Innovation Dialog with Ann Hsu (Founder, Bert Shu Academy) – Redefining Bilingual Education In America

Welcome to an engaging conversation with former Silicon Valley entrepreneur Ann Shu, the visionary founder of Bert Shu Academy.
Driven by a profound dissatisfaction with the state of American public education, An Shu embarked on a mission to create a different kind of school. Her journey was sparked by her own children’s experiences, leading her to critique what she saw as lowered academic standards and a lack of rigor in the U.S. system.

In this video, Ann Shu discusses how she fused her entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for education to create Bert Shu Academy—a unique institution dedicated to blending the academic discipline and rigor of Chinese education with the emphasis on creativity and independence fostered by American schools.

You’ll hear how the school’s core philosophy prioritizes bicultural understanding, teaching Chinese culture (including history, calligraphy, and medicine) in English to ensure accessibility. Ann Shu explains why the curriculum strategically focuses on English skills first, followed by math and then Chinese, to equip students for success in America while fostering a deep appreciation for their heritage.

Discover the inspiring story of Bert Shu Academy, named after An Shu’s bicultural professor father, and learn how one entrepreneur is working to redefine education for a new generation.