OCASA in the Spotlight: Founder Kapil Mathur Shares the Vision Behind Student-Centered Learning

"When schools are built around children, learning becomes something students want to be part of."

Our Founder and Executive Director, Kapil Mathur, was recently featured on a Chapman University-hosted podcast, where the conversation focused on education, innovation, and what learning can look like when students are truly placed at the center. During the episode, he shared the vision behind OCASA, what we have learned over the years, and how our school community continues to grow with intention and care.

This blog highlights the ideas he shared during the podcast and explains how those ideas guide the way Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts continues to nurture students today and in the years ahead.

The Vision Behind OCASA: Learning Designed Around Students

From the beginning, OCASA was created with a clear vision: schools should adapt to students, not the other way around. In the podcast, Mr. Mathur spoke about why traditional, one-size-fits-all models often fall short and how OCASA was intentionally designed to support students as whole individuals.

1. Seeing Students as Whole Children

At OCASA, learning is never just about academics. Social growth, emotional development, curiosity, and confidence all matter just as much.

For example, a student may be strong in reading but still need support with collaboration or self-confidence. Instead of focusing only on test results, teachers observe how the student interacts, participates, and feels about learning, then adjusts support to help them grow in all areas.

2. Learning Based on Readiness, Not Just Age

Mr. Mathur shared that students learn best when skills are taught at the right time, not simply because a calendar says it is time to move on.

For example, if a student is not yet comfortable with basic addition, rushing them into multiplication can create frustration. At OCASA, teachers slow down when needed, strengthen foundational skills, and then help students move forward with confidence and understanding.

3. Small Group Learning Makes Personal Growth Possible

One of the core ideas discussed in the podcast was the importance of small group instruction. This approach allows teachers to truly understand what each student needs and respond quickly.

For example, during a lesson, a teacher may bring the class together for a shared introduction, then break students into small groups based on readiness or learning style. In those groups, students can ask questions, practice skills, and receive guidance in a way that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.

4. Exploration Before Specialization

OCASA believes students need time to explore interests before committing to a specific path. Mr. Mathur explained that children should be exposed to many experiences so they can discover what truly excites them.

For example, a student who thinks they enjoy science might discover a love for engineering during a hands-on project or realize they enjoy presenting ideas just as much as building them. These moments of exploration help students form a stronger sense of self over time.

How OCASA Will Continue Nurturing Students in the Years Ahead

Looking toward the future, the podcast conversation also focused on how OCASA plans to keep supporting students as learning continues to evolve. While tools and technology may change, our commitment to student-centered education remains the same.

1. Growing With Purpose, Not Just Size

As OCASA expands to serve more families, growth is guided by intention. The new campuses, including the one in Tustin, are designed to reflect the same culture, values, and learning approach that families already trust.

For example, whether a student attends an existing campus or a new one, they will experience small group learning, hands-on projects, and a supportive environment where teachers know them by name.

2. Using Technology to Support, Not Replace Teaching

Mr. Mathur discussed how OCASA is exploring thoughtful ways to use technology, including AI, to support personalization and reduce barriers for teachers, while keeping human connection at the center.

For example, technology may help identify which skills a student is ready to learn next or adjust reading materials to match a student’s level, but teachers remain the ones guiding instruction, building relationships, and supporting growth.

3. Helping Students Reflect and Find Their Voice

OCASA continues to emphasize reflection and self-awareness as part of learning. By middle school, students are encouraged to think about who they are, what they enjoy, and how they want to grow.

Through projects, presentations, and reflection activities, students learn to say, “This is what I have learned about myself,” helping them build confidence and clarity as they move forward.

4. Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom

As students enter high school, OCASA supports pathways that connect learning to real-world interests, skills, and opportunities.

Example: A student exploring engineering or biomedical science can begin building skills early, take college-level courses through dual enrollment, and make informed decisions about their future with confidence.

Conclusion

Being featured on this podcast was an opportunity to share what OCASA stands for and where we are headed. The conversation reflected what families see every day: a school built around curiosity, readiness, and genuine care for students.

At OCASA, we will continue nurturing students by meeting them where they are, helping them grow at their own pace, and giving them the tools, confidence, and joy they need to thrive. As education evolves, our mission stays the same: to create learning environments where students feel supported, inspired, and excited about who they are becoming.