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Environmental Education
on a Remote Island

Penikese Island provides the perfect setting for fostering environmental literacy and stewardship. 

Penikese Island School, Inc, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1973 and based in Woods Hole, MA.

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Since 2019, we have operated Penikese Island School as an immersive educational experience where Penikese Island is the classroom.

Educational Programs

Penikese Island provides an ideal setting to get kids off their screens and out in nature. On this remote, uninhabited bird sanctuary, students explore the natural world away from the many digital distractions surrounding them.  Each visit to Penikese immerses students in experiential, nature-based educational programs that foster an appreciation for the importance of nature through the lens of Penikese Island.

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We currently operate two main programs:

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1. Day Trips for School Groups

School trips use curiosity to foster personal connection with nature while inspiring a lifelong respect for the environment.  Grade 5-12 students from local schools visit the island during the school year to learn about the ecology and natural history of the Elizabeth Islands, exploring their “own backyard” and strengthening their understanding of our coastal region.

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2. Week-long STEAM Summer Camps for Middle School Girls

Camp infuses summer fun with scientific exploration, empowering middle school girls to see themselves as capable in the sciences while simultaneously bolstering their overall self-confidence during this critical developmental time.  The cornerstone of this experience is the opportunity to engage with female scientists from nearby scientific institutions.

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Through collaborations with other educational organizations, we aim to introduce many more students to this remote island experience.

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Island Adventure Awaits

Below is an introductory video about Penikese Island for student day trips.

Virtual Discovery Days

Virtual Discovery Days

The Penikese Island School acknowledges that we are gathering on the unceded ancestral land of the Wôpanâak (Wampanoag) Nation.  We recognize and respect the Wampanoag people and honor their enduring relationship with this land.  This Land Acknowledgment is an intentional act to counter the erasure of Indigenous people and to demonstrate respect for their sovereign rights.  We are committed to educating our staff and students about the longstanding history of the Wampanoag people.

©2024 by Penikese Island School, Inc.

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