The Acres Foundation: Company Profile

Background

The Acres Foundation is an educational organization based in Mumbai, India, dedicated to transforming education by integrating innovative teaching methodologies and fostering inclusive learning environments. Established with the vision to inspire educational transformation in India, the foundation operates The Green Acres Academy, an ICSE curriculum school that emphasizes holistic and well-rounded education. The foundation's mission is to provide affordable yet comprehensive education by adapting the latest research in teaching and learning techniques within the Indian context.

Key Strategic Focus

The Acres Foundation's strategic focus centers on:

• Inclusive Education: Implementing multi-tiered systems of support to include students with disabilities, ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all.

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Developing programs like LEAPED (Leadership, Ethics & Awareness of Personal & Emotional Development) to enhance students' emotional intelligence and leadership skills.

• Curriculum Innovation: Designing and implementing curricula that promote deep, meaningful learning and continuous teacher development.

• Community Engagement: Collaborating with parents, educators, and the community to create a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit organization, The Acres Foundation's funding primarily comes from philanthropic contributions, grants, and partnerships. Specific details regarding total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed. The capital is utilized to support educational programs, infrastructure development, teacher training, and community outreach initiatives.

Pipeline Development

The foundation is continually developing and refining educational programs and curricula to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. Key initiatives include:

• LEAPED Program: A social-emotional learning program aimed at developing leadership, ethics, and personal and emotional awareness among students.

• Inclusive Education Strategies: Implementing multi-tiered systems of support to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms.

• Curriculum Enhancement: Ongoing development of curricula that incorporate the latest research in teaching and learning to foster deep, meaningful learning experiences.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Acres Foundation leverages technology to enhance educational delivery and management:

• Omnichannel Experience Management (OXM) Platform: An enterprise-grade platform that integrates various educational tools and resources to provide a seamless learning experience.

• Digital Curriculum Design: Utilizing hybrid digital curriculum designs to cater to diverse learning needs and styles.

• Data Analytics: Employing data-driven approaches to monitor student progress, inform instructional strategies, and improve educational outcomes.

Leadership Team

The Acres Foundation is led by a team of experienced professionals committed to educational excellence:

• Radhika Zahedi: Co-CEO (Education) with a Master's in Mathematics Education from Columbia University and a Bachelor's in Engineering from Mumbai University. Radhika has over a decade of experience in education, serving as a school principal, math teacher-coach, and curriculum designer.

• Tejas Parekh: Co-CEO with a Master's in Marketing Management from Southampton School and a Bachelor's in Marketing & Economics from RMIT University. Tejas has over 20 years of global experience in various leadership roles across multiple industries.

• Siamack Zahedi: Director of Education and Research with a Master's in Education from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Siamack has extensive experience in educational consultancy and research.

• Pooja: Head of Counselling with a dual Master's in Education and Counselling from Columbia University. Pooja has been working in education and mental health since 2011, supporting students with behavioral issues and counseling needs.

Competitor Profile

The Acres Foundation operates in the competitive educational sector in India, focusing on innovative teaching methodologies and inclusive education. Key competitors include:

• The Green Acres Academy: An ICSE curriculum school emphasizing holistic education and continuous learning.

• Other Progressive Educational Institutions: Various schools and educational organizations in India that focus on innovative teaching methods, inclusive education, and curriculum development.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Acres Foundation collaborates with various organizations and institutions to enhance educational outcomes:

• Perkins International (USA): Partnered to transform the Bangkok School for the Blind, implementing strategic improvement planning processes.

• Community Engagement: Engages with parents, educators, and the community to create a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Operational Insights

The Acres Foundation differentiates itself through:

• Innovative Curriculum Design: Developing curricula that incorporate the latest research in teaching and learning to foster deep, meaningful learning experiences.

• Inclusive Education Practices: Implementing multi-tiered systems of support to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream classrooms.

• Community Engagement: Collaborating with parents, educators, and the community to create a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The Acres Foundation aims to:

• Expand Educational Programs: Develop and implement new educational programs that address emerging needs in the educational sector.

• Enhance Technological Integration: Leverage technology to further enhance educational delivery and management.

• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build and strengthen partnerships with local and international organizations to enhance educational outcomes.

Contact Information

• Website: acresfoundation.org

• LinkedIn: The Acres Foundation

• Facebook: The Acres Foundation

• Twitter: @AcresFoundation

• Instagram: @acresfoundation

The Acres Foundation continues to strive towards educational excellence, focusing on innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement to transform education in India.