Coates Acadamy, school for the "difficult".
Coates Academy (most commonly referred to as "Coates") is a private, elite boarding school, situated close to Perdido Beach. It is where troubled or "difficult" children are sent by their mostly-rich parents. This implies that all students at Coates are relatively intelligent. Major Gone characters that went to Coates include Caine, Diana, Drake, Taylor, Computer Jack, Brianna and Dekka. There is a slight rivalry between the children at Coates and the children at Perdido Beach school.
Location
Coates Academy on the FAYZ map located in the front of the book
The location of Coates is referred to as "up the hill" (geographical reference). The path up the hill to Coates has been described as more of a mountain than a hill. Sam remembers how if Coates's sports stadium lights were on, the school is sometimes visible from the right view.
Before the FAYZ
Because kids are sent to Coates due to their problems, many of the students hide the stories behind why they were sent there. Reasons have ranged from hacking into computers (Computer Jack) to falsely accusing their father of injuring their mother (Diana Ladris). This is why the school is widely regarded as having dangerous pupils, as it is full of bullies and other "difficult" children. It is referred to as, quite accurately, "a dumping ground for problem children."
At night, loud noises could occassionally be heard coming from Caine and Drake's room in the boy's dormitory. The events that occur have been left to the student's imagination. Caine and Drake deny everything.
Sam Temple's mother, Connie Temple, was a night-nurse at Coates before the FAYZ.
Before the FAYZ, the headmistress of Coates was named Grace. Coates Academy was nicknamed "The Fear Factory." Its interior is described as being dull and gray by Jack. The tiles in the lunch room are arranged to an arrow pointing up. The school's motto is "Moving forward, together."
During the FAYZ
Gone
Coates is used as a base of operations for Caine and his 'followers'.
Hunger
Caine continues to use Coates.
Lies
When Caine and the remainder of those loyal to him leave for San Francisco de Sales Island, Coates becomes empty. At some point in the books, Howard begins to use it as a base for his alcohol (and supposedly drug) operations.
Plague
Coates remains as a base for Howard and his illegal activities. It is also where Astrid goes to hide Little Pete from the Human Crew, and where Little Pete dies.
Fear
Coates becomes deserted once again when Howard is killed by Drake. It is not referred to after this.
Known Students
- Caine Soren
- Drake Merwin, Jr.
- Diana Ladris
- Brianna "The Breeze"
- Dekka Talent
- Taylor
- Jack " Computer Jack"
- Chunk
- Tyler "Bug"
- Penny
- Andrew (Poofed)
- Panda
- Benno (Poofed)
- Louise
- Chris
- Brooke
- Allison
- Pampers
- Barry
- Alpha Wong
- Tyrrell
- Paint
- Jasmine
- Diana
- Jason