Coastal Georgia’s Partnership with Caribbean School Makes a Splash, Off to a Great Start

The joint enrollment partnership between the College of Coastal Georgia and Learning Unlimited Preparatory School of St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean got off to a great start for the new academic year. Learning Unlimited hosted a Meet the Teachers event for Learning Unlimited students and their parents to meet their teachers for the school year, including a virtual visit with Coastal Georgia professors.

In May, Coastal Georgia became the first college in the United States to launch a joint enrollment partnership with a Caribbean school. Representatives of Learning Unlimited, including staff, students, parents, and Amissa President, head of school for Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, came to the College for the signing of a memorandum of understanding that allows Learning Unlimited juniors and seniors to participate in joint enrollment at the College. To make sure the new school year started on a good note, Dr. Jason Umfress, vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, recently took a trip to Learning Unlimited.

During the Meet the Teachers event, Umfress facilitated an orientation for eight Learning Unlimited junior and senior students who will be taking online classes with the College. This year, students will take courses in business, medical terminology, psychology, biology, and physics. The orientation included an overview of the College, academic support services, technology needed for learning, and advice on the expectations of high school versus college.

 “I knew the College of Coastal Georgia and Learning Unlimited Preparatory School were kindred spirits the first time we discussed this partnership,” Umfress said. “But after visiting their beautiful school and experiencing their rich culture, I’m positive that we have a partner who shares our values and principles of helping students be successful and reach their full potential.”

Umfress also had the opportunity to meet the owners of Learning Unlimited, Dr. Pouneh and Bill Alcott. He was treated to a tour of both the French and Dutch sides of St. Maarten and enjoyed a lunch with some of the students’ parents.

“The environment and culture Ms. President and her staff have created at Learning Unlimited is special, and the love and support they give each student is evident and matches our ‘every student, every time’ mantra,” Umfress said. “I am excited about continuing this partnership for years to come.”