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 in 2023, 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 teachers that come 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.
Raising the Bar in the Lowcountry
Building off of international education standards, we are focused on improving the level of content and delivery of secondary education in South Carolina. We recognize that middle school is an imperative time to prepare for high school. Having secured efficient travel from Hilton Head to Daufuskie, we are now able to extend these exceptional learning opportunities to students throughout the Lowcountry. We invite you to explore our website and discover the magic of discovery and learning on one of the last less-developed islands in the South.
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 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 continue to build 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 this school year. Let us embark on this remarkable journey together and make this one of the most rewarding and fulfilling years yet!
Warm regards,
Tennille Scheriff
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
The mother of seven children, Kimberly has raised her family on three
continents and in five states. Each move has opened doors to assist in creating more
robust educational opportunities for underrepresented students. In her 20+ years of
community service, Kimberly has served on a public school board in New Jersey, founded a
parents’ organization in Seoul, and served as a parent representative on many
school leadership boards in various locations. She holds a BA in International
Relations from Brigham Young University.
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.
When Erin’s two children were young, Erin and her husband, Jeremey, chose
Daufuskie Island as the place to raise their family in a nature centric and community-oriented
environment. Leaving a career in biomedical clinical research to do so, they chose the gift of
connection in a time of social disconnection. Since that time, she has led multiple island
initiatives. She is passionate about the power of community and loves hearing about each
person’s journey to Daufuskie. Erin holds a BS in Exercise Science from Slippery Rock
University and a Master of Public Health from University of Pittsburgh.
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 11 to 18.
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.
