ABOUT US
WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
At Daufuskie Island Independent School, we believe every child, in every community, deserves access to a rich, rigorous, and well-rounded education. By partnering with communities, we instill a love of learning, foster a culture of creativity, create an atmosphere of belonging, and encourage all learners to recognize and reach their potential. But Daufuskie Island Independent School is more than just a middle school. It is also a pilot school focused on refining a model of high quality, affordable education in rural areas. Where high quality public options are not available, charter schools are a great solution for more densely populated areas, but many rural communities do not have large enough populations to support a charter model, hence the pertinence of what we refer to as “The Daufuskie Model.”
Why Daufuskie Island?
Daufuskie Island is the ideal location to pilot a community-supported model school. With a diverse group of talented individuals and professionals passionate about giving back, we have created an environment where education thrives. Before our school opened, only a PreK-5 school existed on the island, making proximate access to holistic education a pressing need.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to ensure all middle schoolers on Daufuskie Island have access to a high-quality education. Imagine a place where secondary school students once had to travel an hour and a half each way by golf cart, ferry, and bus to get to school. That was the reality for Daufuskie Island, less than a mile off the coast of Hilton Head Island, just last school year.
Since opening our doors last August, we have built a school culture of respect, learning, and growth. Our students are regularly stepping out of their comfort zones to learn more, do more, and serve more. Developing and strengthening ties between the generations on the island is the core of the community-supported model. Students are supported by community members that come in to teach elective classes, and we, in turn, have become an educational resource for the entire island, bringing in speakers and creating classes that any interested community member may participate in.
Support Daufuskie Island Independent School
We invite you to support Daufuskie Island Independent School. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible. Although we have made significant progress, there is still work to be done to realize our full vision. Your donations make a difference not only to the youth of the island but to the island as a whole. Many families have been forced to leave the island once their children reach middle school age due to a lack of educational and extracurricular opportunities. We believe a robust and accessible Daufuskie Island Independent School, with its unique culture and community outreach, gives the next generations of these families reasons to stay and return.
Our Impact and Future
By fostering a deep connection to Daufuskie Island and its natural environment, we help raise good stewards of its beauty and resources. As we develop, prove, and refine The Daufuskie Model, we aim to share our learnings to help other rural communities create opportunities uniquely designed for their students. This way, we can expand the number of families that feel empowered to provide their children with a rich education.
Join Us in Our Mission
Come participate in our work and help us create meaningful educational opportunities for rural communities.
Most Sincerely,
Kimberly Lundgren
Co-Founder and Executive Director
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to the new academic year and the opening of Daufuskie Island Independent School! I am Tennille Scheriff, the proud principal of DIIS, and I extend my warmest greetings to all our new and returning families.
At DIIS, we prioritize a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. We celebrate each child’s uniqueness, helping students explore their passions, develop their skills, and take ownership of their learning. Our rigorous educational experience begins with student inquiry, ensuring our modern, engaging curriculum fosters academic growth. Students develop the skills and mindsets needed to understand themselves, others, and the world around them.
Connecting with Our Community and Environment
The unparalleled beauty of Daufuskie Island provides a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with our community and natural environment. We believe every child needs a champion, and through our tight-knit, caring community, we support each student in building strong connections and a sense of belonging. Our programs and extracurricular activities are a testament to this generous support.
Commitment to Safety and Well-Being
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of education, we are committed to providing a safe environment for all our students. We apply research-based practices and prioritize the well-being of every individual in our care. Our dedication to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and empathy ensures that every student feels valued and empowered.
I am confident that together, we will create an extraordinary learning experience for our children, filled with exciting discoveries, personal growth, and memorable moments. I welcome any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have and look forward to meeting each of you. Let us embark on this remarkable journey together and make this one of the most rewarding and fulfilling years yet!
Warm regards,
Tennille Scheriff
THE CHALLENGE
60
60%
did not have a school they could attend on island
35%
10+
OUR SOLUTION
Daufuskie Island Independent School is built around our dynamic Daufuskie Island community. Classes and programming center around the many unique resources we have on the island. Extracurricular programming is an extension of the organic opportunities our natural environment and community hold.
With a commitment to keeping tuition rates low for islanders, as well as providing alternate paths for tuition, we work individually with each family to realize our mission of creating access to a quality education for ALL Daufuskie Island middle schoolers.
While we initially rely almost entirely upon philanthropic donors and education foundations, we are growing to sustainability by creating revenue streams that will offset the low tuition rates.
VISION & MISSION
VISION
MISSION
- - cultivate a love of the natural world,
- - develop a strong sense of self,
- - witness and participate in the great outpouring of community-based service,
- - foster and exercise stewardship for the historical, cultural, and environmental legacy that is Daufuskie Island,
- - be inquisitive and stretch themselves in the discovery and pursuit of their untapped passions.
OUR SCHOOL CULTURE
Culture of Respect
True respect is born from humility and understanding. Humility guides us to know we have something to learn from everyone we come in contact with. When we seek to understand others, we gain new viewpoints. We lose the desire to belittle others or their ideas and beliefs and are inspired to build each other up.
Culture of Learning
We believe students come to school not to be told what to think, but rather to be taught how to learn. It is important we teach our students to evaluate facts and opinions and to help them understand how culture influences perspective. As we do this well, we will have a student body that will come to many different conclusions and will thrive on continually learning more.
Diversity of Learners
Diversity comprises more than just ethnicity. Religion, economic background, family culture, learning styles, and passions are all important elements that combine to create a rich school tapestry. Multiple contexts enrich the learning environment and create opportunities to engage and meet students where they are.
Resilience
Confidence does not come from being the best at something, but rather from learning how to do hard things. Struggle is an important part of the learning process. Ensuring each student has appropriate opportunities to be challenged is an important hallmark of our education. When students are comfortable with taking on challenges, the world is open to them.
Individual Discovery
Central to a holistic education is the exploration of new ideas, environments, and opportunities. We encourage students to take risks, move out of their comfort zone, and try new things. This process of discovery helps each student uncover their innate talents and gifts as well as identify talents they would like to develop.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Justin has taught internationally since 2004. He is no stranger to start-ups, helping set up schools and programs in Vancouver Island, Toronto, Seoul, and Dubai. Access to a high quality and
affordable education has always been a priority for Justin. Currently he is with the Toronto Catholic District
School Board in Toronto. Justin’s education includes a BSc from York University, a PGDE from University of Strathclyde, an MEd from University of Bath, and a PQP from University of Toronto.
A partner at the law firm of Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL, Rob co-leads the Business Representations and Transactions Group. He is the Past-Chair of the PreventionFirst! Board, an organization focused on promoting evidenced based prevention strategies to help youth avoid harmful and addictive substances, and the Treasurer of Kenzie’s Closet, an organization that provides prom dresses for young women who cannot otherwise afford to attend their high school prom. Rob received a BS in Economics from The Ohio State University, and a JD from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. Rob and his wife Holly live in Cincinnati, Ohio with their four children, aged 9 to 16.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Vicky has spent her life in the field of education, serving in both public and independent school settings. Vicky has been involved in the administration of a start- up independent school. Some of her roles included mentoring and evaluating
teachers, writing curriculum, designing a Middle School program from the ground up, serving as Director of Placement for eighth grade students transitioning to high school, and serving as Director of ERB Testing. Vicky holds a BS in Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Reading Specialist Certification from Penn State, and an MST from Lyndon State College in Vermont. She currently lives on Daufuskie Island with her husband, Matt, and enjoys time tutoring students on and off of the island.
Born in Miami, Florida, Jeff’s parents worked in the hospitality industry which
exposed him to people and places around the world. A broad education in
architecture, construction, land planning, and community service combined with a
career focused on construction management have enabled Jeff to have an impact at
various non-profits, start-ups, and mission critical endeavors. A deep family value of
service and stewardship with entrusted resources is a hallmark of Jeff’s work. Jeff
currently owns two construction companies and an interior design firm. Jeff holds a
BS in Architecture & Land Planning from Southern Polytechnic University.
