Our School

Jake Schaper

Director of Residential Life

B.A.: Music, North Park University

Jake Schaper was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up playing travel hockey and competing in both varsity soccer and hockey throughout high school. He attended Walter Payton College Preparatory School before pursuing his musical passions for a B.A. in Vocal Performance at North Park University in Chicago. 

After college, Jake moved to North Lake Tahoe, where he spent seven years working in management at Palisades Tahoe Ski Resort while developing deep connections to the Tahoe community. During that time, he recognized a growing need for mental health and addiction support in the region, which inspired him to return to school to pursue a degree in addiction studies and counseling.

Jake went on to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and worked with individuals and families at Elevate Addiction Services, providing counseling and support through complex personal and family challenges, while also overseeing the residential programming. He later served as a case manager with the Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless, supporting adults transitioning out of homelessness and helping connect them with the resources needed to build greater stability and independence.

Wanting to apply his experience in a setting where he could support young people earlier in their development, Jake joined Lake Tahoe Preparatory School, now ISI Academy – Olympic Valley. Over the past three years, he has developed a deep familiarity with ISI's students and community, working closely with student-athletes both in Olympic Valley and through the hockey academy in South Lake Tahoe.

Jake brings to ISI a background rooted in competitive athletics, holistic counseling, and community support, along with a genuine commitment to helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence. He believes that strong relationships, accountability, and consistent support are vital components of ISI’s community and has worked to develop meaningful relationships with each student-athlete. 

As Director of Residential Life, Jake serves as the primary point of contact for students and families for non-academic matters, overseeing residential life, student welfare, daily operations, travel, and logistics. He brings to the role a strong background in supporting individuals through challenging circumstances, along with a deep understanding of the importance of trust, accountability, and consistent mentorship—all of which shape his approach to residential life at ISI. In ISI’s unique, close-knit school community, set in the awe-inspiring landscape of Lake Tahoe, Jake is committed to creating a residential experience that balances fun, adventure, and outdoor recreation with an environment where students feel supported and empowered to grow within their community and beyond—not only as students and athletes, but as confident and resilient young adults.