diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 43e8985..5fa0d55 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ resources/
 #hugo 
 .hugo_build.lock
 content/*
+!content/_index.md
 !content/instructor-toolkit.md
 
 .DS_Store
diff --git a/content/_index.md b/content/_index.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..06f9b41
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/_index.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+---
+title: Academy
+---
+
+<!-- this page is only used in local dev setup; it won't be used or rendered in production -->
+
+- [Learning Paths](https://cloud.layer5.io/academy/learning-paths)
+- [Challenges](https://cloud.layer5.io/academy/challenges)
+- [Certifications](https://cloud.layer5.io/academy/certifications)
+
+---
+
+## Welcome to dev environment for your Academy
+
+This is just a development page that shows during the build process.
+
+### Build Process
+
+Here's the simple workflow:
+> 1. **Develop locally** - Make your changes and test them here
+
+> 2. **Merge when ready** - Your Academy stays private until you decide to publish
+
+> 3. **Publish when ready** - Release it to your organization
+
+## Best practices
+
+Before publishing or updating Academy content, validate your IDs in the [Academy Instructor Console](https://cloud.meshery.io/academy/instructors-console).
+
+- Create content using the "Create New Content" tool to generate IDs
+- Add the Content ID to the `id:` field in front matter
+- Use the Organization ID only in folder structure (keep it separate from Content ID)
+- Avoid changing identifiers after publishing, as it can break learner progress tracking
+
+**Need help?** [Academy documentation](https://docs.layer5.io/cloud/academy/) | [Contact Us](https://slack.meshery.io)
diff --git a/layouts/index.html b/layouts/index.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fe18256
--- /dev/null
+++ b/layouts/index.html
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+{{ define "main" }}
+<div class="td-content">
+   <h1>{{ .Title }}</h1>
+   {{ with .Params.description }}<div class="lead">{{ . | markdownify }}</div>{{ end }}
+   {{ .Content }}
+</div>
+{{ end -}}