About Us
Success-Driven Leadership That Shapes Futures
When it comes to impact on learning, a school’s leadership team is second only to classroom Success Coaches. They shape the conditions that foster the personal and professional growth of students and faculty alike. Strong leadership creates the culture, systems, and environment in which exceptional education happens every day.
At American World School, we believe that our Success Directors are coaches, too — the coaches of our Success Coaches. They set the strategic direction for the school, model our values in everything they do, and serve as role models to everyone within our community.
Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in American international education, entrepreneurial learning, student well-being, and school development. Led by our Founder, Dr. Mohanalakshmi — a global pioneer in entrepreneurial education — the AWS leadership team ensures that this school remains India’s premier entrepreneurial institution: a place where every student discovers their potential and develops the confidence to create their own extraordinary future.
The driving force behind India's first entrepreneurial school
Dr. Mohanalakshmi is the visionary founder of American World School and the driving force behind India’s first entrepreneurial school. An inspiring educator, entrepreneur, and global education leader, Dr. Mohanalakshmi has dedicated her career to empowering young people to think, create, and lead through entrepreneurial education.
Her journey began in 2014 when she founded Kidspreneur, an experiential learning academy offering entrepreneurship programmes for children and youth aged 5 to 18. What started as a collaboration with Singapore’s Ministry of Education has grown into a global movement, with the Kidspreneur curriculum now operating in over 27 countries and impacting thousands of young entrepreneurs worldwide.
In 2022, Dr. Mohanalakshmi launched American World School in Chennai — a bold vision to create a school where robust entrepreneurial education is seamlessly integrated with rigorous American curriculum standards. Beyond AWS, Dr. Mohanalakshmi founded KIDx Asia, a platform connecting young entrepreneurs aged 7 to 18 with investors and mentors. To date, KIDx Asia has empowered over 100 young entrepreneurs who have collectively secured more than $450,000 in investment.
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership — Harvard University M.B.A. — University of Sunderland, UK Founder — Kidspreneur (27+ countries) Founder — KIDx AsiaSuccess Directors — Executive Leadership
Oversees student admissions, enrollment, academic records, and compliance with accreditation standards. Primary liaison with AIAAS, WWASC, and NCTSA accreditation bodies.
Provides strategic direction and vision for the entire institution. Oversees academic programmes, Success Coach development, strategic planning, and community engagement.
Leads the educational experience for KG through Grade 8, integrating rigorous American AERO standards with AWS's signature entrepreneurial curriculum.
Success Directors & Managers — Curriculum & Academic Excellence
Ensures academic programmes are rigorous, coherent, and aligned with American AERO standards and AWS's entrepreneurial mission across all divisions.
Leads literacy instruction, literature study, and communication skills development from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Leads instruction in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and integrated science with emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Specializes in cross-disciplinary scientific instruction and oversees all laboratory facilities, equipment, and safety protocols.
Oversees numeracy development, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving from Kindergarten through AP Calculus.
Leads the French language programme developing students' linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and global perspective.
Leads the cutting-edge makerspace and STEAM programme. Background in aeronautical engineering and experience on the BRAHMOS missile project.
CEO and Founder of Vaayusastra Aerospace, pioneering the democratization of aerospace education in India for young learners.
Supporting the whole student — academically, emotionally, and personally
Leads the comprehensive counselling programme and builds meaningful partnerships with organizations throughout Chennai and beyond.
Leads the comprehensive safeguarding programme ensuring every student learns in a physically and emotionally safe environment.
Oversees student life, discipline, behaviour support, and the overall student experience through restorative practices.
Leads the comprehensive assessment system ensuring student learning is systematically measured, analyzed, and used to inform instruction.
Developing creative confidence and technical excellence
Leads the visual media, content creation, and digital storytelling programmes. Head of the Content Creation Studio.
Leads the digital arts programme and oversees technological infrastructure enabling world-class learning.
Leads the Music programme with expertise in both Western and Indian classical music, developing creative expression and confidence.
Brings professional aerospace industry experience directly into the classroom, specializing in reverse engineering and innovation.
