.A.G.S. in Computers in Education from Bridgewater State College. In addition, she held Principal’s and Superintendent’s licenses from Massachusetts.
Mary Ann has taught at all levels including college, worked as a computer software trainer, and owned a private school for ten years in the Boston area.
In addition, she authored a monthly column called Women’s Work in the Business Journal of Southeastern Massachusetts, hosted a weekly television program by the same name, invented and developed the board game, olelo, and has served on numerous philanthropic boards.
She and her husband, Gerry, are parents to three sons, Adam, Nathaniel, and Gabe, and grandparents to Jack and Benjamin.
Tiffany Fish, Director of Operations/Summer Camp Director
Tiffany Fish joined The Island Academy team in May 2021 and currently serves as the Director of Operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International and Community Development from Indiana Wesleyan University, with a focus on nonprofit leadership. Before coming to Hilton Head, Tiffany worked at Open Doors Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as both the summer camp manager and the career pathways coordinator. In those roles, she guided students through essential life skills, college and career readiness, and social-emotional learning. She also supervised a remote learning center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical academic support and stability.
Now in her fifth year at The Island Academy and having just completed her 16th summer of camps, Tiffany continues to bring energy, innovation, and heart to everything she leads. Her favorite part of working at the school is the people—curious and creative students, supportive families, and passionate, flexible educators who make learning joyful and meaningful.
Outside of school, Tiffany enjoys playing volleyball, reading, photography, and spending time with her husband, Ryan, and their baby boy, Lincoln.
Deiha Torin, Early Childhood Director/Lead Teacher
Deiha Torin moved to Hilton Head Island with her family in 1996 from Pennsylvania. Deiha has her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and holds a South Carolina teaching certificate. With nearly 30 years of teaching experience with children ages 3-5, Deiha most recently served as the Director and lead teacher at Island Lutheran PreSchool for twenty years.
Deiha’s passion for the wonder and magic of early childhood honors the child’s right to play, to be collaborators in learning, and to dream. She honors the journey for children as investigators, life changers, and advocators. She nurtures children to build their own ideas, an art that requires incredible intentionality and heart.
In her spare time, Deiha has led several Girl Scout troops on HHI ranging in age from 5-18 years old. She enjoys cooking, working in her yard, traveling with friends and family.
Holly Burgdorf, Middle School Teacher
Holly is originally from Ohio and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Youngstown State University, with concentrations in Math and Science. She spent several years teaching in Youngstown, working with a range of grade levels and incorporating STEM into her classrooms. She’s currently working toward her Master’s in Learning Design and Technology and is passionate about creating learning experiences that are meaningful and engaging.
In her free time, Holly loves being outside, exploring Hilton Head Island, spending time with animals, cooking, and getting lost in a good book.