Make Learning Fun Again & Always with Varun Bhatia

  




I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Varun Bhatia, co-founder of Acton Academy, a private school dedicated to making learning fun. Varun and his wife Nadia have brought the Acton Academy model to Columbus, Ohio. His inspiring journey sparked my enthusiasm for writing this blog.

1. What inspired you to start Acton Academy?


Varun grew up in Columbus and had a negative experience attending public school because he didn’t like the way the school presented the learnings to the students. He moved to a location with better school options. Columbus boasts of two highly-rated districts, Dublin and Olentangy, but after two years of searching, Varun discovered the Acton Academy model which was based on making learning fun and applied. It was unique, it was something that he could relate to.


2. Being a school that is different from any public school, were there any challenges that made enrollment difficult?


When Varun initially established his school in Dublin, enrollment was quite low. Attracting students proved challenging as many parents were hesitant to send their children to a school that stood apart from the mainstream. While the children themselves expressed interest in attending, parental concerns about isolation ultimately hindered the school's growth.


3. How did you advertise and market your school concept and if so what were the learnings that you had in your communication about Acton Academy?


Varun employed a multi-faceted approach to promoting Acton, heavily relying on social media platforms for outreach. Additionally, he utilized traditional advertising methods by displaying signs outside both the academy and his house. While Varun's strategy evolved over time to maintain effectiveness, one particularly successful strategy involved distributing branded T-shirts. Demonstrating a creative flair, he consistently generated fresh advertising ideas without significant difficulty.


4. What is one of your most memorable moments you experienced in building your business?


Varun humbly acknowledges that his business is still under construction, a work in progress. Despite the daily hurdles and setbacks, he also experiences moments of immense pride and accomplishment. To me, this journey represents the spirit of entrepreneurship.


5. What is one of your biggest achievements and one of your biggest failures?


One of Varun's greatest accomplishments is witnessing the transformative power of education. Bringing knowledge to young minds and seeing their faces light up with joy as they embrace learning is incredibly rewarding to him. While he cannot pinpoint specific monumental failures, he acknowledges a lot of valuable lessons learned throughout his journey.


6. What is the difference between the Acton Academy syllabus and a normal school’s syllabus?


Acton Academy is significantly different from the traditional public school model by granting students the power to learn at their own pace. Unlike the structured environment of public schools, with its emphasis on homework, tests, and report cards, Acton Academy has a more independent, applied and flexible learning experience.


7. As entrepreneurs, what advice would you give to me and other young kids who want to make a difference in the world?


Varun emphasizes the importance of discovering one's true passion and building a life around it. He believes that a fulfilling and enjoyable career is the core of happiness, and with that solid foundation, the possibilities for success are limitless!


My conversation with Varun was an absolute inspiration. I had a lot of insights from our discussion, which left me feeling both enlightened and motivated. Varun's profound statement, "There are always second opportunities in life," resonated deeply with me and will undoubtedly shape my perspective. I am immensely grateful for Varun's generosity in sharing his time. I wholeheartedly hope you find this interview as enriching as I did.


Check out Acton Academy's website: https://actonacademycolumbus.com/


I would really love to hear your feedback and comments. Please reach out to me@hanikachhajer.com.

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