Rising Together
The Future of The Island School
The Island School stands at a pivotal moment in its history. As a founder-led organization, we have benefited immensely from the passion and vision of our founders. However, to ensure the longevity and continued success of our mission, we recognize the need for a solid succession plan.
Sustainability at The Island School
Sustainability isn’t a standalone initiative at The Island School—it’s a core value that guides every aspect of how we operate, maintain, and grow our campus. From renewable energy systems to water management and responsible building materials, our commitment to environmental stewardship is embedded in all of our infrastructure decisions. As we renew and expand our facilities, we remain focused on minimizing our footprint and modeling regenerative practices for our students and community. Learn more about our sustainability approach and building philosophy here.
Why Now?
Meeting Urgency with Opportunity
For over 25 years, The Island School has transformed the lives of students, empowering them to lead with courage, resilience, and a deep connection to the world around them. But to sustain this impact for future generations, we must invest boldly—now.
The Rising TIDE campaign ensures we can retain and support our exceptional faculty, strengthen our endowment for long-term sustainability, and renew our campus to match the depth of our mission. With increasing demand for our programs and the urgent need to equip young leaders with the skills to navigate an uncertain future, we cannot wait.
The momentum is here. Our community is strong. Now is the time to rise.
Why This?
Building a Generation of Changemakers
The world needs bold, compassionate leaders—now more than ever. Today’s young people are facing unprecedented challenges, from rising mental health struggles to a planet in crisis. They need the tools, resilience, and confidence to navigate uncertainty and lead with purpose.
At The Island School, we shape leaders who think critically, care deeply, and act courageously. Immersed in nature, students develop a profound connection to the environment, learning firsthand the importance of sustainability and stewardship. Through challenge, community, and self-discovery, they gain the strength to drive positive change—both in their own lives and in the world around them.
With your support, we can continue to build a generation of changemakers—leaders who are ready to take action, protect our planet, and shape a better future for all. This is the moment. Let’s rise together.
Why You?
Our Circle: You Make the Difference
At The Island School, you are at the heart of everything we do. Your generosity has built a thriving, supportive community—one where students grow into courageous, socially responsible leaders, and where teachers and staff feel valued and empowered to inspire the next generation.
As we look to the future, we must invest boldly in our people. Your support will expand access for students, strengthen faculty development, provide competitive salaries, and create sustainable housing that ensures our educators can flourish for years to come. With your partnership, we can sustain and grow the model of leadership and innovation that defines The Island School.
This is our moment to rise together. With you, our circle is complete.
Our Future Together
Your Impact
Today
With Your Support
Incoming faculty salaries are just 50% of the US average, making recruiting and retaining dedicated faculty challenging.
Faculty will earn a fair and comfortable salary, promoting retention, career growth, and protecting institutional knowledge.
Our local Lab School (ELC, DCMS, and DCPS) for Bahamian students is a financial stretch for many families, despite low and subsidized tuition.
We will invest in local programming through an increased endowment drawdown for these programs and a higher yearly subsidy, allowing more students to receive financial assistance.
Faculty and staff housing is outdated and decentralized, with limited availability both on and off campus.
We will bring more faculty to campus with new, sustainable housing units at the Grove, our future faculty village.
Outdated and aging buildings add unnecessary stressors to daily routines and disrupt our financial stability.
Facilities will be updated with a focus on safety and sustainability, supporting our circle and ensuring the long-term resilience of our campus.
We rely heavily on unrestricted and year-to-year giving to our annual fund for daily operations and we need reserves to support increased costs.
We invest in the future of The Island School by increasing our endowment fund from $8M to $13M, thereby increasing our long-term financial stability and reserve funds.
Programming and research at The Island School and CEI is largely dependent on inconsistent grant funding, making future planning and continuity challenging.
Our increased endowment will provide consistent and reliable funding for vital programs in all areas.