I believe every child carries extraordinary potential, and education should be designed to protect and grow it.
As a pediatrician, I have spent years working closely with children and families, witnessing how trust, curiosity, and meaningful challenge shape lifelong learners. My own experience at a learner-driven medical school showed me the power of self-paced, collaborative, and question-led learning—an approach very different from traditional education.
When I became a parent and later a homeschool educator in a Montessori environment, that vision became deeply personal. In 2016, my family and I began building The Ethos School to create the kind of learning environment I wanted for my own children.
At Ethos, children move at their own pace while being thoughtfully challenged. They develop confidence, independence, and intrinsic motivation through purposeful work, collaboration, and real-world learning. We focus not only on academics, but on nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit.
The Ethos School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created for intentional families seeking a values-aligned, joyful learning community. If this resonates with you, I invite you to explore whether Ethos is the right fit for your family.
ETHOS (/ēTHäs/):
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Fundamental guiding principles of an individual, community, or culture as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations
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Habitual moral character
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Root word of 'ethics'
Our Beliefs
We believe clear thinking leads to good decisions, good decisions lead to the right habits, the right habits forge character, and character determines destiny.
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We believe each person has a gift that can change the world in a profound way.
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We believe in learning to learn, learning to do, and learning to be.
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We believe in a closely connected family of life-long learners.
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We believe in economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Promises
We promise through Socratic guiding and experiential learning to encourage each member of our community to:
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Begin a Hero's Journey.
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Discover precious gifts and a commitment to mastery.
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Become a curious, independent, life-long learner.
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Embrace the forging of a strong character.
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Cherish the arts, the physical world, and the mysteries of life.
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Treasure economic, political, and religious freedom.
Our Team
Dr. Rashmi Patel — Ms Rashmi
Co-Founder, Director, Socratic Guide
Dr. Rashmi Patel's passion lies at the intersection of pediatrics and education. As a board-certified pediatrician, she felt fortunate to serve as a Clinical Instructor at the Brody School of Medicine to explore Academic Pediatrics and develop alternative education programs for residents & medical students. She enjoys being a learner at the school of life.
One of her leading principles is reflected in Socrates' quote: "We cannot live better than in seeking to become better."
Dr. Ankit Patel — Mr Ankit (aka "Coach")
Co-Founder, Board Chairman, Strategic Director, PE Coach
Dr. Ankit Patel is a double-board certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Brain Injury Medicine. He relishes working in a learning and research environment at Duke University Medical Center in the Orthopedics Department. He has a deep passion for comparative philosophy, self-development, and educational experiments.
He espouses Socrates' philosophy: "All I know is that I know nothing."
Ms. Kim
Guide
Ms. Kim has been teaching for 20 years and holds AMS Montessori certification in Lower Elementary (ages 6-9 years). She received the Best Teacher Award in 2022. See her feature here at Honored.
Her favorite Montessori quote is, "Our care of the child should not be governed by the desire to 'make them learn things', but by the endeavor to keep burning within them the light which is called intelligence."
Ms. Debra
Guide
Ms. Debra has been teaching for over 25 years and holds AMS Montessori certification for children ages 18 months-3 years, 3-6 years, and 6-9 years. She has had a beautiful and comprehensive career as a guide, former director, former school founder, as well as former teacher educator through the American Montessori Society.
Her favorite quote to illustrate Montessori's philosophy is to "Follow the child."
Ms. Anna
Guide
Ms Anna grew up in the farmland of rural NC. Her first friend was the outdoors and her homeschooling background allowed her to explore nature and other interests. While earning her degree in English, she developed a love for education through extracurricular opportunities and has worked in schools for several years.
She is passionate about guiding learners through their creative and analytical educational journey.
Mr. G
Technology Guide
Gourang grew up in the Triangle and studied Computer Science at NC State University. As an entrepreneur and technologist, he brings deep industry experience from selling a technology business to Samsung, to leading technology at a creative and innovation agency, and earning a Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 award.
As a lifelong student of the ever-evolving tech landscape, he aims to spark that same curiosity in young minds, eager to explore the boundless possibilities of technology across all disciplines.
His guiding philosophy is: "Be impatient for action, patient for results."
Mr. Grant
Naturalist Guide
Grant grew up in Durham tumbling through the forests & creeks of the Piedmont. He has dedicated over half of his life to creating opportunities for children's imagination, creativity, and nature to be cherished. Grant helped design and lead award-winning nature programs across the Triangle and now enjoys being the Director of Nature Explorers.
Ethos heroes have a blast during our naturalist outings being immersed in nature while foraging, exploring wildlife, building debris shelters, hearing nature-based folklore, and more!
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