1. The "real world": This is where the protagonist, Capricorn Anderson (Cap), lives with his family. It's described as a small, isolated island community off the coast of Maine, where everyone knows everyone else and life is simple. Cap is homeschooled by his mother, who is a strict and unconventional teacher.
2. The "school world": This is the setting of the prestigious, competitive, and highly-structured private school, "The Academy," that Cap is suddenly thrust into. This setting is in stark contrast to his familiar life on the island. The Academy is located in a bustling city, with large buildings, a diverse student population, and rigorous academic expectations.
Beyond these main settings, there are several other notable locations in the story:
* Cap's family home: It's a humble but comfortable dwelling on the island, where Cap is raised and where he spends much of his time before being sent to The Academy.
* The island community: This setting is essential to understanding Cap's background and his initial perspective on the world. The island is a tight-knit community with its own set of traditions and values.
* The Academy's various buildings and facilities: This includes classrooms, dormitories, a library, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, and the school's grounds. These locations are important to Cap's experiences as he navigates the challenges of school life.
The contrast between the island community and The Academy is a key element of the story. It highlights the difference between Cap's previous life and the new world he is forced to confront. This contrast contributes to the themes of adaptation, resilience, and self-discovery that are explored throughout the book.