OUR JOURNEY

Charting Orion’s Journey: A Legacy of Empowering Children through STEM Education, Entrepreneurship, and Inquiry-driven Discovery.

Dear Families:

My journey to Orion STEM Schools began in a place quite different from where I stand today. Born into a family where my father was the first engineer from a remote rural village in India, I witnessed the transformative power of education. My father, along with my teachers and mentors, instilled in me values of resilience, compassion, and dedication to community service, shaping my mindset and approach toward life.

I carried these lessons with me when I moved to the United States, filled with hope, happiness, and confidence, armed with my engineering degree. As I worked on completing my MBA and contributed to Fortune 500 companies and a Big 4 consulting firm, I couldn’t shake off a nagging feeling of unfulfillment. Amidst this soul-searching, I recalled a letter I had received many years earlier from Mother Teresa.

As a 7th grader, my friends and I wrote a letter to Mother Teresa, expressing our gratitude for her selfless service and exemplary impact. To our surprise, she wrote back, encouraging us to make a difference in the world through the powerful tool of education. This correspondence left an indelible mark on my soul.

The understanding that a significant portion of brain development occurs within the first five years of life further spurred my decision to step into the realm of education. The pieces of my life began to align, guiding me toward my true passion: to change the world, one life at a time, by educating and inspiring children to have the best start in life.

In 2012, I partnered with KLA Schools and founded our Plainfield school, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for children to explore and learn. The journey, though challenging, was humbling and rewarding. It provided invaluable insights, experiences, and the conviction that a quality educational foundation is crucial in the formative years.

The success of our Plainfield school led to the establishment of the KLA Schools of Naperville in 2019, followed by the opening of KLA Schools of Naperville West in 2022. The growth of our institutions served as a testament to our commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

Today, at Orion STEM Schools, we strive to continue this legacy of high-quality education, with a particular emphasis on STEM and Entrepreneurship. We are dedicated to nurturing young minds to become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders of tomorrow. We believe in fostering emotional intelligence and the core values of kindness and empathy in our students, preparing them not just academically but also for life’s various challenges.

I invite you to join us on this rewarding journey to empower your child to pursue their dreams with confidence and strong values, just as I have been fortunate to do so.

Kindest Regards,
Selvei Rajkumar

1986 - Letter from Mother Teresa
The genesis of Orion STEM Schools can be traced back to an unassuming yet profound letter that came to Selvei Rajkumar in 1986. As a passionate individual with a dream of contributing positively to her community, Selvei and a few of her friends reached out to none other than Mother Teresa, hoping to understand how they, too, could leave an indelible mark in the world.

Mother Teresa's words to them were simple yet resonant: they could indeed make an impact on their community if they dedicated themselves to the noble cause of educating children. It was a revelation to Selvei, a sign that illuminated her path forward. This response was more than just advice; it sowed the seeds of a dream, the dream of starting a school.
Breathing Life into the Dream: The First Steps
Her first move? Delving deep into market research to understand the educational landscape, potential challenges, and the unique offerings that Orion STEM Schools could bring to the fore. This meticulous groundwork laid the foundation for what was soon to become a beacon of excellence in STEM and entrepreneurial education.
Recognizing the Imperative for STEM Education
The meticulous market study unveiled an undeniable truth: there was a pressing need for high-quality STEM education. The future of work was shifting, with emerging industries and evolving technology on the horizon. To equip students for professions that might not even exist yet, a robust STEM foundation was essential.

During this exploration, another significant revelation came from a Harvard study, stating that a staggering 90% of brain development occurs in the initial five years of life. This pivotal insight shifted the focus, underscoring the paramount importance of investing in early childhood education.
Securing Premier Strategic Partnerships: The Pursuit of Excellence
Understanding the significance of providing top-tier education, Selvei Rajkumar embarked on a mission to amalgamate the very best resources from around the globe. She reached out to leading institutions, each renowned for its groundbreaking work and contributions in STEM, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and holistic child development.

From the advanced methodologies of UChicago STEM Education to the business acumen emphasized by MIT's Disciplined Entrepreneurship, Selvei sought to infuse Orion STEM Schools' curriculum with a rich blend of academic rigor and practical know-how. The inclusive problem-solving approach of Stanford D.School's design thinking was another gem, ensuring students are trained to think outside the box. Moreover, the ethos of nurturing, compassionate young leaders found a strong ally in Harvard's Making Caring Common Project.

These strategic partnerships were not just about curriculum enhancement. They laid the foundation for a reservoir of resources and set the stage for continuous professional development, ensuring that the educators at Orion STEM Schools are always at the forefront of pedagogical advancements.
2019 - Choosing the Ideal Ground: A Serendipitous Discovery
Every educational institution needs a home – a space that reflects its ethos, ambitions, and dreams. For Orion STEM Schools, finding the perfect location was paramount, a cornerstone upon which its legacy would be built.

The moment of serendipity struck in 2019. While accompanying her nieces to a soccer game at Nike Park, Selvei's keen eyes caught sight of a tract of land lying across the park. It wasn't just any piece of land; it bore the promise of possibilities, a canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of a visionary.

Recognizing the potential it held and the strategic advantages of its proximity to a vibrant community hub like Nike Park, Selvei knew she had found the ground where dreams would take root and flourish. This significant step not only marked a monumental milestone in the journey of Orion STEM Schools but also symbolized the foundation upon which countless futures would be molded and shaped.
2021 - From Dream to Blueprint: Crafting the Edifice of Inspiration
2021 marked a pivotal chapter in the unfolding saga of Orion STEM Schools. As the dream that began as a seed in Selvei's heart grew, it needed a tangible form – a physical manifestation of its core beliefs and aspirations.

With the canvas of the chosen land waiting, Selvei and her dedicated team embarked on the architectural odyssey. Collaborating with seasoned experts and leaning heavily on exhaustive research, they meticulously crafted a building design that would be more than just walls and roofs. It was to be a living testament to the school's commitment to excellence, innovation, and holistic growth.

Each stroke in the blueprint, every chosen material, and every space conceptualized was a step closer to turning the dream into reality. The design phase wasn't just about erecting a structure; it was about building an institution that would stand as an emblem of transformative education for generations to come.
2023 - A Milestone Achieved: The City's Seal of Approval
The journey of Orion STEM Schools reached a crucial juncture in July 2023. Every vision, every dream requires validation and the right environment to thrive. After years of preparation, dedication, and navigating bureaucratic intricacies, the moment of affirmation arrived.

The city of Naperville, recognizing the potential impact of this educational powerhouse, granted its official approval for the construction of Orion STEM Schools on the chosen site. This endorsement was not merely a nod to proceed but a testament to the trust placed in Selvei's vision and the school's promise.

With the city's blessings in hand, the path was cleared to turn the carefully designed blueprints into a living, breathing institution—a hub of learning, innovation, and growth for Naperville's brightest young minds.
Previous slide
Next slide
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY