Casting

Overeager and rambunctious, he is excited to please his teachers and classmates. Protective of Jack almost immediately upon meeting him.

Boys' teacher and primary swim coach. He is a a firm believer in tradition and very enthusiastic about the discipline required for swimming. Gruff, manly, powerful.

Jack's little sister the obedient, well-behaved student. Very protective of Jack and not afraid to speak out on his behalf.

A new girl at the school. She is outspoken and expresses her dissenting opinions. Admired and trusted by the other girls, but loathed by the strict staff. A big sister figure to many of the other orphans.

A teacher at the girls' school. She is a tough disciplinarian and disliked by the students. Cold and harsh.

A teacher at the girls' school. Though she is firm, she is much more kind and lenient than Ms. Merchant. Stands strong when her methods are challenged.

A very generous man with gusto and a wry sense of humor. Treats his staff and children with great kindness and care.

She is in charge of the schools. Like her husband, she is overly kind and generous to both the students and her staff. Dignified and proud.

Captain in the Army. Nice boy born of nobility and a champion swimmer who teaches Jack how to swim. Athletic, adventurous, proud.

Mailman, jokester, and pickpocket. A boy with a goofy nature that eventually gets him into trouble. He is easily remorseful and infatuated with Hannah.

The old, absent minded man who sees the children on and off the train. He shuffles when he walks and cracks jokes to the children. Kind, gentle, quirky.