WHY WE SUPPORT THE CENTER: THE SHAH/DOSHI FAMILY
When parents Rachna Shah and Gautam Doshi moved to Los Angeles from London in 2019, they sought a school for their first-grade son, Shaan Doshi ‘25, that offered a strong academic program plus a supportive community.
Gautam describes that upon their initial visits to The Center, “We felt something very different. The kids were kind, confident, and most importantly, I think they were very happy. I remember coming from London schools where kids looked down and were very quiet. At CEE, it felt like a real sense of purpose and joy made it different.”
“Observing the teachers, we saw that it isn’t just about teaching. It is all about learning,” Gautam shares. “The teachers are there to ensure that learning is joyful, and in particular, it is emotionally intelligent. We felt that for Shaan, The Center was a perfect fit for social-emotional development, diversity, and the real sense of belonging at the school. That was quite evident when we came to visit, and that was why we wanted to be there.”
Looking back on her son’s CEE experience as he heads off to middle school this fall, Rachna shares that “it was key for Shaan to be in a happy environment. And he loved coming to school every day. There was not a single day when he said, ‘I don't want to go to school’, and that was key for us as parents!” She also appreciates how the “whole community at school is very warm and inclusive, and we feel like the school values align with our family values.” Especially not knowing many people in the area before they relocated, The Center has become a second family for their whole family.
When reflecting on their support of the school and the Annual Fund Drive, Gautam shares that they know how CEE serves as a child’s “second home” and is a key part in shaping the child into the human they are. He notes that they feel it is “our duty to be strong partners with the institution in all areas, as the school is helping our child be the best person that they are in all areas, where sometimes we don’t have the time or expertise to do so.” Both Gautam and Rachna stress the importance of partnering with the school to provide students with a well-rounded education, supporting holistic growth.
Gautam also shared that “as a family from a minority background, it was so vital for us to see how Shaan felt so comfortable in his skin at The Center. He has never had to shy away from who he is, talking about his culture, India, the UK, cricket, Indian food, and experiencing the Diwali event with his peers. It sets The Center apart, and makes the whole child. It helps a child be very confident in who they are, with their identities not just in the background. They can come to school each day as a whole person, and that makes a big difference in their experience.”
Rachna says their support comes down to the “most important thing–that the children feel safe, inspired, motivated, engaged, and supported.” Gautam and Rachna express their excitement for new families to experience The Center's unique and enriching community, and encourage them to participate fully in the life of the school, as they step into their new role as a cherished CEE alumni family!
“OBSERVING
THE TEACHERS, WE SAW THAT IT ISN’T JUST ABOUT TEACHING. IT IS ALL ABOUT LEARNING. THE TEACHERS ARE THERE TO ENSURE THAT LEARNING IS JOYFUL, AND IN PARTICULAR, IT IS EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT.” –Gautam Doshi