How THE ARK Began???
- The journey of The ARK – Learning Arena began on April 14, 2016, with a simple but powerful vision – to create a safe and inspiring space where students could not only prepare for exams, but also learn to think, grow, and believe in themselves.
- What started with just 2 teachers and 40+ students quickly grew into a trusted learning community. Within a year, The Ark expanded to a Junior Branch (2017–18), welcoming over 70 students and 5 teachers.
- As more families placed their trust in us, The Ark adapted to challenges with resilience. During the pandemic years (2020–22), our classrooms went digital, connecting students across India, Mauritius, Singapore, UAE, USA, and UK, supported by a dedicated team of 10 teachers.
- By 2022–23, The Ark had guided over 120 students with 11 teachers, and in 2023–24, the family grew even stronger with 150+ students, 14 teachers, and the opening of a Senior Campus to serve higher classes.
- Today, as we prepare to educate 300+ students in 2024–25, The Ark stands as a symbol of growth, resilience, and a student-first approach. From humble beginnings to becoming a leading coaching centre in Chennai, our story has always been about one promise:
- “Dream. Believe. Achieve.”
Our Mission & Values
Our Mission
At The ARK – Learning Arena, our mission is to create a nurturing space where students are empowered to dream big, believe in their potential, and achieve academic excellence with confidence and character. We are committed to combining strong subject expertise with empathy, discipline, and personalized attention, ensuring that every learner thrives both inside and outside the classroom.
Our Core Values
- Excellence in Learning
We strive to deliver the highest standard of academic coaching with a focus on conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and real-world application. - Empathy & Care
We believe education is not just about marks, but about understanding, guiding, and supporting each child’s unique journey. - Integrity & Transparency
Honesty and fairness guide all our interactions—with students, parents, and our extended ARK community. - Growth Mindset
We encourage students and staff to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve. - Collaboration & Community
We foster teamwork among students, parents, and teachers, building a community that learns and grows together. - Holistic Development
Beyond academics, we focus on life skills, confidence, and values that prepare students for success in every stage of life.
Our Founder
Augustine Santhosh B.sc, M.B.A
Founder & Director – Marketing & Growth
With a strong background in sales, marketing, and customer engagement, Augustine Santhosh has been an integral force in shaping The ARK – Learning Arena since its inception in 2016. His expertise in building relationships, developing growth strategies, and creating impactful outreach campaigns has helped ARK expand its reach from a handful of students to a thriving community of 300+.
Over the years, Augustine has worked in leadership positions across insurance and financial services, winning multiple awards for performance, client servicing, and business development. He brings the same drive and innovation to ARK, ensuring that the institution not only grows in numbers but also strengthens its brand presence and trust among parents and students.
His Vision
To build ARK as a student-first brand where every learner receives world-class academic support combined with personal care. He envisions expanding ARK’s footprint through a robust franchise model, creating opportunities for passionate educators and entrepreneurs to join the mission of shaping future leaders.
Our Co-Founder
Prathiba Rajasekaran BE., M.B.A
Co-Founder & Academic Director
Prathiba Rajasekaran, the visionary behind The ARK – Learning Arena, began this journey in 2016 with a simple belief — that education must go beyond marks to nurture confidence, values, and lifelong learning skills.
With a strong academic background and years of teaching experience, she has guided hundreds of students to success in both Board and competitive exams. Her leadership combines discipline with empathy, ensuring that every student feels supported, motivated, and inspired to achieve their best.
Her Vision
To build The ARK – Learning Arena as a trusted space where:
- Students discover their strengths and unlock their full potential.
- Learning is joyful, value-driven, and transformative.
- Academic excellence goes hand in hand with character development and life skills.
She envisions ARK not just as a coaching centre, but as a movement that shapes future leaders — individuals who succeed in their careers while staying rooted in empathy, integrity, and resilience.
Our Team
At The ARK – Learning Arena, our true strength lies in our dedicated team of mentors and subject matter experts. Together, they bring not only deep academic knowledge but also the values of care, discipline, and empathy that define The ARK way of learning.
- Subject Expertise – Specialists in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and other key subjects ensure strong academic foundations.
- Holistic Approach – Our team focuses not just on marks, but also on building confidence, discipline, and critical thinking in every child.
- Personalized Support – Small batch sizes and individual follow-ups help ensure no student is left behind.
- Continuous Training – Faculty undergo regular training and updates to stay aligned with Board and NEET requirements.
- Mentorship Beyond Academics – Teachers serve as mentors, guiding students with motivation, life skills, and emotional support.
At ARK, we believe that teaching is teamwork. Every faculty member contributes to a nurturing environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and inspired to achieve their best.