Welcome!
Samana International Academy is excited to share a little bit of our story with you.
For many years, our family lived a high-stress life shaped by the fast pace and social pressures of the United States. My husband, Jason, and I worked long hours, leaving little time to truly connect with our children. Though we were busy and productive, our hearts felt unfulfilled. We knew God was calling us to something different.
In faith, we purchased a boat and set sail—leaving behind stress, schedules, and distractions. What we found instead was presence, peace, and the gift of deep, meaningful relationships with our children. Those years of sailing transformed our family in ways we never could have imagined.
After several years at sea, we arrived in Samaná, Dominican Republic, intending to stay for just one week. But God had other plans. When the second wave of COVID hit, travel restrictions forced us to stay longer. What initially felt like an interruption quickly revealed itself as a divine pause. During that time, we fell deeply in love with the people, the children, and the rich culture of Samaná.
As we settled into the community, we became aware of significant educational gaps affecting many local families. We noticed that literacy and access to quality education were limited, with many children not continuing beyond primary school. The people of Samaná taught us invaluable lessons about joy, resilience, community, and pride—and we felt a strong calling to give back in a meaningful and lasting way.
We realized that the most valuable gift we could offer both local children and like-minded families was the power of knowledge through education. That calling led to the creation of Samaná International School.
Our family purchased a large piece of land and renovated an existing building to bring this vision to life. We are deeply committed to hiring exceptional teachers who are passionate about nurturing children and making a real difference. This entire endeavor has been solely funded by our family, driven by a belief that education can bridge worlds—allowing children from around the globe to learn from the values of the Samaná community, while local children gain access to a high-quality, internationally minded education and form meaningful friendships with peers from different cultures.
Looking back, we now understand that our journey to Samaná was never accidental. It was part of a greater purpose. We hope to make a lasting impact by educating and empowering children so they can truly flourish.
We invite you to be a part of our journey.
Jason & Emily Ryan - Founders, Samaná International Academy
