“At The Academic City School, leadership is not a title—it’s a practiced daily value. Our students are coached to lead with both intellect and heart.”
— Director, Mahipal Kawad
Leadership is crucial in today’s fast-moving world. However, it’s more than just making decisions or guiding others. It’s about understanding people, making ethical choices, and setting a good example. At The Academic City School (TAC), leadership is part of everything students do. We ensure that students aren’t only academically strong, but also have the moral compass and emotional intelligence to face challenges.
About The Academic City, Bengaluru
The Academic City School is India’s first career-oriented boarding school, offering both CBSE and Cambridge curricula for students in grades 4 to 12. Located in a serene and modern campus, the school focuses on academic excellence, leadership development, and holistic growth. TAC blends rigorous education with hands-on innovation, nurturing students to become ethical leaders, compassionate individuals, and global citizens. Through personalized learning paths, extensive sports and co-curricular opportunities, and a strong emphasis on sustainability, TAC empowers students to explore their passions, develop essential life skills, and prepare for a successful future.
Ethical Leadership and Empathy at The Academic City
Many schools focus on leadership by assigning titles like class president or team captain. At TAC, leadership is about values. We teach students to lead with integrity, fairness, and empathy. It’s not just about achieving success but also about making decisions that benefit everyone around them.
We know that leaders need to connect with people. That’s why empathy is a central value at TAC. Students learn to understand the emotions and perspectives of others. We want our students to work together, collaborate, and bring out the best in everyone they meet.
Leadership in Every Subject
At TAC, leadership doesn’t just happen in leadership roles. We integrate it into every subject and activity. In every classroom, students learn to think critically and express their opinions. They collaborate on projects and respect different viewpoints. This prepares them to lead, not just follow.
For example, in subjects like business studies, students face real-world ethical dilemmas. They make decisions that require them to consider others’ needs and act responsibly. In subjects like science and robotics, students are given hands-on projects where they must solve problems as a team. By leading these projects, students practice taking responsibility for their successes and mistakes.
Extra-Curricular Activities: The True Test of Leadership
While academics play a key role in leadership, it’s often outside the classroom that leadership skills truly develop. At TAC, extra-curricular activities allow students to put their leadership skills to the test in real-world settings.
Sports are an important part of life at TAC. Whether they’re on the football field or the basketball court, students learn how to motivate their teams and work together to reach common goals. These experiences teach students resilience, perseverance, and how to manage both victory and defeat.
Leadership in arts and music also plays a big role at TAC. Students take on roles in organizing events, collaborating on performances, and creating art. They learn to work towards a shared vision, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. These experiences teach students how to lead creatively and efficiently.
Emotional Wellness: A Critical Part of Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about being strong on the outside—it’s also about being strong on the inside. At TAC, we focus on the emotional well-being of every student. Leadership is deeply connected to emotional intelligence, which is why we prioritize mental health alongside academic success.
Our students are taught how to manage their emotions, cope with stress, and stay calm in challenging situations. They learn to navigate tough situations with empathy, patience, and resilience. We believe that emotional wellness is the foundation for good leadership.
In our boarding school environment, students build relationships with their peers and mentors. They face challenges together and support each other, helping each other grow into responsible, emotionally intelligent leaders. These experiences are invaluable when it comes to developing leadership skills.
Teachers as Role Models at The Academic City
At TAC, leadership doesn’t only come from students. Our educators serve as role models. They show students how to act with integrity, fairness, and compassion. Teachers are always there to guide students, offering both academic advice and personal support.
Teachers also encourage students to take ownership of their learning. By involving students in decision-making processes, they help them develop a sense of responsibility. Students aren’t just passive recipients of knowledge—they are active participants in shaping their own education. This gives them a sense of ownership and prepares them for leadership roles in the future.
Leadership for a Better Future
At TAC, leadership is about more than just individual success. We want our students to use their leadership skills to make the world a better place. Through community service programs and outreach projects, students have the chance to apply their leadership skills in real-world settings. They learn how to make a positive impact on their communities, helping others and creating lasting change.
Whether they’re working on environmental projects, helping underprivileged communities, or volunteering their time, TAC students learn that leadership is about giving back to society. We teach them that leadership is not just about power but about service. These lessons stick with students, preparing them to lead with compassion and responsibility throughout their lives.
Student Voice: Leading from Within
At TAC, we believe that every student has the potential to be a leader. That’s why we focus on self-discovery and personal growth. We encourage students to find their passions, explore their strengths, and pursue their dreams. Leadership isn’t just about being told what to do—it’s about knowing who you are and what you want to achieve.
Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles in activities they are passionate about. Whether it’s starting a new club, leading a project, or taking charge of an event, students are given the tools they need to lead from within. This approach allows them to discover their own unique leadership style.
Conclusion: Leadership as a Lifelong Journey
At The Academic City School, leadership is more than just a skill—it’s a mindset. It’s about constantly learning, growing, and serving others. It’s about leading with integrity, empathy, and resilience. By starting this journey early, we ensure that every student who walks through our doors leaves with the ability to lead—no matter where their future takes them.
At TAC, leadership is not just something students learn in the classroom. It’s something they live every day. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the community, our students practice leadership with purpose and passion. And as they move forward, they carry these lessons with them, ready to lead in whatever path they choose.
