CGA's 5-Year Anniversary: Voices from our Global Community

5 Years of A Vibrant Global Community

In 2025, Crimson Global Acadey (CGA) proudly marks its fifth anniversary—a significant milestone in our journey to redefine education. Over the past five years, we've achieved remarkable growth: expanding our student body to nearly 2,000 learners from over 70 countries, securing accreditations from Pearson Edexcel, Cambridge Assessment, and College Board, and being recognised as a Top 3 Finalist for the World's Best School Prize for Innovation. ​

Our mission has always been to unlock our students' limitless potential through learning, community, and technology.

To commemorate this occasion, we reached out to our community—students, alumni, faculty, and staff—to share their experiences and reflections on how CGA has shaped their educational and professional journeys.

Why We Chose Crimson Global Academy

For many in our CGA community, life has never fit within the four walls of a traditional classroom. Whether cycling across continents, relocating for work, or teaching in international schools abroad, these teachers and alumni found in CGA a school that could meet them wherever they were.

Rebecca Close, Head of Commerce and Digital Learning, joined CGA after an 18-month solo cycle tour through 15 countries:

I have such huge respect for different cultures and religions. I wanted to be part of a community that celebrated such diversity — and CGA was exactly that.

Beth Haresnape, Director of Pastoral Care, returned to the UK from five years in Bangkok and found CGA while travelling the country with her family:

We were homeschooling and CGA fit perfectly into that chapter. The students’ passion for Psychology matched my own — it reminded me why I love international education.

Deepika Maharaj, a US campus alumna, joined CGA during a major transition from South Africa to Florida:

I needed a school that offered both flexibility and strong academic support. CGA felt like the right fit for me — academically and personally — especially during such a life change.

Flexibility wasn’t just a nice-to-have — for many CGA students, it was essential. With passions outside the classroom, international moves, or academic goals beyond local systems, they needed a school that could adapt to their lives, not the other way around.

Ryota, our Junior School Prefect, from Japan, joined CGA when his family moved overseas:

The flexibility and ability to take classes matching my skill level was what really interested me and made me choose it over all others.

Rikuto, our Head Boy, also from Japan, appreciated the space CGA gave him to pursue his passions:

The school’s flexibility allowed me time to engage deeply with my hobbies and extracurriculars. It felt like a rare opportunity to study internationally acclaimed curricula.

The Most Rewarding Moments at CGA

For CGA educators, teaching isn’t just about delivering content — it’s about collaboration, discovery, and the joy of seeing students thrive in a truly global classroom.

Jessica Jay, Psychology Teacher:

My students are fantastic — they come to class excited to learn, always bringing new examples and perspectives. I learn from them just as much as they learn from me.

Ian Swift, Business and Enterprise Teacher:

Every time I log in, I’m reminded how incredible it is to teach students from around the world in real time. It’s taught me so much about other cultures — and about how universal the student experience truly is.

Mikayla Wagner, Humanities Head of Department:

The relationships I’ve built with students are what I treasure most. Supporting them not just academically but holistically — watching them grow in confidence and overcome challenges — has been incredibly fulfilling.

Our alumni don’t just graduate with academic success — they leave CGA transformed, empowered, and ready for the world ahead.

Deepika Maharaj, alumna from the USA:

“CGA changed my life. Coming from a traditional school, the flexibility and independence helped me grow in every way. The teachers were always there for me — I never felt alone. One of my favourite memories was a live Biology class where we explored brain case studies. The discussion was electric — that class reminded me why I love learning.”

CGA students know what they want — and they value the space to explore, innovate, and build confidence in a supportive, flexible environment.

Emma, our Head Girl, from New Zealand:

What makes CGA special is that everyone in class wants to be there. School camp was the highlight — meeting my classmates in person was so much fun!

Goda, student-athlete from the USA:

The flexibility of the Da Vinci classes has been a game-changer for me. One of my proudest moments was being featured in a ‘Why CGA’ interview that was published on CGA’s YouTube channel — it made me feel seen and valued.

How CGA Shapes the Educational Journey

Teaching at CGA means more than delivering lesson; it means rethinking education in a global context. With students and staff dialling in from all over the world, every class is a cultural exchange.

Andrew Karlsberg, Head of Department, Social Science:

It’s like being in an international school from home. For a Social Scientist, having so many different cultures and experiences in one place makes for amazing conversation, discussion, and learning.

Mark Phillips, A-Level Pathway Principal:

You feel grateful every day to be part of a community that spans cultures and backgrounds. I’ve learned that diversity in family situations requires different approaches, and that strong, professional relationships can absolutely be built online.

Brittanie Bates, US Diploma Principal:

Working within CGA’s international framework has transformed the way I teach. Every day is a lesson in cross-cultural communication and curriculum design — it’s helped me develop my own global competencies alongside my students.

CGA students don’t just gain knowledge — they gain confidence, clarity, and a deep appreciation for learning in a global community.

Rikuto, student from Japan:

Having direct access to my teachers has helped me clarify concepts and grow personally and academically. The merit-based approach — rather than age-based — changed the way I think about learning and helped me reach my full potential.

Emma, student from New Zealand:

The teachers are always available and so willing to help — that kind of support made all the difference. I’ve also grown in how I communicate with people from different backgrounds, which I never had the chance to do in my previous school.

Deepika, CGA Alumna:

CGA’s global community opened my eyes to how connected learning can be. I wasn’t just learning from textbooks — I was learning through real conversations and shared experiences with students from around the world. That made me more curious, respectful, and open-minded.

How CGA Has Evolved Over the Years

Since our very first classes launched, Crimson Global Academy has grown from a bold idea into a dynamic, global learning community. Along the way, some of our teachers have been with us from day one, and others joined as we opened campuses across new regions.

Here’s what they had to say about how far we’ve come:

Andrew Karlsberg, Social Science Head of Department:

We’ve never stopped moving. From new platforms and technologies to broader student diversity and support systems, CGA has grown with intention. One of the biggest transformations has been the introduction of CGA Home — that’s been a real game changer. And the development of pastoral care has made a significant difference to so many students. We’re not just focused on academics anymore — we’re supporting the whole child.

Mark Phillips, Principal:

CGA has grown into a school that not only focuses on academics but encourages well-rounded individuals. Assemblies are now galvanising and often student-led — they create a real sense of identity. Our range of extracurriculars continues to expand, and we make a point of ensuring students stay active in their communities, wherever they are in the world. That’s a sign of a school that’s truly come into its own.

Brittanie Bates, US Principal:

CGA has always been a space for ambitious students. Over the past three years, I’ve seen us evolve into a school that truly partners with families and learners. It’s a collaborative environment now, focused on meeting students where they are and helping them move forward. That’s what real personalised learning looks like.

Mikayla Wagner, Humanities Head of Department:

To our students — your curiosity and commitment inspire us. To our parents — thank you for your trust. And to my fellow teachers — working alongside such innovative and compassionate professionals has been one of the greatest joys of my career. The journey is just beginning.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our entire community. Your dedication and support have been instrumental in building a world-class global online private school. Together, we've created an environment where students can thrive, regardless of their location.​

Here's to the next chapter of innovation, growth, and unlocking extraordinary futures at CGA.

Interested in learning more about CGA's journey and impact? Explore our school's anniversary timeline.