#spotlightonbiz: Healthy Minds Chess Academy
Healthy Minds Chess Academy is not just about teaching kids how to play chess — it’s about helping them develop essential life skills that will shape their academic success and personal growth. Founder, Lasitha Karunaratne, a passionate educator and chess coach with over 18 years of experience working with Victorian schools, has created a comprehensive program designed to inspire creativity, boost motivation, and foster resilience in children. With the growing partnership between schools and the academy, chess is becoming a lifestyle that encourages focus, strategic thinking, and, most importantly, time away from screens.
A Passion for Coaching and Making a Difference
When asked about what they enjoy most about running the business, the team at Healthy Minds Chess Academy consistently cites the opportunity to work with children. The excitement of watching young minds grow, develop, and succeed is at the heart of everything the academy does. Whether it’s helping students improve their academic performance or teaching them critical thinking, chess is more than just a game here. It’s a tool for cultivating valuable life skills.
“We’ve seen firsthand how chess helps children not only academically but also in their personal lives.” says the founder. “This is why we’re so committed to making chess an integral part of the local community.”
The discipline and problem-solving skills they learn through chess extend beyond the board and into their everyday lives.
Building a Positive Impact
Since its founding in 2015, Healthy Minds Chess Academy has made significant strides in positively impacting local communities. By working with schools across Victoria, including prestigious institutions like PLC, MLC, Haileybury, and Camberwell Grammar, the academy has created a space where chess isn’t just an additional activity—it’s a way of life.
The academy’s chess coaching program has helped countless students achieve academic success by sharpening their focus, improving their problem-solving abilities, and cultivating a growth mindset. Through chess, children learn not just to think critically but also to manage their emotions, handle wins and losses, and develop resilience.
A new partnership with local schools aims to integrate chess into the daily routine of students, providing an engaging alternative to screen time and fostering cognitive development away from the distractions of phones and tablets. This initiative is part of the academy’s mission to create a balanced lifestyle for children that includes both mental and physical engagement.
Programs Tailored for Every Skill Level
Healthy Minds Chess Academy offers both in-person and online classes for students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. The academy’s structured programs are designed to help students refine their skills and develop the strategic thinking required to excel in competitions and beyond.
The academy’s lessons are tailored to meet the needs of each student, ensuring that lessons are personalised to match skill level and age. Whether in a small group or individual setting, every child is given the attention and support they need to succeed. In addition to regular classes, students have the opportunity to participate in workshops and inter-school chess competitions, further honing their skills and preparing for prestigious tournaments.
At Healthy Minds Chess Academy, every move on the board is a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and growth. Through chess, students are learning more than how to strategise their next move—they are building the foundation for future success in academics, careers, and life.
The academy’s mission to inspire minds, challenge perspectives, and create future leaders is deeply embedded in every program, every lesson, and every student.
For more information on Healthy Minds Chess Academy programs
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