Dani Gwiazda Founder
Island Prep School in St Augustine, FL.
Welcome to Island Prep School in St. Augustine, FL!
Meet Our Founder
Mrs. Dani Gwiazda
It’s been more than 10 years since we opened the doors to the first Island Prep School and I couldn’t be more proud or excited about how much we’ve grown. As a mother and an educator, I saw the need for an educational-based early learning center in St. Augustine. My dream has become a reality and as the founder of Island Prep School, I will continue to ensure the educational needs of the children are met in a loving and safe environment.
About My Journey as Founder of Island Prep
A Louisville, Kentucky native, I wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember. In 2002, this passion brought me to St. Augustine to earn a degree in Education from Flagler College as well as an Exceptional Student Education degree. Next, I went on to complete my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.
Following Flagler College, I went on to teach kindergarten for more than seven years. During this time, I watched the expectations of our students become more and more strenuous. Many of the children that came through a Pre-Kindergarten program simply didn’t have the necessary skills to be successful learners.
As an active member of the community, it became clear that we were not only in need of an educational-based early learning center, but also one that embraces a clean, green and family-oriented environment – something different than a daycare. And so Island Prep was born!
A wife and mother of four, Island Prep has blossomed with the help of my family and our amazing staff. We’ve created a school where children have an opportunity to grow and explore the world around them. This is important to me as an educator and, more importantly, as a mother.
I hope our program meets the needs of your family as it did mine!
Thank you for your trust and love!
Dani
