We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shiren Rattigan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shiren below.
Alright, Shiren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
There are so many aspects of the current educational system that is not working for students, families, and teachers. I think we all feel it in some way but often do not know what to do about it. in their future. If we could change anything about the educational system it would be to make schools and class sizes smaller.
Students need to opportunity to connect with experts and be active participants and DRIVER of their education with adult and professional guidance. The 21st Century Educational Model must centralize the student and make content relatable and relevant. We do that by cutting out the bureaucratic middle man of large districts and offer learners the tools to connect the dots quickly. This may look like gardening, entrepreneurship, piloting drones, cooking, and surfing at the beach. Our approach is hands-on and builds relevant skills so that learners can build a robust portfolio. One of our students is 12 and is getting his certification in Cybersecurity, Others are sewing, piloting drones, 3d printing, and gaining skills that make them meaningful contributors.
Essentially, Colossal Academy believes that each child has the right to self-actualize and become their most fulfilled self. The current traditional education model asks students to stray far away from their authentic selves. We are seeing the evidence all over the news daily.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Colossal Academy emerged out of 3 main intersections. First, a school that I would be proud to have my own children go to with families I feel comfortable having my children around. Second, the space and place I want to work. Colossal Academy enjoys being a magic school bus and having outdoor experiences, swimming with dolphins, and actually being an academy for learning. The Third is redoing my own education. As a dyslexic school was challenging and I hated going to school. I am curating a place where children WANT to go to and are seen, heard, and understood.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Colossal Academy was built on a shoestring, some Scotch tape, rubber cement, and a whole lot of love and prayers. We really started very skeletal and were able to scale and grow into having our very own space in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The community of families helps the business grow as well as VELA Education Fund. As a VELA Next Step Recipient, it afforded Colossal Academy to opportunity be able to move into a beautiful location, bring everything up to code, furnish our school, and offer scholarships to learners.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe what helped us build our reputation is integrity– we deliver what we say and more. Our families and students are happy and earning high test scores.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.colossal-academy.com
- Instagram: @colossalcommunity
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColossalCommunity
Image Credits
Photo provided by Michelle Riu