An international school on a two-acre organic plantation
Our ethos
play. learn. grow.
At Good Dharma School, we believe that nature is the perfect classroom, ultimately nurturing the social and emotional development of each child. Through outdoor exploration, hands-on activities, organic gardening and ecological philosophy; we empower our little learners to become stewards of nature. Our student-led program is designed to assist in the development of creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and mindfulness.
Key pillars
Sustainable
By spending most our time outside and in our organic veggie garden, we are deepening the connection to nature and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Child-led
We prioritise a child-led learning approach by allowing our students to drive their educational experiences based on their unique interests, strengths and learning styles.
Holistic
Our curriculum extends beyond traditional academics to encompass emotional intelligence, social skills, physical well-being and creative expression.
Nature-based
Our nature-based classes encompass a variety of activities, including organic gardening, nature mapping, weather observations and outdoor building.
Programs
Preschool
Our preschool opened in the fall of 2023 and two years down the line it’s a thriving environment for little explorers, accepting children in three age specific groups; Explore (18 months-2.5 years) , Engage (2.5 years - 4 years) and Enrich (4-5 years).
Primary School
Currently accepting enrolments for the next school starting 18th of August 2025. The primary will start off with two mixed classes, Grade 1/2 and Grade 3/4 accepting students from 6 years to 10 years.
“Good Dharma School is situated on a two-acre organic vegetable farm in Ahangama. The children are immersed in the entire process of growing vegetables, herbs and plants —from seed to harvest —to plucking and preparing meals in our home style school kitchen.”
The Good Dharma Family
Kathryn Scott
Head of School
Kathryn brings more than 30 years of teaching and leadership experience in early education across the UK and international settings. Most recently she served on the Early Years Leadership Team at Brighton College Dubai. Known for her warmth, integrity, and deep expertise in early childhood education, she has played a key role in implementing progressive curricula and shaping award-winning learning environments recognised for their excellence.
Her philosophy balances academic rigour with holistic development, always placing children’s well-being, curiosity, and voice at the centre. A values-driven leader, Kathryn cultivates inclusive cultures where students and staff feel safe, challenged, and inspired to grow. With more than 18 years of hands-on experience in international schools and as a parent raising two sons she brings a deep understanding of the importance of building connected, compassionate communities. She is an educator that cherishes the gift of learning and helping every pupil reach their potential.
Steeped in the UK curriculum, continuous provision, early literacy, and teacher development, Kathryn joins Good Dharma with a deep alignment to its child-led, nature-based ethos. She is excited to contribute to the school’s evolving journey with vision, care, and commitment.
Sachi
Operations Manager / Lead Teacher
Sachi has a National Diploma in Preschool Education alongside her perfect O & A level exams. Prior to joining us at Good Dharma School, she had been working as a preschool teacher in Galle Montessori for four years. Additionally, she has participated in a 3 month preschool study program in Singapore.
Sachi also grew up in Ahangama, close to Good Dharma School, where she helped her parents in their organic veggie plantation to grow everything from okras, tomatoes and chillies to mangos, bananas and papayas. Sachi is beyond excited to be joining us at Good Dhama School and facilitating the nature-based learning programs. She can’t wait to weave her passion for dancing, art, craft and knowledge of organic farming into her classes.
Phaba
Pre School Teacher
Pabasara Kudagama is 24 years old and has passed both the Ordinary Level and Advanced Level Examinations with flying colors. She completed a Foundation Certificate in Child Services and a Diploma in Child Care Management through Mother's Touch International Academy, Nawala, both of which are approved by the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority. Pabasara gained valuable experience studying at a school in Colombo. She began her teaching career at Mother's Touch International School, Nawala, and has also worked at Bankhill Educare in Battaramulla and Happy Kids Montessori in Galle. Currently, she has been working at Good Dharma International School since November 2023 and is delighted to be part of the Good Dharma Family in her hometown. In addition to her academic achievements, Pabasara has participated in competitions in speech, debate, singing, drama, and chess.
Malsha
Lead Pre School Teacher
Malsha Dananji started teaching in 2018. She holds a strong academic background with outstanding results in both her O/L and A/L exams. Over the past six years, she has gained significant experience as a certified preschool teacher, including almost a year of teaching at Good Dharma. Her career has also taken her to Bluebell International Pre-School in Ahangama and Genius Kids Pre-School in Habaraduwa, where she has taught in both international and national settings.
Malsha has a passion for arts and crafts, especially creating projects with the children using natural materials. This hands-on approach helps foster creativity and environmental awareness in her students. In her personal time, Malsha enjoys reading, which helps her continuously grow and enrich her teaching methods by incorporating stories and new ideas into the classroom.
Natasha
Trainee Pre School Teacher
Nathasha de Silva has successfully completed her O/L and A/L exams. After her A/L exams, she completed courses in computer science and English listening and speech. Nathasha worked as a lab assistant for two years at ATG Hand Care before deciding to pursue a career in teaching. She completed a diploma in preschool education at an international institute and has also undergone leadership and personality development training. Currently, she is at Good Dharma School to complete her training period for her diploma and expresses a desire to continue her teaching journey with Good Dharma even after her training. In terms of hobbies, Nathasha enjoyed playing volleyball in school and now loves swimming. She also enjoys making music and dancing with children.
Clara Antonia Scholz
Lead Pre School Teacher
Clara is a passionate early childhood educator with international experience across Sri Lanka, Austria, Portugal, and New Zealand. With a background in childhood pedagogy and yoga, she integrates mindfulness, play, and nature into her teaching. Clara believes in nurturing the whole child—body, mind, and spirit—through creativity, connection, and curiosity. At Good Dharma, she aligns deeply with our values of child-led exploration, outdoor learning, and compassionate guidance, helping children grow with confidence, joy, and a love for the natural world.
Gowrie Ponniah
Advisor
Gowrie has diverse experience working alongside the Sri Lankan Government, NGO’s and a variety of international donors within her role as a ‘Senior Social and Business Development Specialist’. Her work is centred around the development of workers’ rights, skill training programs, management of economic rehabilitation after conflict and natural disasters, as well as supporting special needs education and capacity building within mental health patients. Gowrie has raised two children of her own in the Sri Lankan school system and has navigated it from start to finish, twice over. We are grateful to have Gowrie bring her knowledge and passion forth to help make Good Dharma School the best environment not only for our little ones but also for the local community.
Emma Wijayasinghe
Cover Teacher + Curriculum & Teacher Development
Not only is Emma a mum of two and a local legend, she is also the most lovely human being and a good friend of Good Dharma School. At present, Emma and her family are sharing their time between Ahangama, where they run a guesthouse, and Dubai where she is a full-time preschool teacher. Due to her long life experience in the preschool environment, Emma is an integral part of our advisory board and brings nothing short of vast knowledge, immense love and good humour to Good Dharma School.
Chandra
Gatekeeper
Chandra is our lovely auntie at the gate, but she is so much more than that. While she keeps perfect memory of all the children and families in the premises she also love to play with the children. She is helping Anura a lot in the garden and truly has green hands. You will meet Chandra every day, and often she will run the organic Good Dharma market stall where you can purchase fresh veggies straight from our plantation.
Anura
Gardener
Anura grew up inland Ahangama, close to Good Dharma School, where his family has been rice farming for 7 generations. As a result, Anura’s inherent love for organic rice farming goes far and wide. In 1916, when his grandfather took over the family plantation, he also inherited the traditional organic techniques used by his ancestors. However, when it was his father’s time to lead the plantation, in the 70s, the government introduced fertilisers to Sri Lankan farmers. This new way of farming was explored by the family until 2021 when, under Anura’s leadership, they decided to return to their roots by readapting to 100% organic production.
Anura believes that it will take some time for the paddy to completely return to its original abundance; however, on a personal level, he is already feeling a lot healthier and happier as a result. It is a true blessing to be working closely with Anura at Good Dharma School and we love to find him deep in the dirt or amidst the abundant daily harvest, where he is happiest.
Petter & Linn + Seddy & Phoebe
The Founders
We are a group of friends in our thirties whose collective curiosity for life in the tropics brought us to Ahangama some 10 years ago. Over the years, we’ve established various businesses and passion projects across the South Coast, The Kip, Sunshine Stories, Ceylon Sliders are a few.
In 2020, life on the Island as we knew it changed considerably when we welcomed little August (Augi) and Ophelia (Opi) into the world. Although we have lived here for a decade, we came to understand that raising our kids in a foreign country would be new territory to navigate. As they grew into toddlers and we into parents, we discovered a need to offer a new kind of learning environment—not only for our children but for the community. We wanted to create a space for little humans to grow in harmony with their environment and their community.
Together, we made plans to offer a new kind of education that we did not yet have access to on the Island—one that focuses on hands-on learning experiences like growing vegetables, being involved in cooking within a communal kitchen and participating in workshops hosted by various musicians and artists—all of which are held in a nature-based environment. Overall, we wanted to provide a safe and educational space that allows our children to thrive in self awareness, particularly under the leadership and inspiration of the best teachers and humans we could find.
Pretty quickly after the purpose and ethos of our new preschool was unearthed, we stumbled upon the most amazing two-acre property on Dharmarama Road. The dream soon manifested into the reality that is now Good Dharma School.
Our team is growing and we are always looking for qualified international teachers
Chirathi Sathsarani
Teaching Assistant
Chirathi Sathsarani is a dedicated and joyful educator with a passion for nurturing young minds. She first joined Good Dharma School as a trainee teacher during a six-month internship, where her warmth, creativity, and genuine love for children quickly stood out. Her commitment and enthusiasm led to her being offered a full-time role as a Teaching Assistant in the preschool—an opportunity she embraces wholeheartedly.
Chirathi is 21 years old and holds diplomas in English Teacher Training, Information Technology, and Dance Teaching. She completed her G.C.E. Advanced Level examination in 2023. She especially enjoys using dance as a way for children to express themselves and build confidence.
She believes that learning should be playful, engaging, and grounded in care and connection to nature. Teaching, dancing, and being with children are what make her days truly meaningful.
Ashela Rasheni
Teaching Assistant
Ashela is a dedicated early childhood educator with a bright, energetic presence in the classroom. At 23 years old, she brings both formal training and hands-on experience to her teaching. She completed her Advanced Level studies at Sacred Heart Convent in Galle and holds a teaching certification from the International Teaching Training Academy (ITTA) in Galle.
She spent a year as a trainee teacher at Whizkids International School, working with children aged 3½ to 4½. During this time, she taught core subjects including English, Sinhala, Mathematics, Art, and Handwork, focusing on building strong foundations in reading, writing, and basic concepts. She also received specialized training in elocution for children aged 4 to 7.
Since 2024, Ashela has been part of the teaching team at Good Dharma School, where she thrives as an early childhood educator. Her warmth, creativity, and structured approach to learning have made her a valued member of the preschool community.
In addition to her academic focus, Ashela has a deep passion for traditional dance, which she enjoys weaving into her classroom activities to inspire movement, joy, and cultural expression.
Rashini Savindi
Teaching Assistant
G.G. Rashini Savindi, 21, lives in the coastal town of Unawatuna and brings a calm, thoughtful energy to her work with young children. She holds a diploma in Preschool and Primary Education from the International Teacher Training Academy (ITTA) and has completed both her G.C.E. Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations, along with a certified English language course.
Rashini joined Good Dharma School for a six-month training period, where she quickly connected with the children and embraced the school’s values of creativity, kindness, and connection to nature. Her gentle approach, reliability, and love for working with young learners made a strong impression on the team.
She especially enjoys doing art and painting with children, helping them express themselves through color and creativity. Outside of the classroom, Rashini finds inspiration in books and music—two quiet passions that fuel her reflective and caring nature as an educator. She is excited to continue growing alongside the children and community at Good Dharma School.
