‘Apeejay doesn’t believe in showing off, rather focuses on child’s education and personality development’

In a candid interview, Mrs. Monica Thareja (47), who herself is a teacher in a private Education institute, talks about her experience at Apeejay School as a parent of two sons. Her elder son- Harshul Thareja is a pass-out from Apeejay International School, Greater Noida and the younger son- Krish Thareja is studying in class XIth here.

What makes Apeejay schools unique from others?
Education plays an important role and Apeejay is very good at it. But what really appeals to me as a parent is that we feel that we are being listened to. They do give an ear to the parents as well… They make us feel that we are a part of the family. In every ups and down, they discuss with us and every suggestion is being listened to and followed. I am confident that my son is in the right hands and they are ensuring to strengthen his roots of knowledge and values.

Schooling during pandemic?
Virtual classes are something that none of us were prepared for. But Apeejay has given their best in conducting online classes. I am thankful to all the teachers who have conducted regular online classes, haven’t missed out on anything and adapted this new medium very quickly and smoothly. Each and every doubt is being clarified via whatsapp or over phone. I can vouch for the fact that my son’s education is not being compromised via online classes.

Your experience at Apeejay?
Earlier both my sons were studying in another pvt. school in Delhi but when I shifted to Greater Noida, I approached Apeejay for their admission. It was about 8-9 years ago. Mrs. Yashika was the principal at that time. While visiting the school, I found that the strength of the class was very good and a teacher can easily pay attention to each and every child. The principal’s approach towards the students was very nice.. She was the one who was counselling the students very well. She could pick up the interest of the students to excel in a particular area, which is very important..
Holistic development of a child was being looked into… I have closely seen and experienced the schooling at other schools in Delhi-NCR and found that the direction of the principal is important.

Major changes you noticed in your kids before and after switching the school?
Other schools are following campus and other international curriculum. What I find here at Apeejay is grooming and personality development of a child is one of the key areas here.
Apeejay focused on value-based education, holistic development, personality development and handling and approaching the stakeholders on time.

What about value-based education?
This was the first thing that I noticed here.. I saw the small children touching the feet of the principal, while coming and going.. It is just the right value! Standing when the principal approaches. These are certain things that don’t come by books.. It’s learning by doing. The action of the students, senior teachers, and principal towards children is what children learn and adapt.

Are counselling sessions helpful?
Counselling sessions are important- I wish we could have these counselling sessions at our time. As now we realise that we are pursuing our career in a different area as compared to our expertise. This is a very good thing that Apeejay has started. Apeejay School arranges counselling sessions before getting promoted to class XIth and helps the students and parents to decide the subjects to opt for. Right now he is focusing on his Class 12th, and after counselling he has decided to have commerce with maths. Though he was very good at science. My child attempted a paper. The results and the graphs were discussed with us as parents. Each and every area has been specified. The child also realizes that the session is a mirror, reflecting everything about himself.

Would you refer Apeejay schools and institutes to your peer group?
Ofcourse. I have given many references of Apeejay Education and in future too I will continue to do the same.