‘Apeejay made my daughter’s foundation years exceptional’

For Mary Thomas, a professor at D.Y. Patil College of Architecture, choosing a school for her daughter was as much a research exercise as a personal decision. They wanted a strong academic environment and chose Apeejay School, Nerul. With her daughter, Serah, in Class 2A, Mary shares her experience, her appreciation for the school’s foundational teaching and a few honest thoughts on infrastructure.

Why did you choose Apeejay for your daughter?

We began by thoroughly researching schools across Navi Mumbai, seeking a solid academic environment. Many of my colleagues were already sending their children to Apeejay, so I started gathering reviews. That track record really convinced me this was a strong school. Convenience played a role too — being close to D.Y. Patil made it practical for me as well.

Now after admission, do you think your expectations have been met?

I feel the teaching quality is genuinely good. I’m happy with pretty much everything — especially how proactively the teachers follow up with us. Whenever my daughter seems a little moody or off, the teacher notices quickly and reaches out to check in. 

Teachers deliberately involved students in various activities. It’s these small, thoughtful interventions that make a real difference in a child’s growth. I genuinely appreciate how attentive the teachers are. As someone who teaches college-level students myself, I have real respect for how well they manage this.

How has your daughter Serah grown, both holistically and in independence?

Serah, though not particularly extroverted, handles her own responsibilities independently. I think the teachers deserve real credit here too. Even back in Junior and Senior KG, the teachers consistently appreciated the fact that she ate on her own. I believe this reinforced that habit in her and encouraged her to continue being independent. That kind of early recognition has been something I’ve genuinely valued, especially in the junior classes, where the environment feels professional yet warm, almost homely.

Do you feel there’s pressure to rush through the syllabus at this early stage, given how important foundational learning is?

Not at all. I’ve specifically noticed that Junior KG, Senior KG, and even Class 1 are handled very systematically. The teachers take their time to ensure the children genuinely understand the basics before moving on to the next level. That careful, unhurried approach to foundational learning is something they’ve done really well.

Do you feel the school maintains good safety, security, and discipline, including with non-teaching staff like nannies?

So far, I haven’t noticed any concerns. The nannies, in particular, are genuinely helpful, especially with the younger classes. Among the students themselves, the bond is lovely — they’re friends who talk, share common interests, and even meet up outside school for birthday parties or to play football together. That kind of organic bonding outside school hours really speaks to how comfortable and positive the environment is.

Is communication from the school timely and well in advance?

Yes, especially since the Parent App was introduced about a year ago. From attendance updates, activity photos, circulars, syllabus details, everything gets updated there in a detailed, and organised way.

What’s your take on extracurricular activities like excursions and assemblies — burden or genuine engagement?

Honestly, I don’t see it as a burden at all. She simply enjoys that shared experience with friends. The excursions themselves have always felt well-organised, reasonably close by, and safe, with reliable transport arrangements.

She is part of the school’s Special Interest Clubs, they are genuinely worthwhile. Annual Day functions give her another outlet too — dance, singing, and performances. What I appreciate most is how well the school balances academics with these activities. There’s a clear focus on academics throughout the year. And extracurriculars come together nicely around key events like annual day, without one overshadowing the other.