How Ranjith and Sowmya Bring Heart to ILA’s Everyday Operations

Every parent in Bangalore knows the drill: School hunting in Bangalore often evokes a mix of excitement and anxiety. Behind the glossy brochures and state-of-the-art facilities, what we truly seek is a place where children aren’t just taught but genuinely understood. In a city defined by its educational rat race, where schools often feel like production lines churning out marks, the hunger for something meaningful is growing. Parents whisper about it in coffee shops and playground conversations: a school that sees their child as more than just a future resume, a learning space that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and character.

It’s against this backdrop that Integrated Learning Academy (ILA) emerged—not as just another institution, but as a deeply personal response to the kind of education we, as parents and educators, knew was possible. Our journey began with a simple yet profound belief: education should be about discovering and nurturing each child’s unique potential.

To understand this vision, Ranjith and Sowmya, founders of ILA share their story—a narrative born from 15 years of experience in education, observations as parents, and an unwavering commitment to creating a learning environment that truly matters.

Q: What inspired you to create ILA, and how did the journey begin?

Ranjith: For 15 years, we ran a Montessori school that provided young learners with a nurturing environment fostering curiosity and creativity. Over the years, many parents asked us when we would expand to higher grades. This consistent request planted the seed for ILA.

Sowmya: Beyond these conversations, our passion for creating a seamless educational journey from pre-primary to high school grew. With years of experience working with students, parents, and educators, we knew the gaps and possibilities within the education system. ILA is the culmination of these insights and our commitment to providing quality education.

Q: How would you describe ILA’s school culture, and how does it stand out from other institutions?

Sowmya: Our dream was to create a culture where children feel happy, respected, and accepted as individuals. At ILA, we foster a positive, supportive, and caring environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Ranjith: Unlike many schools that focus on numbers, we made a conscious choice to limit class sizes. This decision helps us maintain a community-driven ethos where students, parents, and teachers work together as partners in learning.

Q: What role do you both play in the day-to-day functioning of the school?

Ranjith: We’re involved in every aspect, from receiving children at the gates in the morning to planning curriculums and addressing daily challenges. We regularly visit classrooms to observe and ensure our vision aligns with the teaching process.

Sowmya: I actively engage with students and parents. For example, I help new children settle into the Montessori environment. Many parents have shared how reassured they feel seeing us at the door every morning. These small interactions go a long way in building trust and community.

Q: How do parents respond to your accessibility and daily involvement?

Sowmya: Parents truly appreciate our availability. One parent told me how their child’s happiness upon seeing me each morning eased their anxiety about school. Such moments validate our belief that personal relationships are key to a successful school environment.

Ranjith: We also make it clear during the admission process that education at ILA is a partnership between parents and the school. This open communication ensures everyone is aligned.

Q: What does “holistic education” mean at ILA?

Sowmya: For us, holistic education is about nurturing every aspect of a child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, and spiritually. Every child is unique, and we strive to cater to their individual needs.

Ranjith: We incorporate the philosophy that education is for life, not just the classroom. Through a balance of academics, extracurriculars, and values like empathy and responsibility, we prepare students for success in life, not just exams.

Q: The education sector in India is evolving. How does ILA align with these changes?

Ranjith: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been a game-changer, emphasizing holistic learning and life skills. At ILA, we’ve adopted several NEP principles, like integrating critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving into the curriculum.

Sowmya: The world is changing rapidly. Our responsibility as educators is to prepare students for this new world with skills and values that help them thrive.

Q: What challenges have you faced in founding and running ILA?

Sowmya: Like any startup, we faced challenges in setting up infrastructure, recruiting the right staff, and gaining parent trust. Being so deeply involved can be overwhelming and impacts personal time.

Ranjith: Despite these challenges, our unwavering belief in our vision keeps us going. Seeing children walk into school with smiles and watching them grow reaffirms that every sacrifice is worth it.

Q: What’s one moment that has stood out for you as founders?

Sowmya: There are so many! A parent once told us they used to dread PTMs (parent-teacher meetings) at their previous school, but at ILA, they feel heard and supported. Another family considered moving out of the area but stayed because their child insisted on continuing at ILA. These moments remind us why we do what we do.

Ranjith: A child who hugs us every day without fail—no matter where we are in the school—captures the essence of what makes ILA special.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave through ILA?

Ranjith: It’s early to talk about legacy, but we hope ILA becomes synonymous with meaningful education—one that shapes not just students but also contributes positively to the broader community.

Sowmya: If we can help children grow into compassionate, capable individuals and create a community of parents and educators who value this vision, we’ll feel fulfilled.

Conclusion

As we reflect on our journey at Integrated Learning Academy, the vision that drives us becomes even more poignant. ILA isn’t just a school; it’s a shared commitment—a space where education is not confined to academics but rooted in values, community, and the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and nurtured. For parents who seek more than a conventional learning environment, who want a place where their child’s growth is celebrated in its entirety, ILA offers something rare: a partnership in shaping not just capable students, but empathetic, curious, and resilient individuals.

For parents looking for a school that prioritises personal connections and holistic growth, take the first step with us. Admissions for the 2025 academic year are now open. We’d love to meet you—whether it’s for a campus tour, a conversation about your child, or simply to share our philosophy. At ILA, education isn’t just about learning; it’s about belonging, growing, and thriving together.