Sam Gupta
Founder, CEO & Visionary Behind Austin Children’s Academy
Sam Gupta is a visionary leader with a diverse background in education, business, and community impact – A University of Texas at Austin graduate, his journey blends personal achievements and entrepreneurial ventures. In 2007, he united his family by establishing Cedar Park’s award-winning Austin Children’s Academy Montessori school, growing from three students to serving over 2,500 families over the past two decades. Beyond ACA, Sam’s philanthropic efforts include partnering with nonprofits such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Make-A-Wish, and Austin Pets Alive as well as consulting to improve education systems throughout Texas. His dedication to excellence, innovation, and service continues to inspire and empower children, families, and organizations throughout the community.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Sam Gupta is the youngest of two sons in a first-generation Indian American family. His parents immigrated from East India in 1970, instilling in him values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of education. Sam moved with his family to South Florida, where he attended middle school in Miami and graduated from high school in Fort Lauderdale.
At age 17, influenced by his older brother Raj, who lived in Dallas at the time, Sam pursued higher education in Texas. He went on to graduate with honors in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, laying the foundation for a career that would blend business, creativity, and community impact.
Sam excelled in athletics, playing select soccer and baseball and traveling with teams across the United States. His dedication and skill even led him to participate in the prestigious Little League World Series, a testament to his determination and teamwork.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Sam has spent 30 years pursuing his passion for music, performing as a drummer with bands and touring across the country. His diverse interests and talents have shaped his innovative and well-rounded approach to education and business.
Sam’s passion for youth development inspired him to coach youth soccer and conduct engaging after-school programs with Mad Science of Austin. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to establish ATX Media, an online marketing agency, and Austin Music Productions, a recording studio that also offered an innovative after-school music program for children.
In 2007, Sam founded Austin Children’s Academy (ACA), an award-winning Montessori school that has become a trusted leader in early childhood education. He created every aspect of the organization from the ground up, including its brand, logo, culture, and operations. Sam designed the classrooms, developed the curriculum, and established the processes that form the foundation of ACA today.
From its humble beginnings with three students and two Montessori guides, ACA has grown into a thriving community serving over 2,500 families across two decades. Today, the premiere Montessori school supports more than 200 students with a dedicated team of 35 guides, administrators, and staff across a 14,000-square-foot campus.
Now, Sam is leading ACA into an exciting new chapter with plans to expand the organization by launching a new elementary school and Montessori training center. This next phase aims to broaden ACA’s impact by extending its high-quality education to older students and equipping future Montessori educators with the training and tools to inspire the next generation.
In addition to his work at ACA, Sam has made a significant impact in other areas. In 2008, he helped develop Texas Instrument’s Raj Gupta Marketing Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions globally in marketing. To honor his late brother, Raj Gupta, Sam also helped raise over $250,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). These funds directly support the LLS Patient Access Programs, which provide financial assistance, education, and referral services to blood cancer patients across Texas.
Sam is also deeply committed to giving back to the community. Through his philanthropic initiatives, he has partnered with local Central Texas nonprofit organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Austin Pets Alive, the Andy Roddick Foundation, and Hurricane Disaster Relief Funds to raise significant funds and provide vital resources to those in need. Sam also consults with other businesses and schools to improve operations and education systems and played a pivotal role in developing the onsite daycare for the Goodwill Excel Center and other corporate partners.
Driven by his passion and unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and community Sam continues to shape every endeavor he undertakes. Whether through the growth and success of Austin Children’s Academy, his philanthropic partnerships, or his leadership efforts to mentor and empower others, Sam’s vision goes beyond building a school—it’s about creating a legacy of opportunity, compassion, and meaningful impact. For Sam, the success of ACA is not just measured by its achievements but by the lives it transforms, the futures it shapes, and the community it inspires. With a heart for service and a mind for innovation, Sam remains dedicated to empowering children, families, and educators to reach their fullest potential.
Estella Gupta
Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Austin Children’s Academy
Estella Gupta is an accomplished leader with a global perspective shaped by experiences through her childhood – With advanced degrees in Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Business, and Industrial Organizational Psychology, Estella has excelled as a Healthcare Executive and CEO of a local Austin startup. As Co-Owner and COO of Austin Children’s Academy, she combines business expertise with a passion for fostering community and education. A dedicated philanthropist, Estella founded the nonprofit Five Point Five Liters and co-founded Cartwheel Health, improving lives in underserved communities. Her leadership extends to multiple boards and initiatives, championing women’s empowerment and supporting vulnerable populations globally.
Estella Gupta, born in Jacksonville, Florida, is the eldest of three children in a first-generation Filipino American family. Her parents immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines in 1971, with her father proudly serving in the U.S. Navy for 30 years. His career took the family to Greece, where Estella developed an appreciation for Greek culture and language, shaping her global perspective.
Estella’s impressive academic achievements include a Bachelor’s degree in Cardiopulmonary Sciences from the University of Central Florida, a Master’s in Business from Nova Southeastern University, and a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology from UCF.
Her professional career encompasses leadership roles in healthcare and business, including positions as a Healthcare Clinical and Marketing Executive, Executive Vice President of a medical device company, and CEO of a local Austin startup. Estella’s entrepreneurial drive also led her to develop a mobile application, which was later acquired by Sprint, now part of T-Mobile, highlighting her innovative vision and business expertise.
As Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer of Austin Children’s Academy, Estella combines her extensive business acumen with a passion for community-building. Her leadership ensures the school operates efficiently while fostering a nurturing and collaborative environment for families, teachers, and staff.
Estella is deeply committed to philanthropy. She founded the nonprofit Five Point Five Liters, inspiring others to take small actions that create big impacts in underserved communities worldwide. As Co-Founder and CEO of Cartwheel Health, she worked to provide affordable healthcare access to vulnerable populations in rural areas.
Her contributions extend to her roles on several boards, including Goodwill, where she created the Doorstep Donations initiative. Estella also served on the boards of Girls Giving Grants and the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, championing women’s empowerment and leadership.
Estella’s efforts with the Filipino American Cultural Organization have raised funds to provide school supplies for underserved children in the Philippines, further showcasing her dedication to uplifting others.
Through her entrepreneurial expertise, cultural heritage, and philanthropic vision, Estella Gupta brings a unique blend of innovation, compassion, and leadership to everything she does—ensuring that Austin Children’s Academy remains a cornerstone of education and community in Central Texas.
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