Dr. Dan Yang, Founding Principal
With a PhD in Physics from University Paris XII, Dr. Dan Yang has seamlessly bridged the worlds of technology and education. Before dedicating herself to early education, she established several successful startup companies in fiber-optic communications and holds over 20 patents in technology, software, and educational tools.
Dr. Dan’s passion for education is rooted in her belief of children’s natural mathematical abilities. “If you show a baby that you are hiding a ball under a blanket, then show them you’ve hidden another ball, the baby will expect to see two balls when you lift the blanket,” she explains. This innate sense of quantity became the foundation for VINCI Schools’ innovative approach to mathematics and science education.
Drawing on her extensive STEM background and two decades of technology startup experience, Dr. Yang developed the VINCI Blended Curriculum. This pioneering educational approach combines Montessori’s hands-on, self-directed learning methodology with essential STEM skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Established 15 years ago, the VINCI curriculum provides young children with a holistic and engaging learning experience that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and strong academic foundations.
Her innovative work has earned significant recognition, including being named one of Forbes Magazine’s Top 10 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch and winning the 2014 American Business Award’s Stevie Gold. As a mother of three accomplished students, Dr. Dan understands firsthand the impact of quality education on children’s development.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Dan maintains a strong commitment to her family, cooking for dinner six days a week and coaching her children for homework or for science tournaments. Always looking toward the future of education, she is currently exploring the applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence in school settings.