1st-12th Grade
Collaborative
At The Island Academy, we believe learning is most powerful when it's shared. Students are not just passive recipients—they have a voice in shaping their own education. Through explorative learning, choice-driven projects, and meaningful class discussions, students learn from—and with—each other.
Our small class sizes foster deep relationships and rich conversation. It’s not uncommon to see a student turn around and teach a peer what they’ve just discovered, reinforcing their own understanding and building leadership skills. Collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s embedded into everything we do.
Challenging
We hold our students to high standards of thinking and doing—not through traditional tests or grades, but through mastery-based learning. Every student is expected to engage deeply, take ownership of their work, and push themselves toward excellence.
We host twice-yearly Exhibitions, where students present their learning, projects, and writing to family members.
Our high school students participate in dual enrollment through the Technical College of the Lowcountry or University of South Carolina Beaufort, earning college credit while still in high school.
All high school students also attend a weekly internship, gaining real-world experience and exploring their interests in a meaningful way.
This kind of challenge prepares students not just for college—but for life.
Creative
Creativity is not an afterthought at The Island Academy—it’s a way of thinking and learning that runs through every subject.
Students create projects to demonstrate their learning, propose original ideas, and engage in creative problem-solving. Whether designing an engineering prototype, crafting a short story, or exploring abstract concepts through art, students are encouraged to think outside the box and express their understanding in ways that are personal, powerful, and purposeful.
Our classes provide space for artistic expression, innovation, and reflection, helping students develop both their voice and their vision.
The World is Our Classroom
This is more than a tagline—it’s a philosophy. At The Island Academy, we believe students learn best when they are actively engaged with the world around them.
Our students:
Spend time learning in nature
Go on frequent field trips that connect classroom content to real-world experiences
Meet and learn from experts, guest speakers, and community partners
Ask big questions and explore topics beyond their textbooks and borders
Whether studying marsh ecosystems, exploring cultural traditions, or investigating global challenges, students are encouraged to look outward, think critically, and stay curious.
At The Island Academy, we’re not just preparing students for a test—we’re preparing them to be thinkers, creators, collaborators, and compassionate leaders. From preschool through twelfth, our students are engaged, empowered, and excited to learn.