Dedicated to the Montessori teaching method and priced affordably, the Austin Children's Academy, or the ACA, recently completed its second year of operations in a position to expand this fall with an after-school program.
The ACA's fall program will offer after-school programs, as well as transportation, for children ages 6 to 12 who attend local elementary schools. This will be yet another example of the school directors' enthusiasm for innovation and drive to enrich the community.
The ACA has much more to offer than neighboring Montessori schools and day cares. Being a family owned business, the ACA gives a personal touch by having a close connection with its students and their parents by catering to the needs of working parents.
"It's the quality of family service we provide," said founder Sam Gupta, "and the one-on-one attention we give Ð not just to the children, but the parents, as well. It's a team effort and a great family environment."
Gupta, a former broker involved in investment banking, turned all of his attention to childhood development as a way to give back to the community, and as a way to remember his older brother. Raj Gupta, global marketing director at the Texas Instruments headquarters in Dallas, died of lymphoma during his younger brother's graduating year in college.
"My parents raised me, but it was my brother who made me," Sam Gupta explained. "He showed me how to balance my life Ð the business side and the personal. He allowed me to mature at an early age and taught me to live life to the fullest."
Raj Gupta, only 30 when he died, wasn't just an inspiration to his brother and parents. In 2008, Texas Instruments called the family to ask permission to give out the first-ever annual marketing employee excellence award in honor of Raj Gupta's legacy.
Following his brother's passing, Sam Gupta discussed a plan with his parents about fulfilling their dream of opening a Montessori school in Austin Ð his new home.
Gupta was born in Maryland and spent his early years there. His parents later moved to South Florida, and that's where he was finishing high school when his brother suggested he consider attending the University of Texas. After stepping into Austin and exploring its culture, he soon became a Longhorn.
He fell in love with the city and its music scene. As a drummer himself, he helped include music in the curricula. The ACA hosts a variety of summer camps, one of which includes a School of Rock camp for children ages 6 to 18; at the camp, children learn to develop their music skills by forming a band, recording and performing live.
But the brains and heart of the school, Gupta emphasized, is his mother. Krishna Gupta's education was in childhood development and child psychology.
Since her early youth, Krishna Gupta has always loved being around children. Her passion as a mother, director and mentor comes directly from her love of children.
She has more than 30 years of experience in the Montessori and public school systems, and her strength comes from teaching children and providing them with positive role models Ð something shared in Dr. Maria Montessori's philosophy.
In 2007, Krishna Gupta, her husband and Sam Gupta were really busy developing the curriculum and the design for the ACA. They saw their inspiration come to life.
"It's a great feeling owning Austin Children's Academy," Krishna Gupta said. "I love working with my staff, and I can really use my knowledge about children when working with everyone. I have more freedom to use my creativity in designing and implementing programs, and in helping with parents."
Krishna's experience has come across to the parents of ACA students.
Erin Herrera had been reluctant to put her eldest child into day care. The ACA was not the first campus she visited, nor was it the last. But her first impressions were extremely positive. For one, it was a Montessori school with "really competitive rates," Herrera recalled.
Tuition ranges from $550 to $900 per month, depending the child's age and the program the child joins. Parents and children have multiple programs to choose from, including five-day and three-day options. Parents choosing three-day programs can choose any three days of the week. The ACA is flexible and willing to work with and accommodate for all families.
The director's tour also instilled confidence for Herrera.
"Mrs. Gupta knew what she was talking about," Herrera said. "She didn't sound like she was reciting marketing materials."
Herrera's son, Aiden, was a handful, she said. And his vocabulary was limited to the words his mom could scribble on one sheet of paper. She decided to put the 18-month-old in the school for a couple of months to see how things developed.
That was two years ago.
"Within a couple of months, he was putting nouns and verbs together," Herrera said. "He just blossomed."
And Herrera's confidence in the program grew. She visited the school regularly and became active in the parent-teacher activities. But what gave Herrera her "wow" moment was an experience while volunteering as a chaperone on a field trip.
"We went on a field trip, and a little boy tripped and skinned his knee," Herrera said. "Mrs. Gupta knelt in front of him. She talked to him as a person she cared for. She really made a connection with unconditional love caring for the child.
"It was one of those moments where you sit back as a spectator watching something unfold. It was really powerful. I had the impression that if she connects with children like that, it's got to trickle through the organization."
The teaching staff is trained in Montessori and childhood development, and maintains state board certification. Each teacher has an assistant, and the staff works as a cohesive unit.
Suma Dasgupta, one of the teachers, has been with the ACA since the school's opening. She started as an assistant and is now in the process of completing her Montessori certification. According to her, teaching the students and being a part of the ACA family is gratifying.
"It's my passion," Dasgupta said. "I love to come back here every day."
Dasgupta teaches many practical subjects, including math, science, social studies and language. When her students begin, they don't even know the sounds of letters. When they leave, they have begun reading and are confident about their skills.
Dasgupta describes class as very structured. Students begin arriving at 7:30 a.m., and by 8:30 a.m., the class has begun. Group activity and Montessori rug work inspire students to be cooperative and also create natural curiosity where they learn exponentially. Later, Dasgupta gives each student one-on-one personal instruction and attention.
In addition to academics, the students are engulfed in a variety of enrichment programs, including music, movement, gymnastics, dance, art and physical education.
With 55 students enrolled, the school has grown quickly, but is ready for more growth.
The Guptas put about $3 million into starting the facility. The 10,000-square-foot building has been completely renovated and has state-of-the-art equipment and learning materials.
"We're about to expand the playground and open new classrooms," Sam Gupta said.
Sitting on almost two acres, there is also room outside for the kids to stretch and run.
The ACA also offers theater, drama, integrated arts, martial arts, yoga, gymnastics, dance, science, music and more. Or as Sam Gupta puts it, "We are really trying to raise the bar in child care so that children can create a foundation in their lives."
There are special events year-round that have seasonal, civic and academic themes. There is always something happening, Sam Gupta said.
"We had a science fair here for Primary Two class (children ages 3 to 6)," he added. "They had to do a science project and present their projects independently. Many times they stumped their own parents on the different types of clouds, the different parts of a plant and even the water cycle.
"It's amazing. You give them the tools, and they will run with it. They learn exponentially."
For more information on the ACA, call 512-331-2075, or visit www.austinchildrensacademy.org.
