Amandeep Kaur Sardesai is on a mission to transform young minds, nurture hearts, and hone every child’s journey
In a world where education often becomes a numbers game – grades, ranks, performance statistics – one woman dared to reimagine it as something more human. With a belief rooted in values of integrity, resilience, and curiosity, Amandeep Kaur Sardesai, founder of Phoenix Homeschool created a space where children are not just students, but individuals. It serves students in grades 4-12, with nearly 200 students who have benefited from its personalized education approach over the years.
Growing up in a household that deeply valued education, questioning, and principles, she was encouraged from a young age to look beyond the pages of a textbook. Her parents nurtured in her a love for learning that was less about scores and more about curiosity. Resilience is perhaps the most valuable lesson in a world where life isn’t always predictable. Learning to adapt and push through uncertainty was a quality Amandeep imbibed at a very young age. Amandeep, who holds a master’s degree in bioinformatics from Brunel University, began teaching in London in the meantime. She credits her sharp analytical skills and deepened appreciation for interdisciplinary learning to her experiences in London. Understanding the varied cultures and educational philosophies she was exposed to in London, her belief in personalised learning and tailored teaching methods was strengthened. Teaching in international schools reinforced her perspective that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work. Every child brings their own set of strengths, experiences, and needs. That’s when the seed of personalised education was planted in her heart.
Frustrated by the limitations of mainstream systems – particularly the lack of personal attention and the rising commercialisation of education – she made a bold move. She left the conventional path to start Phoenix Homeschool, a space that prioritised heart over hustle, intention over instruction. Talking about her root cause for establishing Phoenix Homeschool, she says, “I envisioned a space where students could be seen, heard and supported as individuals, not just as a number in a system.” But the transition wasn’t without its trials. Developing a curriculum from scratch, aligning with international standards, gaining community trust, and overcoming financial and operational challenges were all part of the climb. However, witnessing their students thrive made every hurdle worthwhile.
At its core, Phoenix Homeschool operates on a philosophy that is refreshingly simple: every child is unique, and their voice matters. While many institutions claim to put students first, Phoenix has woven this belief into the fabric of its daily functioning. From flexible lesson plans to a deep focus on emotional well-being, the school is structured around the individual rather than the institution.
Unlike traditional schools bound by rigid formats, Phoenix offers a structured yet adaptable curriculum that adjusts to the pace and style of each learner. The aim isn’t to make children race to the finish line but to help them enjoy the journey of learning itself. Amandeep proudly states, “Phoenix is a child centric school where the student truly comes first. Instead of pushing children to fit in a rigid system, we shape the system around them.”
But what truly sets Phoenix apart is its embrace of the unconventional. Here, students learn emotional intelligence alongside algebra, mindfulness with their morning routines, and digital literacy just as fluently as language skills. Entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and community service are not treated as extras but essentials. Last year, students visited old age homes and children’s shelters – experiences that taught them more than any textbook could. While acknowledging the strength of her team of teachers at Phoenix Homeschool, Amandeep reveals, “Everything at Phoenix is done with a lot of love. We train our teachers to be not just educators, but nurturers – loving, caring, and deeply invested in the well-being of each child. Our aim is to create a space where students feel safe, valued, and genuinely excited to come to school every day. When children feel loved and supported, their potential naturally unfolds.”
When asked what keeps her going on the tough days, her answer is immediate: my students. “Their questions, their laughter, their tiny victories – they are constant reminders of why we do what we do.” And of course, there’s the community. The unwavering support of parents, the dedication of the team, and the shared vision of building something meaningful together are the quiet forces that fuel her every day.
As Phoenix transitions to a larger campus and adopts the globally recognized Cambridge curriculum, a new chapter of growth and innovation is being ushered in. Enhanced facilities and expanded resources are being introduced to align with international educational standards. The upcoming campus will be equipped with a spacious playground, state-of-the-art laboratories, and modern classrooms – all designed to foster hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity. A greater emphasis is also being placed on social responsibility. Activities such as visits to old age homes and children’s facilities, which have previously left a lasting impression on students, are being planned as regular components of the school experience rather than occasional initiatives. Additionally, efforts are being made to build global collaborations and introduce a variety of programs that will help students flourish in a rapidly evolving, interconnected world – while remaining rooted in strong values and cultural awareness.
Amandeep’s advice to other women who have unconventional dreams is to believe in their vision and stay resilient as they take small steps with planned execution. “There will be moments when people may try to drag you down but what matters is that you rise every time, stronger and determined. Remember, pioneering change often requires courage, but the rewards of making a meaningful impact are immeasurable. Trust yourself – you are more capable than you think!”
