Sunitha Grace

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Since its inception, early childhood education has been profoundly influenced by women who have broken barriers, shaped young minds, and paved the way for a brighter future. Pioneers like Maria Montessori, who transformed early learning methods, and Joan Ganz Cooney, the visionary behind Sesame Street, have left a lasting legacy across generations. Similarly, Sunitha Grace, Founder and Curriculum Director of Magic Spell Preschool, has embarked on her own journey in the vibrant city of Bangalore. Creating a supportive environment for young learners, she has continued her commitment to giving back to society by shaping the future one child at a time, overcoming various challenges along the way. Today, Magic Spell Preschool has four branches in Bangalore, along with one in Chennai and another in Hyderabad.

The Inspiration Behind Magic Spell Preschool

To gain insight into Sunitha Grace’s journey in founding Magic Spell Preschool, we had the opportunity to conduct a brief interview with her. When asked about her main motivation for starting the preschool, she enthusiastically acknowledged the influence of her mentor, Yendluri Sunitha Grace, who has been a guiding force throughout her path. In response to our questions, she shared, “The inspiration for Magic Spell Preschool stemmed from a deep desire to bridge the significant gap between preschool and primary education.” She went on to elaborate on the school’s vision, stating, “A key focus was to cultivate strong early reading skills through a comprehensive phonics program, setting high reading standards from an early age.”

In what became more of a conversation than a formal interview, Sunitha Grace shared how her passion for phonetics grew during her M.A. in English Literature, where it was a key part of her curriculum. It was during this time that she realized sounds shouldn’t be introduced at the end of one’s education; instead, learning about sounds early on can transform the entire learning process. “I firmly believe that phonics is the foundation of reading. This belief inspired me to design and adapt phonetics into a phonics program, creating a well-rounded reading system for kindergarten children through Magic Spell Preschool,” she explained.

Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success—this ethos perfectly embodies the journey of Ms. Sunitha Grace and her team. With strategic leadership and a shared vision, the team has driven remarkable growth in student enrollment, implemented engaging lesson plans, and delivered high-quality education and care. By mentoring colleagues to enhance teaching practices and fostering strong relationships with parents and the community—evidenced by 100% parent satisfaction—they have elevated the preschool’s reputation and credibility. Ms. Grace extends her heartfelt gratitude to Anitha Roy, Chaitanya Kompella, Itishree Mishra, and Shivangi Sharma for their invaluable contributions to shaping the brand’s success.

Nurturing Holistic Growth

In addition to its focus on phonics, Magic Spell Preschool recognizes that children have diverse learning styles—Visual, Auditory, Tactile, and Kinesthetic—and as a result the school’s curriculum is designed to accommodate these differences. Originally envisioned as a nurturing space where children could explore, play, and grow while being academically prepared, this vision has evolved over time. It now incorporates innovative teaching practices that prioritize holistic child development, combining the STEAM approach with social-emotional learning and early literacy to prepare children for future challenges.

Magic Spell Preschool offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes three specialized learning cubes designed to enhance cognitive development in young learners. The Science Cube focuses on engaging topics such as the solar system and human anatomy, sparking curiosity and scientific exploration. The Language Cube aims to develop language skills through public speaking and functional grammar, fostering effective communication from an early age. Meanwhile, the Mathematics Cube introduces toddlers to the Abacus, laying a strong foundation for mathematical understanding.

Also, Magic Spell Preschool emphasizes an in-depth educational experience by actively engaging children in Olympiad exams and inter-school competitions.Further, the curriculum prioritizes physical activity, ensuring adequate time for movement essential for young children’s growth and development. Daily group activities like circle time and music sessions enhance social skills and teamwork while instilling a love for music.

Classrooms feature diverse learning centers, including reading corners, block areas, fine motor skill zones, outdoor play spaces, and art centers, allowing children to explore various interests and skills. Recently, the preschool has incorporated AI-powered learning tools to personalize education, providing insights that help educators tailor instruction to meet each child’s unique needs.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges in Preschool Education

As a leader in preschool education, and under the capable leadership of Sunitha Grace, Magic Spell Preschool has navigated key challenges such as evolving educational demands, maintaining high teaching standards, and improving parent-teacher communication. To address these, the school continuously updates its curriculum, invests in teacher development with regular training and certifications, and enhances parent engagement through digital platforms.

With small class sizes and personalized learning plans, the preschool ensures holistic development—focusing on academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being.

In the Days to Come

When asked about her vision for the future of Magic Spell Preschool, Sunitha Grace expressed her primary goal of expanding the school’s reach and impact on early childhood education, both within India and potentially on a global scale. She emphasized the importance of establishing additional branches in various regions, particularly focusing on underserved areas to ensure that high-quality early education is accessible to all children.

This expansion aims not only for physical growth but also for enhancing the curriculum by integrating innovative teaching methodologies and tools that cater to the evolving needs of young learners. Furthermore, Sunitha hopes to influence educational policy and practice by engaging in research and discussions on early childhood education, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic, inclusive, and effective educational landscape for young children worldwide.

On a Personal Note

On a personal level, Sunitha Grace engages in hobbies and interests that allow her to relax, nurture her creativity, and maintain a sense of balance. She enjoys reading, especially topics related to psychology, education, and leadership, which not only captivate her but also enrich her professional life. Additionally, her hobbies include calligraphy, reading, and designing and creating worksheets tailored for children with special needs.

Sunitha also loves traveling, which gives her the chance to explore diverse cultures and gain fresh perspectives that she often applies to her work in early childhood education. Her curiosity and love for learning extend to cooking, where she experiments with different cuisines, delighting in the creativity and precision it entails.

She takes work-life balance seriously, believing it is essential for long-term productivity and personal well-being. Sunitha sets clear boundaries between her professional and personal time, dedicating specific hours to work-related tasks while reserving evenings and weekends for family, hobbies, and self-care. Key strategies she employs to manage her responsibilities include prioritizing tasks, delegating when necessary, and staying organized. By making time for her passions outside of work, she finds herself more energized and focused in her role as an educational leader.