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Education

A Day of Firsts: Kindergarten Drop-off on the Island

August 14, 2025
I’ve spent most of my life in school – from kindergarten through my doctoral studies – and stayed closely connected to the educational system as a certified school nurse and professor of nursing, tr…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Valerie Cotton

August 14, 2025
The art of teaching On Monday The Island School opened its doors for a new school year – and for Valerie Cotton, it marked her first day as the on-island art teacher. After volunteering once a we…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Anne Smith

July 31, 2025
New at The Island School this year Anne Smith may be new to The Island School, but she’s no stranger to the classroom – with 20 years of teaching experience, she’ll begin her first week on island…

Community Center Update

July 24, 2025
Work moves quickly at The Island School, where contractors are building a multipurpose area as part of the Boca Grande Community Center capital project. On the campus, other work continues, includin…

The Island School, Ainger score ‘A’ on state tests

July 17, 2025
Schools of excellence The Island School has earned an A for the eighth time in a row in the annual Florida Department of Education ranking.  “I’m proud to share that The Island School has once…

HCA Florida Englewood Hospital & Wellen Park Emergency School Supply Collection

July 14, 2025
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital and HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency are collecting school supplies through July 31 to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year. Community members…

New science teacher at Island School

July 2, 2025
The Island School has selected Mrs. Anne Smith to serve as the new Reading Intervention/MTSS Coordinator and 5th Grade Science teacher. She will officially start her new position on August 4, 2025. …

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ellen Thompson 

June 19, 2025
A foundation for Michigan college education Being labeled a visionary is pretty high praise. That’s the word the Detroit News has chosen to describe Ellen Thompson, long-time winter resident of B…

Front page graduate

June 5, 2025
Kate Hopkins recently graduated from Kent’s Hill High School. She will be attending Colby College in the fall as a Global Studies major. Kate decorated her graduation cap to model the Boca Beacon fr…

Pat Neal funds $500,000 New College gift

June 5, 2025
Florida builder Pat Neal and his wife Charlene have completed a $500,000 gift to New College. The contribution fulfills a pledge made in 1977 and affirms Neal’s continued belief in New College’s…