Why I Am Building A School

How will the world look when our children become adults?

When my daughter Aurora turns 26, the landscape she navigates will likely be vastly different from the one we know today. By that age, I had travelled extensively and was carving out a career in tech; her father was already raising a family. Regardless of one’s views on climate change, it is undeniable that the world our children will inherit will be profoundly different from our own.

The rapid pace of technological advancement, shifting societal values, and the urgent realities of climate change are transforming the future in ways we can only begin to comprehend. Familiar jobs may vanish, landscapes may be irreparably altered, and the places we cherish may become memories submerged by rising seas or swallowed by urban sprawl.

Yet, perhaps the most uncomfortable truth lies in our Western lifestyles, characterized by overconsumption. Are we leaving a legacy of resilience and ecological mindfulness, or one of excess? Are we equipping our children to thrive in a world that values sustainability, or are we perpetuating a culture focused on short-term gains?

While we can’t create a detailed educational blueprint for an uncertain future, we can determine how to prepare our children for it. Will they inherit a society dominated by technology, or one that cherishes human creativity, empathy, and connection?

Once we answer these critical questions, the next step is to find an educational model that reflects this vision. It must impart knowledge while nurturing the values and skills our children need to flourish — critical thinking, adaptability, and a profound respect for our planet.

Leaving our children’s education to government institutions or other external entities without having reflected upon the above is simply, for me, too reckless. It’s handing over the most precious part of our lives to strangers who may not share our values or vision for the future. And for me, this is downright irresponsible. Especially because we know today that our educational system is deeply flawed. Whether you are based in the US or Denmark — we’re witnessing a rise in parents pulling their kids out of school, children that are not functioning in school, a fall in mental health, children being diagnosed etc. We’re also seeing a rise in the establishments of new alternative schools. Where we were living in Portugal — several new schools opened up just when we were there, and, this year, in Denmark, the Ministry of Education has received the highest number of applications for new school establishment than they have ever received in history. Also, because of the alerting numbers of students not thriving at school, poor literacy numbers, and more stress — the Danish ministry of Education is implementing a new reform (with less hours at school, more freedom to the individual school, removal of several subjects and more).

Parents, people, know that something is not working, and something must change.

As an entrepreneur who has explored various educational landscapes, I was shocked by the low standards of childcare and school facilities. How could I advocate for resilient ecosystems and world-changing innovations while entrusting my children to underfunded and outdated environments?

As an entrepreneur with a global career, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing life in various places. From the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley to spiritual retreats, I’ve pushed the boundaries in optimizing my health, challenging my mental models, and living what I thought was a life fully explored. But nothing prepared me for the shock I felt when I became a parent and encountered the reality of childcare facilities.

I was completely blindsided by the low standards and lack of quality in the environments meant to nurture my children. How could I, in good conscience, engage in discussions about building resilient ecosystems, future-proof cities, and world-changing tech products while my children were stuck in underfunded, understaffed, and stressful environments? Or can I really emphasize the importance of non-violent communication when my children interact daily with people who don’t even understand its meaning?

I have realised that I, personally, can’t just talk about creating a better future if I am not willing to take a stand for my own children’s well-being. The idea of handing them over to a system that falls so far short of what I believe they deserve is simply just not working. It feels not aligned with my values as a human. What’s the point of teaching something like trash sorting when the school itself has no sustainability strategy? Or working with new technology and AI while our children are taught outdated material in classrooms that barely touch on modern advancements? We know that gut health is crucial — that poor diets can directly impair learning and development — yet do nothing to address it. We talk about mental health and well-being, yet send children to overcrowded classrooms with poor indoor climates. And meanwhile, incredible educational research out there — insights into how the brain functions best, like how music and math light up the same neural pathways for stronger learning — is rarely implemented in our schools. It is also well established that the best time to learn a language is during childhood, yet our education system chooses to introduce foreign languages only in the final years of schooling. Additionally, we overlook important research on how multilingual minds function. This gap not only limits our children’s ability to become fluent communicators but also denies them the cognitive and cultural benefits that come from learning multiple languages early on. We know that every individual learns differently — some are visual learners, others grasp concepts through auditory input, and many thrive on hands-on, experiential learning — yet we continue to treat everyone as if they learn in the same way. This one-size-fits-all approach not only overlooks the rich diversity of learning styles but also ignores the fact that learning can shift based on how information is stored in the brain.

Sadly, personalized learning — a practice becoming increasingly common in countries like China — still feels out of reach for us today. This shouldn’t even be a question in modern education. Given the rapid advancements in technology and the wealth of resources available, personalized learning should already be the standard. Our children deserve an education tailored to their unique abilities, learning styles, and aspirations. Anything less fails to meet the demands of the world they’re growing up in.

Not to mention here the groundbreaking contributions of Steiner, Vygotsky, Kneipp, Montessori, and the Reggio Emilia philosophy (just to mention a few), their methods are still relegated to the status of “alternatives” — revealing a deeper issue within educational discourse, and overlooking the extensive research supporting their effectiveness in fostering holistic development and critical thinking in children.

When I bring this up, people often get defensive, responding with, “Well, I turned out fine, didn’t I?” Perhaps. But with that approach, are we really moving forward? We know children aren’t thriving; diagnoses are on the rise. Even though I went to some of the better public and private schools, I don’t want my children to face the same outdated methods. I want them in an environment where they feel safe, seen, and inspired. I want them to experience wonder, to question things, create things, and connect meaningfully with the world around them.

I don’t pretend to know what the world will look like in 2045. None of us do. There are endless models for future scenarios, and we could explore those later.

But here’s what I do know — this is the way I want to raise my children:

I want them to be confident, grounded, and sure of themselves. I want them to feel loved and to know how to love others. I want them to understand that although they’re from Denmark, they belong to a larger, interconnected world, where each of us depends on the other.

I want them to grasp how the world operates — how supply chains work, how the things they consume reach their hands — so they can grow into mindful, conscientious individuals. They should be able to communicate across cultural boundaries, equipped with multiple languages to truly connect with others.

They should have a high level of skill in reading, math, and problem-solving, guided by a strong moral compass. I want them to appreciate nature, knowing that they are part of it and that its well being directly affects their own. I want them to be resilient in the face of setbacks, to adapt to change with confidence, and to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

Above all, I want them to keep a sense of wonder about the world — to ask questions, to stay curious, and to create. Because ultimately, a child who is curious, compassionate, and courageous will not only find their way but will also help to shape a world where others can too. In the end, I want them prepared to engage with and contribute meaningfully to the world, wherever it’s headed.

After researching various schools and educational approaches, I am convinced that no single model can serve as a universal solution for education. Our individuality, as well as social and geographical backgrounds, creates diverse educational needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach cannot genuinely foster growth. Instead, I envision a future where localized microschools emerge, specifically designed to address the unique needs of their communities while remaining connected to a global network of similar institutions.

These microschools would provide a tailored educational experience that respects and nurtures each child’s distinct learning style and interests. Imagine a space where students engage in hands-on projects, collaborate on community initiatives, and explore their passions through personalized learning pathways. Imagine the “school” a place where families, teachers and students learn. Like a living hub somehow. By integrating best practices from various educational philosophies — such as Montessori’s child-centered learning, Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on creativity, and project-based learning’s real-world relevance — these schools would offer a dynamic and engaging environment for every student.

What unites these schools is a commitment to a holistic view of education, prioritizing human development and well-being. The type of people and teachers that I wish to attract are people that share this view, as well as people that, just as I, are interested in life-learning and continuous development. By fostering emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and creativity alongside academic skills, we can prepare our children to thrive as compassionate and engaged citizens in a complex world. This approach ensures that we equip them not just for tests but for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in the future.

This is no small undertaking, and I know some may wonder, “Isn’t that a lot to take on?” Yes, it is! But I believe that real change requires bold action. This dream has been a long time in the making, sparked by my own experiences in education, by professional background as well as all the experiences throughout my travels. I believe that Denmark is the ideal place to launch this initiative. Here, I have the network, a strong understanding of the system, and a deep connection to the culture. What sets Denmark apart is that it’s one of the few countries where starting a school initiative is relatively straightforward. Parents have the legal right to establish their own educational institutions, and there are no strict requirements for teaching staff to hold formal qualifications. Schools also enjoy the flexibility to determine how they meet the state’s learning objectives, which are notably less prescriptive compared to other national educational systems.I genuinely appreciate many aspects of the Danish educational model. In Denmark, there isn’t a strong focus on academic competition or achievement — a frustration for some parents moving here from abroad — but instead, there’s a deep emphasis on building community spirit. I still remember singing “Puff the Magic Dragon” with my classmates each morning or celebrating the start of summer with “Ferie, Ferie, Ferie” at the school year’s end. Danes excel at creating a sense of hygge — a warm, inclusive atmosphere that values togetherness over performance. Here, there’s no social prestige in sending children to an IB school (have no doubt though there exists prestigious private schools! And those within those circles definitely send their kids there), nor do I feel pressured for my kids to be top of their class. My priority is for them to feel happy in their environment, to build strong friendships — and none of that is reflected in grades (but, again, this is an idyllic examples — toxic class cultures is also a thing here, and bullying happens quite often), and to find their own path in life.

However, there are aspects of the Danish model I find limiting. As someone with a multicultural background, I see a tendency to overlook or underappreciate children from diverse cultural backgrounds. The curriculum here also lacks challenge; academically, it is comparatively low-level. Having studied in a Russian private school, for example, my 9th-grade math curriculum provided me with a foundation strong enough to excel in advanced high school math with little additional effort. It was through Russian history courses, too, that I gained a solid understanding of world literature, ancient Greek and Roman history, and mythology — and each summer, we received reading lists covering classic literature. These lists included works by Homer, Dante Alighieri, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Victor Hugo. Exposure to these foundational texts enriched my understanding of history, human psychology, and cultural values in a way that I wish were more emphasized in current Danish curricula.

As I embark on this journey to create an educational model that reflects these values, I invite others to join me. Together, we can build a community that prioritizes the well-being of our children and the environment they will inherit.

I am excited to collaborate with like-minded organizations, startups, and individuals who share this vision. Already now I have managed to build and incredibly talented and professional board of advisors. If you feel called to be part of this transformative journey, I encourage you to reach out.

In this space, we are not just creating an educational institution; we are nurturing a community that celebrates curiosity and fosters a love for learning. Our goal is to prepare future generations to engage meaningfully with the world, wherever it leads them.

For now the idea is to build a learning hub in Northern Zealand — close to nature and sea — starting in August 2025.

Our focus areas include:

🌱 Nature-based learning: Where we connect children with the world we live in.

📚 Modular & Customized learning: Meeting each child’s unique needs so that every child can find their own path.

🌍 English from an early age: To open the door to the global world.

💬 Philosophy & Socratic dialogue: So that children learn to think critically and ask questions.

💪 Movement: Promoting body and mind through physical activities.

🎨 Art: As an important part of our learning environment, where children can express themselves creatively.

🌿 Democratic approach: Where children’s opinions and wishes are taken into account in decision-making processes.

🌍 Green values: Where we prioritize sustainability and respect for nature in everything we do.

At this place, we believe that all children are born with a natural curiosity and openness to the world that deserves to be nurtured. Our goal is to create a learning environment where children’s talents and abilities can develop in safe and inspiring settings. We want to strengthen their moral and personal development so they can grow up as independent, generous individuals connected to both their cultural heritage and the global world. With love, patience, and presence, we will inspire children to think clearly, take responsibility, and find joy in their learning journey.

We base our educational philosophy on research-based methods and draw inspiration from humanistic pedagogy (including Montessori, Steiner, and Reggio Emilia), as well as Piaget and Vygotsky’s developmental theories. Our curriculum is built on the latest insights into children’s brain development and is designed to prepare them for the future, while emphasising democratic collaboration and active community involvement.

We believe that education is not just about academic success but also about equipping children with the tools to contribute positively to a more just and equitable world. Through present relationships and a focus on the whole child, we will inspire our students to become reflective and empathetic global citizens. We do not wish to build a large institution; our ambition is to create a place where children are seen, challenged, and look forward to each day. In the first year, we have space for a maximum of 16 children.

A somewhat value overview of this place would look like this:: It is a learning hub where students, teachers, and parents collaborate to create an inclusive, sustainable, and democratic community. We prepare future generations for responsibility, well-being, and active participation in a changing world.

1. Holistic Development: We strive to develop well-rounded individuals through humanistic pedagogy, encouraging each child to explore their identity. The word “school” comes from Latin and refers to a staircase, symbolizing the journey toward greater knowledge and understanding.
2. Democracy and Freedom: We empower students to take responsibility for their choices and appreciate the democratic process through active engagement and Socratic dialogue.
3. Sustainability: We teach students to respect nature and take responsibility for the environment through practical, sustainable projects.
4. Inclusion and Multilingualism: We celebrate diversity and actively include multilingual children, fostering an understanding of different cultures and languages.
5. Curiosity and Creativity: We promote a learning environment where curiosity and creativity thrive through project-based and inquiry-based learning.
6. Innovation and Solution-Oriented Thinking: We encourage students to think innovatively and develop solutions to complex problems, enabling them to become active contributors to society and the world around them.
7. Supportive Teaching and Safety: We create a safe learning environment where students are supported by dedicated teachers who guide them in their development.
8. Future Preparedness and Technological Literacy: We prepare students for a digital future by fostering critical thinking and technological literacy, enabling them to navigate a complex society responsibly.

Obviously this place is not for everyone; we each have our own needs and dreams for our children. However, over the years, I’ve encountered incredible families and individuals who share my vision and approach — a desire for something different from what currently exists. This space is meant for them: perhaps families like ours, who have traveled, embrace multiple cultures and languages, and are questioning the trajectory of our world. Perhaps it is for those that decided to homeschool, unable to find something that would fit their worldview. Together, I believe, we seek a community that values curiosity, creativity, and connection, where our children can thrive in an environment that reflects their diverse backgrounds and aspirations. This space is for them.

If you would like to stay updated on the progress of this initiative, please sign up here or read more on our website.

Thank you for reading so far!