Sean Elgut

 

Education
SUNY Stony Brook: BA History
Regent University: Masters in Education

 

Veritas Founder, Superintendent and Head of School

 

Sean Elgut is a distinguished educator with a career spanning over three decades. Born with a passion for teaching and a commitment to education, he embarked on a remarkable journey that has left an indelible mark on the world of learning. Sean's educational foundation was laid at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he pursued his love for history, graduating with a degree that would form the bedrock of his future endeavors. But his thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. Recognizing the importance of specialized education, he continued his academic pursuits at Regent University, attaining a Master's degree in Education, with a specific focus on the gifted and talented as well as special needs students.

In 2003, Sean, alongside his wife Maria, took a bold step by cofounding Veritas Collegiate Academy in the city of Chesapeake. This institution was more than just a school; it was a visionary undertaking that aimed to reshape the landscape of education. Rooted in the time-tested pedagogy of the trivium, Veritas Collegiate Academy prioritized classical education principles to nurture well-rounded, critical thinkers.

Under Sean's guidance and leadership, Veritas Collegiate Academy has flourished into a global consortium of Classical schools. What began as a single institution in Chesapeake has now extended its reach to various corners of the world. With campuses in the United States, including Chesapeake and Arlington, as well as China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Kunshan), Hungary (Budapest), and future expansions planned in Singapore and Thailand. Throughout his career, Sean Elgut has not only been an educator but also a visionary, advocating for the enduring value of classical education and making it accessible on an international scale. His commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning has left an enduring legacy in the field of education, making Sean Elgut a true luminary in the world of academia.

Maria Elgut

Education:
BS Degree in Nursing

Founder and Director of Grammar Schools

Maria Elgut is a remarkable educator whose journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of young minds. With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, Maria's story is one of dedication, inspiration, and family-driven ambition.

Maria's educational foundation began at the State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Her initial career path led her into the world of healthcare, but her destiny was about to take a transformative turn. After graduating, Maria embraced her role as a mother, raising five children with love and dedication. It was during these formative years of motherhood that Maria's passion for education took root. She recognized the immense potential within her own children and felt compelled to provide them with the best possible educational experience.

Driven by this desire, Maria partnered with her husband, Sean Elgut, an established educator in Southeastern, Virginia. Together, they embarked on a visionary journey that would leave an indelible mark on the world of education. In 2003, Maria and Sean founded Veritas Collegiate Academy in the city of Chesapeake, Virginia. 

Veritas was established with a profound commitment to classical education, rooted in the time-tested pedagogy of the trivium, encompassing grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Maria's dedication to nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of her own children became the foundation for Veritas, an institution that aimed to offer the same transformative educational experience to countless students.

Under Maria's leadership and alongside Sean, and their global partner, Leon Xie, Veritas Collegiate Academy transcended boundaries and became a global consortium of Classical schools. Today, Veritas proudly operates campuses in the United States, including Chesapeake and Arlington, as well as in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Kunshan) and Hungary (Budapest). The institution's continued expansion into Singapore and Thailand serves as a testament to Maria's unwavering commitment to bringing classical education to students around the world.

Maria Elgut's journey is a story of empowerment through education, driven by her profound love for her children and her unwavering belief in the enduring value of classical pedagogy. As a co-founder of Veritas Collegiate Academy, she continues to inspire educators, parents, and students alike, leaving an indelible legacy of academic excellence and personal growth. 

Olivia Zhang

 
Education:
Executive MBA in Business 
 

Executive Vice Principal and Director of Global Business Operation

  

Olivia Zhang is an innovative leader in international education. She currently serves as an investor, board member, Executive Vice Principal and the Director of Global Operation of Veritas Collegiate Academy, a top-ranked K–12 private school in the Washington, D.C. area, and is also the founder of RH International Consulting.

 

Having lived in the United States for 25 years, Olivia brings extensive cross-cultural experience and a strong background in corporate financial management. She has held senior executive roles in both Chinese and American organizations, including positions in McKinsey & Company’s DC office supporting M&A projects, Constellation Energy’s FP&A group (a Fortune Global 125 company), as well as the Finance Department of Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

 

In the field of education, Olivia has served as an exclusive partner to numerous private schools across the eastern United States. She has worked closely with Chinese student families, acted as a liaison for Chinese affairs at prestigious private schools, and played a key role in international student programming. She is a five-year strategic partner of Towson University and has helped design and implement international summer programs for several private schools. She has also been involved in major education investment projects, including school acquisitions tied to University in New Jersey and a D.C.-area institution.

 

Driven by her passion for education and a commitment to excellence, Olivia Zhang continues to collaborate with like-minded educators and institutions to deliver high-quality international education services and create impactful, win-win opportunities in the global education landscape. 

 

She earned her MBA from the Kogod School of Business at American University (2003–2005) and completed an Executive MBA at the School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University (2000–2001).