In a world where traditional education institutions frequently find it difficult to keep pace with the rapidly evolving needs of students, Tanja Schjellerup, the founder and CEO of Skolen Online, is redefining what it means to learn. Over the last five years, she has built a platform that not only caters to the growing demand for flexible learning but also actively champions the power of personalized, student-centered approaches in the classroom.
Skolen Online isn’t just an e-learning tool; it’s a revolution in how we perceive the educational experience. Offering K-12 students a flexible, asynchronous learning model, the platform is designed to meet students where they are. Whether they are aspiring elite athletes balancing academics with their sports schedules or students who struggle to thrive in traditional settings, Skolen Online is providing them with the freedom to learn at their own speed.
Schjellerup’s journey into education was driven by a lifelong passion for learning and a desire to help others realize their potential. “From a young age, I was fascinated by the way knowledge opens doors,” she explains. “I grew up in an environment where books and curiosity were highly encouraged, which sparked my drive to help others discover that same excitement for learning.” Schjellerup’s transition from education to business wasn’t effortless, but it was a natural progression of her entrepreneurial drive. After founding Skolen Online, she faced the challenge of convincing skeptics that digital learning could be just as effective—if not more so—than traditional methods. In Denmark, a country that still places significant value on physical classrooms, online education has long been seen as a temporary solution for students who couldn’t fit into the conventional system. To change this mindset, Schjellerup gathered data, built success stories, and shared testimonials from parents and students who had benefited from her innovative approach. Slowly but surely, her work began to gain recognition.
A key turning point for Schjellerup came when she realized that the global education community was more open to the possibilities of online learning than her home country of Denmark. “In Denmark, there’s a firm belief that students need to attend physical school to become well-rounded individuals,” she says. “But what we’ve seen is that when given the right tools and support, students can thrive in an online environment. This global network I’ve built has shown me that the possibilities for collaboration and growth are limitless.”
One of the most gratifying aspects of Schjellerup’s work at Skolen Online is witnessing how her platform has helped students who had previously struggled in traditional educational settings. She recalls the transformative impact on children who were discouraged by conventional methods and had begun to disengage. “What I’ve learned is that every student has unique potential,” Schjellerup reflects. “As educators, it’s our responsibility to create opportunities that cater to each individual. Education should be adaptable and inclusive.”
The inclusive nature of Skolen Online’s programs is evident in the diversity of its student base. Schjellerup’s passion for personalized education is deeply embedded in the company’s philosophy, which is why the team is committed to providing flexible, student-centric programs. As a result, students with diverse backgrounds and needs, from high-performing athletes to students who need a less conventional approach, are able to flourish. “We typically have students with us for extended periods, usually around 1½ to 2 years. Our first student is still with us; he started in the 2020/2021 school year and has since moved on to our Secondary Online School (for students aged 16-24),” Schjellerup shares. “We also offer partial scholarships to parents and students in need, helping more students to join our school.” Schjellerup is especially proud of their “learn-anywhere-anytime” strategy, which allows students to log in and follow lessons whenever it fits their routine, without having to sacrifice academic success for extracurricular pursuits. “The goal is to meet each student where they are,” Schjellerup emphasizes. “Education must always be driven by the needs of the student, not the other way around. Flexibility is the key to unlocking each student’s potential.”
Skolen Online’s success has not only been felt by students; it has also caught the attention of policymakers. Schjellerup’s work is helping to catalyze systemic change in Denmark, where the Ministry of Education has begun to explore online learning models for local municipalities. In Schjellerup’s view, this shift is long overdue. “We need to rethink the structures of education,” she argues. “By expanding opportunities for all learners and making the system more inclusive and personalized, we are better preparing students for the future.” For her outstanding work, Schjellerup has received several awards, including the Excellence in Education Award in 2024, the High Flyers 50 Global Icon Award in 2024, and the Great Companies Women Entrepreneur Award in 2023.
Looking ahead, Schjellerup’s vision for the future of education is one that is even more interconnected, personalized, and technologically advanced. She points to the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education as a major driver of change. “AI has the potential to revolutionize learning by personalizing content to each student’s strengths and weaknesses in real time,” she says excitedly. Additionally, she sees emerging technologies like mixed reality and immersive learning experiences as transformative tools that could enhance student engagement and deepen understanding.
"As educators, it’s our responsibility to create opportunities that cater to each individual. Education should be adaptable and inclusive."
“The future of education will be about helping students develop essential skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. Technology will play a huge role, but it won’t replace the human touch—if anything, it will enhance it,” Schjellerup notes. “At Skolen Online, we plan to continue pushing the boundaries and exploring innovative approaches that enable students to become lifelong learners.”
Beyond the classroom, Schjellerup is also focused on fostering global connections between students. One of her most exciting upcoming projects is a multilingual initiative designed to bring together a global network of students, enabling them to learn, collaborate, and share their unique perspectives across cultural boundaries. This initiative aims to empower students with the tools they need to strengthen both their academic skills and their global networks.
For Schjellerup, leadership is about listening and empowering others. She takes a servant-leadership approach, seeking to support her team and create an open, collaborative environment where everyone can contribute their best ideas. “In education, leaders must remain adaptable and open to new ideas. The world is changing rapidly, and the best leaders are those who can embrace that change and foster innovation.”
As an advocate for systemic change in education, Schjellerup’s advice to the next generation of women hoping to make a difference is clear: “Believe in your vision and don’t shy away from challenges. Education needs women who are bold, empathetic, and willing to experiment. Build strong networks, seek out mentors, and empower one another—together, we can transform education.”
Tanja Schjellerup’s work at Skolen Online has already shown how flexible, inclusive, and innovative education can be. Her journey proves that with the right vision, leadership, and dedication, it’s possible to create an educational model that truly empowers students to succeed—on their own terms. As she continues to lead the charge for more personalized, accessible learning, Schjellerup is undoubtedly shaping the future of education where learning knows no boundaries.
