In the year 1997 several parents in and around Gonikoppa nurtured a growing wish for a free fledged educational institution capable of providing play school to the children of South Kodagu. This was with a hope that children would not have to be sent to distant school for the similar quality of education. This was a ray of hope for the parents in and around Gonikoppa. Around the same time, Appanervanda Shanthi Achappa was the first to start a kindergarten in Kodagu. Her school was a perfect feeder to the vision that was set in motion. Play school is a great place for children to learn which helps in building a strong foundation in social, pre -academic and general life skills. It helps in the development of a child’s emotional and personal growth and provides opportunities for children to learn in ways that interest them. She has been instrumental in starting various ventures and institutions that have benefited society and the community at large in order to nurture a generation of strong and empowered individuals. She started up a school in the year 2001 which is called NATIONAL ACADEMY SCHOOL. The establishment and management of the school was the responsibility of the single owner through which most of the students gained valuable exposure. Over the years, the school has seen tremendous progress. As the school grew, necessary changes in its functioning have taken shape solely under the guiding force of Shanthi Achappa.
The first play school of Kodagu district started with 10 students and now runs around 300. Notably, many changes have been done in the recent years. Eureka science club was started in the year 2007 along with coding and robotics classes and audio-visual classes. Here the well qualified teachers teach general knowledge,which is made mandatory during morning assembly.
Apart from the text books discussions are done on current affairs regularly. Co-circular activities are also organised for the holistic development of the child. Every Saturday competitions like debate, music and speech and prominence is given to spoken language. The school is quite proud of its very successful alumni,who are placed all over the world.
As a sole owner, Shanthi Achappa stood on what she wanted to do and did not look back as she has created an educational environment that stands on the strong pillar of society.
Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah
