Who are we?

Our Story

The Desha Academy was born from a simple but powerful that no child’s potential should ever go unseen.

The name "Desha" reflects this mission: to empower children to recognize their unique strengths and embrace their true potential.

As a child, our founder, Candace Francis, had her potential go unnoticed. She often felt overlooked and uncertain of her abilities and was eventually transferred from one primary school to another. This journey became the foundation for an educational approach that prioritizes visibility, ensuring that the ‘overlooked’ child becomes the ‘empowered’ student.

It was not until later in life, as both an educator and a mother, that Candace finally recognized her own potential. This discovery changed everything. She vowed then that no child under her care would have to wait as long to discover his/her own greatness.

Candace's personal journey combined with over 20 years of dedicated experience in the classroom, led to the creation of the Desha Academy. It is more than just a school; it is a space where children from all backgrounds can flourish in an environment designed to nurture both their academic success and emotional well-being.

Our Mission

To empower the next generation through a holistic educational framework that balances academic excellence with emotional and social intelligence. We go beyond traditional teaching to foster the critical thinking and creativity necessary for 21st-century success.

Our Approach

Our methodology is rooted in personalized instruction. From core subjects like Mathematics and Language Arts to interactive, hands-on workshops, we adapt our teaching to the learner. This individualized focus ensures that no child is left behind and that every student is challenged to reach their full potential.

Our Values

• Empathy: Creating a compassionate, nurturing environment where every child’s emotional well-being is our priority.

• Excellence: Setting high standards to ensure every child has the essential tools to excel both academically and personally.

• Inclusivity: Ensuring every child, regardless of background, has equal access to quality education in a welcoming, diverse community.

• Innovation: Embracing fresh teaching approaches and resources to keep learning fun, relevant, and deeply engaging.

• Integrity: Building trust with families through honest, transparent communication and service every step of the way.

Our Founder’s Story

Candace’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and passion for education. Having worked with children for over two decades, Candace has seen how impactful personalized learning can be. But her story is not just about teaching—it’s about understanding the whole child. She has been a mentor, a guide, and a cheerleader for many students throughout her career. Her experience as a mother, especially the challenges faced in raising a child with special needs, inspired her to create a space where every child feels supported, understood, and equipped to succeed.

The loss of her son, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, further fueled her mission to advocate for children who require additional care and attention. This experience led her to plan for an upcoming foundation that will continue her advocacy and support families of children with special needs. Desha Academy is a reflection of Candace’s passion for children’s holistic development and her commitment to helping them shine.

Our Community Impact

We don’t just teach; we build relationships. At the Desha Academy, we understand that education is a partnership between teachers, students, and parents. We strive to create a community of learners who share a passion for growth, understanding, and support. Whether it’s through our engaging vacation camps, thought-provoking book clubs, or specialized workshops for parents, we aim to create a space where everyone involved in the educational journey feels empowered.

Through our programmes, workshops, and personalized services, we have helped children and parents navigate their learning paths with greater ease, confidence, and success. We believe that by providing the right tools, guidance, and support, we can help children not only succeed academically but also build the emotional and social skills needed to navigate the world with resilience.