The vision behind Island Academy International, which opened its doors in 2001, is to offer students in Antigua and Barbuda a world-class education that prepares them for success, both academically and socially, in the global community.

The school caters to the needs of Antiguan and Barbudan students, as well as those from the expatriate community. It has more than 300 students, ranging from kindergarten through grade 13, and more than 30 staff members from all over the world.

Island Academy’s nonprofit status makes it unique on the island, and more than 45% of the students receive financial aid to attend the school. Graduates, including financial aid recipients, have received university scholarships all over the world, and two recent graduates won undergraduate spots at Columbia University with scholarships.

The visual and performing arts are an integral part of the curriculum at Island Academy, and it is the only school in the country to have a ceramics studio. All students have an opportunity to work in the studio, and the academy has a full-time, resident ceramicist.

Much of the clay used in the ceramics studio is sourced locally and students learn about its origins and properties, as well as about creating, glazing and firing ceramics. Students from government schools on the island also get opportunities to work at the studio, and the facility is open to the community during evenings and weekends.