Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Experiential K-8 Education
Fisher Island Day School (FIDS) has been dedicated to academic excellence since its founding in 2004. Our institution specializes in preparing students from Early Learning (age 2) through Grade 8 for competitive high school admissions, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. With an unparalleled 6:1 student-teacher ratio and an average class size of 11 students, we provide personalized instruction that fosters critical thinking and academic rigor. Our faculty, 78% of whom hold graduate degrees, implement a curriculum developed in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education that exceeds national independent school standards.Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and featuring state-of-the-art facilities including a STEM lab and observatory, we combine rigorous academics with character development. Our island campus provides unique outdoor learning opportunities, while our graduates consistently gain admission to South Florida's most prestigious high schools. This combination of academic excellence, experienced educators, and holistic development establishes FIDS as a leader in K-8 education.
Services
Primary School
Lower School
Middle School
STEM Program
Athletics
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 6:1 student-teacher ratio with maximum class size of 15 students
- 78% of faculty hold graduate degrees from top institutions
- Curriculum developed with University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
- Fully accredited by Florida Council of Independent Schools
- Unique island campus with STEM lab and observatory for hands-on learning
Associations and certifications
- Florida Council of Independent Schools
- National Association of Independent Schools
What people say
Exceptional learning environment
Preparing them to compete academically
Well prepared for high school
Unique outdoor explorations
Daily physical education benefits
Services
Primary School
Our Primary School program serves students aged 2 through Kindergarten with a focus on literacy and numeracy fundamentals. Small class sizes enable personalized instruction while outdoor explorations enhance learning through nature observation. The curriculum emphasizes sensory experiences and foundational academic skills that create lasting educational advantages.
Lower School
Grades 1-5 curriculum combines thematic units with critical thinking development. Students engage in project-based learning across core subjects while maintaining daily world-language instruction. Our STEM program utilizes both dedicated lab facilities and the island environment for hands-on scientific exploration and discovery.
Middle School
Grades 6-8 program prepares students for prestigious high schools through advanced coursework in Algebra, Geometry, and honors-level subjects. Elective options include robotics, creative writing, and SSAT preparation. Daily physical education and competitive athletics develop both academic and physical capabilities.
STEM Program
Our STEM curriculum features discovery-based learning in a dedicated laboratory environment. Students engage in group investigations and independent research projects while utilizing the island's natural resources as an extended classroom. The program includes night-sky observation through our campus observatory.
Athletics
Daily physical education and competitive sports develop athletic skills and character values. Students access island facilities including 19 tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course. Team sports include soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cross-country running with interscholastic competition against regional private schools.
People
Mary Reiling
Director of Admissions/Development
Mary Reiling leads admissions and development efforts at Fisher Island Day School. With extensive experience in educational administration, she guides families through the enrollment process and manages institutional fundraising initiatives. Her leadership supports the school's mission of academic excellence and community engagement.
Questions
What grades does Fisher Island Day School serve?
We serve students from Early Learning (age 2) through Grade 8, with developmentally appropriate programs for each stage of childhood education.
What makes FIDS curriculum unique?
Our curriculum combines University of Pennsylvania-developed academics with hands-on STEM experiences, daily world-language instruction, and island-based environmental learning opportunities.
Is the school accredited?
Yes, Fisher Island Day School is fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and maintains membership with the National Association of Independent Schools.
What are class sizes?
Our average class size is 11 students with a maximum of 15 students per class, maintaining a 6:1 student-teacher ratio across all grade levels.
Do you offer after-school programs?
Yes, we provide Active Hours after-school enrichment programs in arts, athletics, and academic pursuits, offered in trimesters with flexible registration options.
What community service opportunities exist?
Middle school students complete community service experiences as part of our character education program, fulfilling graduation requirements while developing civic responsibility.
Reviews (1)
Linette Guerra
Feb 07, 2018
Report
My child attended FIDS from Pre Learning (2.5 years of age ) till Junior -K (3 years) All I can say about the school is that the president that runs the day to day decisions should not be allowed to run a school. Important matters are not handled appropriately or directly ignored, if the Board President doesn't consider you or your child important to her. Most importantly, if your donations are not big enough according to her standards, forget it.... Mind you there are only 80 students at the school , which runs from pre-learning (2 year olds) and now they just added 6th grade, just in case your
