Island Prep Elementary School

Why We’re Different at Island Prep Elementary School

At Island Prep Elementary School a not for profit school we strive to achieve what parents and we, the school, want for our students, our educational values align with our families’ values.  Our educational approach through experience and hands on learning versus rote memorization allows the students to challenge themselves as scientists, mathematicians and linguists, examining all possibilities before coming to their own conclusions. This method of learning fuels a passion for knowledge, a drive to succeed and a compulsion for working together which establishes a feeling of responsibility for their classroom community and their own education.  With smaller class sizes, educational enrichment programs and an emphasis on physical activity we are able to ensure the students are getting the best of what we have to offer.

By incorporating one on one teaching with small group lessons, learning tailored to the individual student, and knowledge of what the students need to be successful in their own education, we hope our students leave our elementary school with the ability and desire to thrive in all of their educational endeavors. We want our students to find excitement in knowing they have the power, competence and confidence to learn at their own pace and in their own way.

Mrs. Darmer: Director Of Operations

After 4 years at Wilmington University studying Primary Education, Mrs. Shannon Darmer moved her family to St. Augustine working in early childhood education. She eventually made her way to Island Prep where her kindness, understanding, leadership skills, and love of children advanced her quickly into a position in the administration. As the Director of Operations, she has excelled at leading our staff toward their goal of exceptional education. Her experience with the Non-Profit Junior Achievement Program of Delaware making statewide curricula choices has been an asset to our school, as we continue to explore ways to ignite curiosity and engagement within each student. 

Mrs. Diesl: Enrichment Teacher and Educational Coordinator

Mrs. Gina Diesl joined Island Prep after taking a break from her 11-year teaching experience at Hartley Elementary School where she was named teacher of the year. Local to Florida Gina attended Flagler College graduating with her degree in education. Gina loves to travel, is a wonderful mother to an 11 year old son, and is an active member of the community sitting on several boards for education over the years. As the enrichment teacher for the school, she incorporates her love of travel, culture art, and the outdoors seamlessly into the lessons for students taking a thematic approach to these subjects and helping students apply them to their own experiences and express who they are through their work. As the Educational Coordinator, Gina works closely with the teachers to help them realize and reach their potential in their chosen field. Her success in team-building and her deep passion for education is reflected in the engagement of each of the students in our school.