‘This school is truly a second home for my kids’

Indian parents place significant stress on choosing a school for several reasons deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and societal context. Education is highly valued in Indian culture, and parents see it as a critical factor in shaping their child’s future. The choice of school is often perceived as a crucial determinant of the quality of education a child receives.

India has a competitive academic environment, driven by the belief that a strong education is the key to success. Parents may believe that the right school can provide the necessary foundation for their child to excel in exams and future career endeavours.

Hence, it is not surprising that parents like Rakesh Ganti and Radhika Vedula spent a fair amount of time choosing the best school in their area for their two children Shivani and Abhiram.

Excerpts from the interview.

How and why did you choose Apeejay School, Nerul?

Both my kids, the elder one (Shivani) in class VIII younger (Abhiram) in class III, are studying in this school. When considering schools in Nerul, where we live, for my elder child, options like DPS and Apeejay, along with other prominent CBSE schools, were available. However, I chose Apeejay due to its excellent track record in both academics and sports.

What is the best aspect of this school?

I appreciate the school’s simplicity, maintaining a balance between traditional values and adapting to new developments globally. I prefer a school that doesn’t expose children excessively to technology and modernisation from the start. This school has struck a perfect balance with its typical school environment, including a nice playground and simple classrooms, coupled with the integration of technology like IT and TV in the classrooms.

How are they doing academically and in extracurricular activities?

Both my children have been at this branch since the beginning. Thankfully, they are excelling both academically and in extracurricular activities. My daughter, who was initially reserved, has become more confident and actively participates in various activities, thanks to the encouragement from her teachers. Academically, both my children are performing well, with my daughter consistently scoring around 90-91%, and my son, though still in the early grades, is progressing satisfactorily.

What is the teaching methodology at the school?

The school follows a conceptual teaching methodology, ensuring students understand concepts rather than rote learning. Teachers assess the students’ conceptual understanding through various methods, going beyond traditional question-answer approaches. I appreciate the school’s emphasis on integrated projects during holidays, where a single team works on a project across subjects, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of a given topic.

Why do parents today seek holistic development, and what is its importance?

In today’s dynamic world, parents recognize that education goes beyond academics. The shift towards holistic development stems from the need to prepare children to become mature, responsible, and adaptable individuals. Education is not just about securing a career but also about equipping children with the skills to navigate a rapidly changing world. Parents seek a balance between academic and extracurricular activities to foster all-round development, enabling children to handle various situations and challenges they may encounter in life.

As a working parent, how do you manage your professional life along with your children’s education?

At present, I work in the retail industry, focusing on processes and internal control. My husband and I are both working and managing work along with our children’s education requires effective time management and coordination. We believe in providing a well-rounded education for our children, involving both academics and extracurricular activities, to ensure their overall development and preparedness for the future.

For this, we may have to compromise on our careers a bit but our children are our priority. If you want to spend quality time with your children you have to prioritise. Both my husband and I have managed to do this since the time our kids were in class I and will continue to do so. We are always there whenever our children need us.

Would you recommend this school to other parents?

Definitely. I always recommend this school to young parents looking for the perfect school for their wards. This school has wonderful and amazing teaching, they have managed to integrate technology and yet maintain the traditional classroom teaching. It is truly a second home for my kids.