CURRICULUM

Academics

Our purpose at Daufuskie Island Independent School is to bring the best of curriculum development and inquiry-based teaching to the small community of Daufuskie. Pulling from local, national, and international experience, we’ve created an academic program that will reach students where they are and stretch them, helping them develop the skills needed for success in high school. Through both guided and self-directed learning, students make connections to the world around them. Small class sizes mean teachers can focus on individual students.

Important elements of our academic courses include connection to place and connection to community. These two principles are carefully woven throughout the curriculum. By design, Daufuskie becomes the students’ living classroom and a springboard to understanding the world around them, including their role as global citizens. Non-core academic courses will be taught by community members passionate about and experienced in their trades. The opportunity to bring real-world application and skills to the academic setting gives students a broader perspective. By engaging our community in teaching our youth, we can bridge the generational gap that has grown into a chasm during COVID.

“The Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation is looking forward to working hand-in-hand with DIIS as they integrate local history into their programs.”

CORE STAFF

Dr. Tenille Scheriff

Principal/English - Dr. Scheriff has worked both locally and internationally as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, curriculum director, and university professor. These varied positions, along with sitting on accreditation teams, have provided her with a deep understanding of different aspects of education.

Kimberly Lundgren

Math - Deeply involved in educating her seven children over the last 20+ years, Kimberly has spent significant time reviewing curriculums, working with teachers and administrators, and advocating for equal opportunities for students. Her belief in the ability of every student to excel is evident in her classroom.

Brandon Anderton

Social Studies & Spanish - Brandon graduated with a degree in International Relations with a focus on the Americas. He speaks fluent Spanish and conversational Haitian Creole. With his in-depth knowledge of American history and his Spanish heritage, he is excited to bring relevance to studying Spanish and social studies. Brandon also competed collegiately in discus and shot put.

Jane Lundgren

Math, Science, & Marine Science - With a major in Russian and an emphasis in microbiology, Jane speaks fluent Russian and conversational Korean. Jane has also spent much time in university laboratories across the nation and has co-authored papers in the fields of immunology and rheumatology. She is excited to share this knowledge of lab work and research with students.

ELECTIVE SUBJECTS COMMUNITY EXPERTS

Mark Anders

Pickleball - A retired bank executive from Maryland, Mark is a life-long racquet and paddle sport enthusiast. Mark has taught over 6000 people of all ages to play pickleball since he started teaching in 2015. He is responsible for the launch of pickleball programs in Palmetto Dunes and South Beach Racquet Club and currently leads the pickleball programs at Sea Pines.

Jennifer Null

Music & Voice - Classically trained, Jenn started performing at the age of 4. She believes music makes people think deeply and that everyone deserves to learn and enjoy music. Her love of music has led her to learn about and perform many musical styles including opera, blue grass, choral, jazz, blues, and folk.

Jan Ross

Visual Arts - Jan started her studies at the Chicago Academy of Fine Art and continued them while living six years abroad in Europe. Her works have been displayed in galleries in every state. Jan also brings extensive teaching experience in both private and class settings. www.janrosswatercolors.com

Jane Basford

Yoga - Jane is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher of 27 years with a background in occupational therapy and healing modalities. Jane concentrates on functional movement, helping her students become more flexible, strong, relaxed, focused, and balanced, resulting in reduced stress and anxiety and improving self-esteem, test scores and sports abilities! Yes! Yoga does all that!

Kathleen Carmody

Swimming - Though Kathleen's professional work is in the gerontology field, she is also passionate about helping youth have opportunities to be physically active. She feels strongly that sports help kids excel physically, mentally, and socially. Sports teach teamwork and discipline. Kathleen is an avid athlete and enjoys competing in triathlons, hiking, swimming, and many other activities.

EXTRACURRICULAR SPORTS & CLUBS

Fall
Cross Country
Pickleball
Chess Club
Winter
Archery
Drama Club
Spring
Track
Golf
Tennis
Equestrian

We encourage students' input! If you have an idea, let's work together to make it happen!

DIIS students will be eligible to compete in the South Carolina Independent School Association Conference. Extracurricular Activities and Clubs will be open to all middle and high school aged kids on the island.