History of The Island School
Our History
A Legacy of Learning in Boca Grande
Founded in 2000, The Island School was established with a simple yet ambitious vision: to provide the children of Boca Grande with an exceptional public education in a nurturing, community-centered environment. Created as a tuition-free public charter school, The Island School was founded to serve families who live and work on Gasparilla Island while preserving the close-knit character that makes Boca Grande so special.
From the very beginning, The Island School embraced the belief that every child deserves to be known, valued, and challenged. With small class sizes, dedicated educators, and a commitment to academic excellence, the school quickly became an integral part of the Boca Grande community.
A Long Tradition of Education
Housed within the historic Boca Grande Community Center, The Island School carries forward the island's long tradition of education. While the original Boca Grande School served local children until 1965, The Island School restored a permanent educational presence to the island after decades without a neighborhood elementary school.
The school's location reflects a unique partnership between education and community, allowing students to learn in a setting rich with local history and surrounded by organizations that contribute to the cultural life of Boca Grande.
Academic Excellence
Over the past two and a half decades, The Island School has earned a reputation for academic excellence while maintaining its family atmosphere. The school's multi-age learning model encourages collaboration, leadership, and individualized instruction, allowing students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally at their own pace. Teachers foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning in every classroom.
As the school has grown, so has its impact. The Island School has consistently achieved high academic performance and has been recognized by the State of Florida as a high-performing charter school and a School of Excellence. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of exceptional educators, supportive families, engaged community partners, and a shared commitment to providing every student with an outstanding educational experience.
Rooted in Community
Today, The Island School continues to honor the vision established in 2000 while preparing students for the future. Rooted in the values of community, responsibility, respect, and academic excellence, the school remains committed to educating the whole child and inspiring each student to reach their fullest potential.
More than a school, The Island School is a reflection of Boca Grande itself—a place where the community comes together to invest in its children, ensuring that future generations have the knowledge, character, and confidence to make a positive difference in the world.
A Tribute to Boca Grande
The custom mural in Farish Hall at The Island School is a centerpiece of the school building and a tribute to the goodness of Boca Grande. David Futch's 2007 article in Pirate Coast Magazine details the creation of the mural.
Honoring Past Leaders
Heads of School
2000-2001
Ms. Jeanne-Marie Iorio, Ed.M
Ms. Jeneen Hartley
2001-2004
Dr. Russ Firlik
2004-2005
Ms. Beverly Sutton
2005-2012
Mrs. Rosa I. Ramos
2012-2021
Mrs. Jean Thompson
2021-Present
Mrs. Christine Oliver