We currently have a few spots remaining for the 2025-2026 school year!
Why Live Oak Academy of the Lowcountry?
Like a live oak tree, our students grow strong from the roots up. In preschool, we nurture creativity, self-awareness, and social intelligence. Elementary and middle school form the trunk—where core academic skills and critical thinking take shape. By high school, students begin to branch out, exploring their passions and preparing for the future with confidence.
WE BELIEVE
Our Practice
Our Practice
Education is not one-size-fits-all. Every child learns differently and when we honor those differences with innovative approaches, education becomes a pathway for every student to thrive. We move beyond traditional methods of desks, worksheets, tests, and homework to best practices that promote curiosity and deep learning.
Our Practice
Our Practice
Our Practice
We create hands-on classroom experiences where students have a voice and therefore ownership of their education. We are a school that is intentional about getting out of the building through field trips and community partnerships where students can engage with experts and apply classroom topics to the real world.
Live Oak Academy Philosophy
The live oak ADVANTAGE
Live Oak Academy offers a hands-on alternative to traditional education through a preschool through 12th grade model that is rooted in flexibility, creativity, and real-world engagement. Utilizing the island's natural surroundings, we leverage the living classroom that is Hilton Head Island.
Early Childhood
Our Early Childhood Program offers a nurturing indoor and outdoor learning environment where children ages 3 to 6 are encouraged to explore, create, and grow. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies, our approach is rooted in the belief that children are naturally curious, capable, and full of potential. Our curriculum is inquiry-driven, rooted in ample outdoor time and aligned with the South Carolina Early Learning Standards for preschool and kindergarten readiness.
We introduce academic concepts in a way that is playful, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate:
- Math: Children engage in hands-on exploration of numbers, patterns, measurement, and problem-solving using real-world materials.
- Science & Nature: Our emergent, project-based approach allows children to follow their curiosities—whether it’s how shadows change, why leaves fall, or what animals live in our local habitats.
- Early Literacy: From storytelling, dramatic play, drawing and writing to songs, rhymes, and letter play, children build strong foundations through rich language experiences.
- Practical Life & Motor Skills: Children develop independence and coordination through purposeful, everyday activities that strengthen both fine and gross motor skills.
The kindergarten experIence
A place for wonder, growth and belonging
The Kindergarten Experience
Our kindergarteners (ages 5–6) enjoy a rich, developmentally balanced experience that prepares them for first grade and beyond—without rushing the joy of early childhood.
Kindergarteners in our mixed-age classroom engage in:
- More in-depth project work with expanded responsibilities
- Phonics, sight words, and guided reading practice
- Writing and storytelling through journals and creative expression
- Early math fluency with number sense, addition/subtraction, and patterns
- Leadership roles in group activities and classroom routines
While academic growth is important, we believe that kindergarten should also nurture curiosity, imagination, and a love for learning. Our approach ensures each child develops confidence, communication skills, and a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Playful learning
active EXPLORation
active EXPLORation
We believe that young children are curious, capable, and competent learners who deserve regular opportunities to explore the world around them. We hold play to be a powerful, essential activity for early childhood development. Wonderous, playful learning at Live Oak Academy allows our children to pose questions, make discoveries, and share their ideas and excitement. Teachers partner with children by listening closely to what they say, guiding them, and acting as a resource for their curiosity.
active EXPLORation
active EXPLORation
active EXPLORation
Our indoor and outdoor areas are known as the "third teacher" - intentionally designed learning spaces that foster curious learning by provoking exploration, promoting independence, encouraging collaboration, and supporting deep understanding. In our learning spaces, you might find children exploring light and shadow, creating sculptures with recyclables, learning letters and how they form words, investigating how water moves and changes form, telling stories using dramatic play or experimenting with color using painting.
CREATIVE THINKING & the arts
CREATIVE THINKING & the arts
CREATIVE THINKING & the arts
A great deal of children's work at this age is self-expressive and creative, making material rich learning an essential part of the experience at Live Oak Academy. We believe an arts curriculum is central to each child's journey in education. Children engage in art experiences inspired by famous artists and genres, utilizing various mediums and materials. A variety of self-directed art centers empower children to express themselves and make meaning of the world around them while cultivating a deep appreciation for the visual arts.
SOCIAL Emotional Development
CREATIVE THINKING & the arts
CREATIVE THINKING & the arts
We actively foster the development of empathy, problem-solving, communication, emotional regulation and healthy relationships with our learners. Three and four year olds are learning to navigate social interactions, build confidence, and express themselves. Five and six year olds begin to develop a stronger sense of community, take on classroom responsibilities, and help shape their learning environment. Teachers act as guides—helping children reflect on their interactions, resolve conflicts peacefully, and grow into thoughtful community members.
Elementary & Middle School
Beyond walls: The Island Is Our Classroom
This is more than a tagline—it’s a philosophy. At Live Oak Academy, we believe students learn best when they are actively engaged with the world around them. Our elementary and middle school students:
- Spend time learning in nature
- Engage in frequent field trips that connect classroom content to real-world experiences
- Meet and learn from experts, guest speakers, and community partners
- Ask big questions and explore concepts beyond textbooks and borders
- Explore many areas of study and approach questions from multiple perspectives
Whether studying marsh ecosystems, exploring cultural traditions, or investigating global challenges, students are encouraged to look outward, think critically, and stay curious. At Live Oak Academy, we’re not just preparing students for a test—we’re preparing them to be thinkers, creators, collaborators, and compassionate global leaders. As a result, students are engaged, empowered, and excited to learn.
VOice & Choice
VOice & Choice
VOice & Choice
At Live Oak Academy, we believe learning is most powerful when it's shared. Students are not just passive recipients—they have a voice in shaping their own education. Through explorative learning, choice-driven projects, and meaningful class discussions, students learn from—and with—each other. Our small class sizes foster deep relationships and rich conversation. It’s not uncommon to see a student turn around and teach a peer what they’ve just discovered, reinforcing their own understanding and building leadership skills. Collaboration isn’t just encouraged—it’s embedded into everything we do.
Challenging
VOice & Choice
VOice & Choice
We hold our students to high standards of thinking and doing—not through traditional tests or grades, but through mastery-based learning. With project-based learning at the heart of our instructional model, every student is coached to engage deeply, take ownership of their work, and push themselves toward excellence. We host twice-yearly Exhibitions, where students present their learning, projects, and writing to family members. This kind of challenge prepares students not just for college—but for life.
Creative
VOice & Choice
Creative
Creativity is not an afterthought at Live Oak Academy—it’s a way of thinking and learning that runs through every subject. Students create projects to demonstrate their learning, propose original ideas, and engage in creative problem-solving. Whether designing an engineering prototype, crafting a short story, or exploring abstract concepts through art, students are encouraged to think outside the box and express their understanding in ways that are personal, powerful, and purposeful. Our classes provide space for artistic expression, innovation, and reflection, helping students develop both their voice and their vision.
OUR TEAM
TIFFANY FISH executive director
TIFFANY FISH executive director
TIFFANY FISH executive director
Tiffany has spent 15 years working with youth in nonprofits, including seven years in schools focusing on education. She loves helping create environments where students feel curious, supported, and excited to learn. Her favorite part of Live Oak Academy of the Lowcountry is the people: the students are funny and endlessly curious, the pa
Tiffany has spent 15 years working with youth in nonprofits, including seven years in schools focusing on education. She loves helping create environments where students feel curious, supported, and excited to learn. Her favorite part of Live Oak Academy of the Lowcountry is the people: the students are funny and endlessly curious, the parents are supportive and work hand in hand with staff, and the team of educators is talented, collaborative, and inspiring to be around. When she’s not at school, Tiffany can usually be found playing volleyball, reading, spending time on the beach, or exploring the outdoors with her husband, Ryan, and their son, Lincoln.
Alicia Brown Academics Mentor
TIFFANY FISH executive director
TIFFANY FISH executive director
Alicia graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to Live Oak Academy, Alicia was a public school teacher in both South Carolina and Pennsylvania. She also has experience as the director of a daycare. Alicia loves working with children and can be fou
Alicia graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to Live Oak Academy, Alicia was a public school teacher in both South Carolina and Pennsylvania. She also has experience as the director of a daycare. Alicia loves working with children and can be found doing anything active , from paddle boarding to kayaking, ice skating, or hiking. But her happy place is definitely in the middle of a crowd at a concert or at the beach throwing a lacrosse ball around with her three children!
DEIHA TORIN EARLY CHILDHOOD
TIFFANY FISH executive director
DEIHA TORIN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Deiha has been an early childhood educator on Hilton Head Island for the last 29 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about creating environments where children can explore with their whole selves. Deiha is continually inspired by child-led approaches to learning, drawing from Reggio Emili
Deiha has been an early childhood educator on Hilton Head Island for the last 29 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about creating environments where children can explore with their whole selves. Deiha is continually inspired by child-led approaches to learning, drawing from Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. She believes it is essential to give children a voice and choice in their learning, offering a space that is safe, nurturing, and thoughtfully challenging. As a mother of two adult children, she's had the opportunity to support them throughout their educational journeys and give them the wings to pursue their goals. Outside of the classroom, Deiha enjoys gardening, exploring with friends, and trying new foods.
BETH GREEN ELEMENTARY
HOLLY BURGDORF MIDDLE SCHOOL
DEIHA TORIN EARLY CHILDHOOD
For the last 26 years, Beth, lovingly known as “The Music Lady," has served schools, libraries and other venues as a children’s music, dramatic arts, and learning specialist for students. She holds an M.Ed, with a specialty in Integrated Teaching Through The Arts, which helps her to reach and teach each child. Beth is a certified Teache
For the last 26 years, Beth, lovingly known as “The Music Lady," has served schools, libraries and other venues as a children’s music, dramatic arts, and learning specialist for students. She holds an M.Ed, with a specialty in Integrated Teaching Through The Arts, which helps her to reach and teach each child. Beth is a certified Teacher Trainer and provides teacher trainings and CEU’s for re-licensure to Early Childhood Educators. In addition to being a children's choir director and professional VoiceOver talent, Beth enjoys working with children & parents at her musical enrichment studios, hosting early years classes as well as Musical Baby Sing & Sign classes. Her favorite role, by far, is Mom to her 29-year old son.
HOLLY BURGDORF MIDDLE SCHOOL
HOLLY BURGDORF MIDDLE SCHOOL
HOLLY BURGDORF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Holly is originally from Ohio where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Youngstown State University, with a concentrations in Math and Science. She spent several years teaching in Youngstown, working with a range of grade levels and incorporating STEM into her classrooms. She’s currently working toward her
Holly is originally from Ohio where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Youngstown State University, with a concentrations in Math and Science. She spent several years teaching in Youngstown, working with a range of grade levels and incorporating STEM into her classrooms. She’s currently working toward her Master’s in Learning Design and Technology and is passionate about creating learning experiences that are meaningful and engaging. In her free time, Holly loves being outside, exploring Hilton Head Island, spending time with animals, cooking, and getting lost in a good book.