Our Approach

At Vana Lab, we offer a dynamic, supportive environment where each child learns through real-world projects, peer collaboration, and guided mentorship. Built upon our core beliefs, our personalized approach ensures that every child’s unique needs are met, setting them on their individual path to success. We use world-class frameworks, evidence-based education models, and hands-on exercises to develop practical success habits like emotional intelligence, executive functioning, critical thinking, and effective communication. Our dedicated guides foster a peer-powered environment where teens learn from and inspire each other, accelerating growth and forging a lasting support network. We teach your child how to teach themselves, igniting the spark of continuous learning and initiating a perpetual cycle of growth where each habit compounds into greater success. 

Your Child will:

Flow of Vana Lab's approach to learning

Creating the Environment to Help Our Youth Thrive

AUTONOMY

They learn to trust themselves and take ownership of their learning, goals, and life. They recognize freedom comes from demonstrating responsibility.

BELONGING

They gather in a space where respect, and acceptance are the foundation, and everyone is seen and heard. They learn that a close-knit community is built on trust, purpose, and mutual understanding.

CONFIDENCE

They achieve real-world goals, building both competence and confidence. They level up to tackle bigger challenges and learn from both their successes and setbacks.

Tangible Results from the Intangibles

You want to invest your child’s time in the most meaningful ways. This experience is designed to foster personal growth. As your child develops, look for these growth markers.

Confident

Shows willingness to take on bigger goals and step out of their comfort. Carries themselves confidently.

Independent

Takes ownership of their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Makes fewer excuses.

Assertive

Communicates more clearly, assertively, and respectfully with you and others. Advocates for themselves.

Curious

Shows openness to feedback and the perspective of others. Enjoys learning new things on their own.

Self-Aware

Understands their strengths and interests. Sees life as a journey of self-discovery and expression.

Consistent

Keeps commitments to you and others with greater consistency. Values being on time and showing up.

Mindful

Understands how to manage their attention and focus. Recognizes hot buttons for their emotions.

Resilient

Bounces back more quickly from setbacks (e.g., not making the team, handling social challenges).

Purposeful

Acts in alignment with their goals and aspirations. More self-aware about their impact on others.

Relevant Skills taught by the Skilled

We choose skills that successful people wish they learned earlier in life to help your child stay ahead of the curve. Our job is to stay abreast of the most important trends and refresh our curriculum accordingly. Since it is harder for traditional schools to change their curriculum, our goal is to bridge that gap so your child is ready for real life. 

As technologies like AI and machine learning become more mainstream, your child’s ability to connect, communicate, and collaborate with other human beings while thinking critically about the implications and outputs of these technologies will help them better navigate the world. At the same time, developing habits that compound such as learning how to learn, building relationships, and embarking on a path of purpose and self-discovery will pay dividends throughout their academic, personal, and professional lives (see the full list of Vana Lab success habits).

Our Vana Lab Guides are not only instructors —they are mentors who embody the very skills they teach. Through leading by example, they show your child what it means to pursue excellence purposefully, face challenges with courage, and demonstrate strong character. By modeling these key skills, our Guides empower students to take ownership of their learning journey, providing the support and guidance necessary to help them achieve their goals.

“Some think computer expertise is required for future success. I don’t. Thinking and interpersonal communications skills have been, are, and will be keys to survival.”

– Mike Bloomberg, American Businessman and Former Mayor of NYC

Unsure if this is the right program for you?

Learn More About the Vana Lab Difference