The Island School and its role in the community - present and future - ensures academic success of the children who attend it.
That is a mouthful and it really does take a village to raise a child. Studies have shown early childhood education is the most optimistic avenue for a healthy and thriving society.
Early childhood education is a critical time for a child to build the foundation for literacy. Children who aren't getting that have the most difficulty in school and suffer lasting effects.
The Island School's small class size and open communication with parents has created a recipe for the academic success of its students.
Island School students get the attention and help they need with subjects while the school staff guides parents in developing academic performance.
Parents active in early education of children have a positive effect on academic achievement for years.
If the child is developing typically and parents have engagement with educators, children thrive!
A child behind in first grade has less than a 13 percent chance of catching up to grade level later. For example, 74 percent of children who are poor readers in third grade remain poor readers in ninth grade. If a student is not a moderately skilled reader by the end of third grade, the child is not likely to graduate high school, according to a 2005 Children's Institute publication.
There are many obstacles facing our children and educators. We should look at the Island School programs and staff for the jewels that they are.
The school is an island of effective community-based education that we and all students who pass through their halls are lucky to have been a part of. We parents are blessed to have the island School right here in our backyard.
George Cera
Boca Grande
